Pictures are almost a must to give an opinion of value, Is it a short barrel 16″ or 20″ and does it have any special features like a large loop lever etc. or You could go on Guns International site to get an idea. Most of the folks, not all, on this site are in to older guns.

I’ll give you my opinion, for what little it may be worth.  There are very few Winchester Model 94 rifles made after 1962 that have “collectible” value. I don’t think the one you are considering is “collectible.”  I think $1200 for such a rifle is very high and you should consider it in light of other alternatives, assuming you want a 357 caliber carbine at all. 

The Winchester Model 94 action was not designed to feed, load, and extract pistol cartridges and isn’t as adept at it as the Winchester 1873, 1892, or the Marlin 1894, all three of which were specifically designed for pistol cartridges.  

Because the carbine you are contemplating is not considered collectible by most Winchester collectors, if you buy it as an investment for $1200, there are probably more profitable uses for your money. Others surely know more about that particular carbine than I do. 

If you want a 357 carbine to use, look at the currently manufactured Winchester models 1873 and 1892, which are made by Miroku for Browning/Winchester and are of superb quality and available on Gunbroker in 357 or 44 magnum or 45 Colt, for less than $1200. 

In the alternative, consider a new Marlin 1894 in those calibers, as made by Sturm, Ruger in North Carolina, for about  the same price.  They are also first quality rifles but may be hard to find because they’ve only recently become available. 

If you are determined to buy the 94AE, at least first search Gunbroker.com to see whether that same model is available from other sellers and at what price. That will give you a better feel for just how “rare” and “valuable” that carbine is. 

Finally:  Do not “invest” your money in firearms until you first educate yourself about the marketplace. Look a lot — it doesn’t cost a nickel — but don’t buy anything until you have a real grip.  

Of course, if you just want the gun because you want it, buy it and tell your Significant Other it’s an investment.  Which most of us [except me] have done. 

I hope this helps and welcome to the Forum, where you will be among friends.