Waylan said
Unfortunately year to have an accident now I need a bit more cash for surgery, would it be foolish to sell now, worth waiting another 25 yrs and cash in on retirement or is the appreciation rate so slow they can pry it from my cold hands after I’m gone?   

What is a Model 1894 “SE” ?

You have not provided nearly enough information to answer your question.

Bert

Waylan said
When I typed in the serial # (834821) on the Winchester model 1894 manufacturer date lookup website it said manufactured 1916 Special Edition  

The website you found and used apparently has extraneous (bogus) information.  There is no such thing as a “Special Edition” Model 1894.

The value of your Model 1894 is going to be determined by which specific variation it is (e.g. a Sporting Rifle, a Saddle Ring Carbine (SRC), an Extra Lightweight Rifle, an Eastern Carbine, a Trapper Carbine, etc.). 

Is it a Solid Frame or a Take Down ? 

Which specific caliber/cartridge is it (e.g. 25-35 WCF, 30 WCF, 32 WS, 32-40, or 38-55)?

Does it have any special order features?

Finally, what is its graded condition?

If you can provide clear detailed pictures of your Model 1894, that will answer many of our questions.

Bert – [email protected]