Taken from a professional appraisal:
History: This is an early Winchester 1894 Deluxe Take-down Sporting Rifle in 30-30 caliber, with a number of special order features. The serial number on the rifle is 121560 that places receiver production in 1898, while polishing room records show that the rifle left the factory in 1901. This take-down rifle with ½ magazine is in overall NRA “Very Good” and close to “Excellent” condition, as it retains from 75-80% original bluing on the half-octagon barrel and receiver, with some scratching on the receiver. The finger lever and hammer still retain case coloring and the latter has the correct early “widow-peak” checkering. Wood on the gun is 2X checkered walnut on buttstock and forearm, and is in very good condition with only minor handling marks to a crescent metal butt plate. The rifle does have a Winchester Express rear sight, special order front sight blade, and an added Marbles tang site. The left receiver side has been drilled and tapped for a Lyman No21. Tang sight. There is a Cody Museum letter and everything appears original.
Price $10,400 and negotiable. Contact John via text or call at 515-991-7917 for questions or more detailed pictures.
Hello John,
The verified date of manufacture for your Model 1894 with s/n 121560 is August 27th, 1901… not “1898”. The serial number application date listed on the CFM letter is the official date of manufacture per Federal regulations.
You mentioned that it once had a Lyman No. 21 receiver sight… is that sight listed on the Factory letter? If not, that means that somebody drilled & tapped the receiver frame after the fact. If it is listed on the CFM letter, that too is a value deduction due to the fact that it is now missing.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
John,
You incorrectly selected “Report this post to Admin” instead of selecting “Reply”. I received your message “My letter indicates that the serial number was applied in 1901. A member has helped me determine that the receiver was drilled for a scope and not a Lyman 21. What other questions do you have?“
In reply to your question, I do not have any further questions. I do have this comment though… your Model 1894 Fancy Extra Light Weight Rifle is not in “near Excellent” graded condition with those extra holes drilled & tapped in the receiver frame. While it still has a fair amount of value, I sincerely doubt that it will sell for anything near your current asking price.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
John Schoeberlein said
Taken from a professional appraisal:The serial number on the rifle is 121560 that places receiver production in 1898,
Wood on the gun is 2X checkered walnut on buttstock and forearm, and is in very good condition with only minor handling marks to a crescent metal butt plate.
The left receiver side has been drilled and tapped for a Lyman No21. Tang sight.
There is a Cody Museum letter and everything appears original.
It would be interesting to see the letter and left side of the receiver as cj57 suggested. Certainly would clear up the questionable appraisal.
Would be a dandy in original configuration. Really like the wood. Had a couple like that but they were 3x.
Rick C
RickC said
John Schoeberlein said
Taken from a professional appraisal:
The serial number on the rifle is 121560 that places receiver production in 1898,
Wood on the gun is 2X checkered walnut on buttstock and forearm, and is in very good condition with only minor handling marks to a crescent metal butt plate.
The left receiver side has been drilled and tapped for a Lyman No21. Tang sight.
There is a Cody Museum letter and everything appears original.
It would be interesting to see the letter and left side of the receiver as cj57 suggested. Certainly would clear up the questionable appraisal.
Would be a dandy in original configuration. Really like the wood. Had a couple like that but they were 3x.
Thanks to all that have provided input regarding my rifle. I agree that the left side of the receiver has been drilled for a scope mount and not a Lyman 21. I’m attaching pictures of the left side of the receiver and letter from the Cody Museum.
The letter certainly tells the tale. It was given the kiss of death with the scope rail holes drilled. A couple of filler screws might not bother somebody else though as much as it would me. Bert can give you a pretty close estimate of what collector value it has now. Still a nice gun. Thanks for sharing and good luck with your sale.
Rick C
I, too, am keenly interested in what the more experienced members here have to say on a fair market value for this rifle.
It is a beautiful example, and apparently in ‘near perfect’ condition. However, as has been pointed out, the extra sight mounting holes have destroyed it’s collectible value.
So where does a beautiful example like this fall? Surely it’s worth more than a ‘$500-$1000 shooter’, but how do we place a value on this?
The owner could list it on GB or any of the other auction sites and remain silent on the alterations (if he is willing to be unethical). In any case, with or without full disclosure, I suspect it would bring more on one of those auctions that it would from anyone on this forum.
NP
Nevada Paul
Life Member NRA
It most certainly is worth more than a “shooter” grade Model 1894 rifle. However, because no two individual Winchester buyers/collectors will view and evaluate it the same, the actual agreed upon sale price could vary by as much $1K – $2k. Sadly, that rifle would undoubtedly sell for more $$$ parted out than it will as a complete intact gun. The stock set itself is worth at least $1,500.
If it was my rifle to sell, I would list it on Gunbroker.com, No Reserve, in a 21-day auction. I would clearly disclose the extra holes for a side mount scope, and I would disclose the contents of the CFM letter. I suspect that somebody will pay $5K – $6K for that rifle.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
I would clearly disclose the extra holes for a side mount scope, and I would disclose the contents of the CFM letter.
As would I and most every member of this forum. Unfortunately, we are in the minority when it comes to selling old firearms.
I’m fascinated by your take on this, Bert. Thanks.
NP
Nevada Paul
Life Member NRA
Nevada Paul said
I would clearly disclose the extra holes for a side mount scope, and I would disclose the contents of the CFM letter.As would I and most every member of this forum. Unfortunately, we are in the minority when it comes to selling old firearms.
I’m fascinated by your take on this, Bert. Thanks.
NP
Paul,
Hopefully John does list & sell it on Gunbroker so that we can all see how much $$$$ it ends up bringing.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Bert H. said
It most certainly is worth more than a “shooter” grade Model 1894 rifle. However, because no two individual Winchester buyers/collectors will view and evaluate it the same, the actual agreed upon sale price could vary by as much $1K – $2k. Sadly, that rifle would undoubtedly sell for more $$$ parted out than it will as a complete intact gun. The stock set itself is worth at least $1,500.If it was my rifle to sell, I would list it on Gunbroker.com, No Reserve, in a 21-day auction. I would clearly disclose the extra holes for a side mount scope, and I would disclose the contents of the CFM letter. I suspect that somebody will pay $5K – $6K for that rifle.
Bert
I can certainly see Bert’s estimate, maybe more, especially if it has a couple filler screws that match.
Rick C
November 7, 2015
Very nice rifle, I think it will generate considerable interest among the less discriminating collector. I’ve learned not to underestimate this growing market segment. Beautiful wood, well cared-for. Steve has a good point, most of us need a scope to shoot a rifle these days. If it was a 32WS he’d probably be interested!
Mike
Mike
1 Guest(s)