[rino451]

A freind's father dug up a rifle and wanted to get a guestimate on it's value. I told them from $2,500 to $6,000 tops based on a quick Gunbrker search. Here's the info that I've been given:

Winchester Model 1873 32 w.c.f.
Winchester Repeating Arms, New Haven Conn.
King's Improvement Patented March 29, 1866
Dated Oct. 16, 1860.
Serial number in the 25xxxIF range.

She also mentioned about a brass something or other part underneath...

Thanks!

PS, I told her that if he didn't need the $ to keep it and keep it environmentally safe and maybe insured.

[Polishrifleman]

Serial numbers for the first 30,000 didn't note a caliber since they were first only chambered in .44 so I would question the serial #. The Brass she is describing in the elevator where the caliber is more than likely stamped.

I think your estimates are pretty good based on market conditions, make sure to look at GB listings with Bids not what people are actually just asking. Depending on the Serial # and condition you might move the scale up a little more on the high and low end.

[Ron James]

When you say dug up, do you mean it was acquired somewhere or literally dug from the ground

[Jim K]

If the real estate mantra is "location, location, location", the one for antiques (including guns) is "condition, condition, condition."

There are other factors, like special issue guns, that bring the price way up. A few could be traded even up for a new Lexus, and a very few would buy a Maybach. Verifiable association with a prominent person could raise the ante even higher.

On the other hand, a common 1873 in .32-20 that is heavily rusted, with parts missing or broken, wood cracked or rotted, and a barrel that is cut off or is a mass of rust inside, might bring $200 on a good day.

Jim

[rino451]

Her grandad passed and was apparently quite a collector as is her father. While her father simply collects and takes care of stuff that cathed his eye, he does not get into valuation. I believe that grandad's collection was divided up among his kids. Her father knowing a little about guns got the impression (correct it seems) that he might have something valuable. I'll try and get her to get some pics.

[BADSBSNF81]

Also try posting over at www.winchestercollector.org. They live for Winchesters.