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Hello friends, I have a challenge for you. My FIL has a box of older rifles/shotguns that he let me take a look at, he wants to know if he has anything unique. I was able to identify the model numbers on all but one, and price (tentatively) most of them, but i was hoping the scholars and history buffs among you would be able to tell me a bit more about them, like rarity, collectibility, hidden values, neat factoids, and whether or not I should try to restore them (many have rust, one a cracked stock, etc) or just try to clean em up.

First up is the modelless shotgun:
Harrington & Richardson, "Bay State" in cursive etched on the side, barrel stamp says only ,Made in USA 410 ga choke'
Break action
ser A907XXX

Winchester model 1897, 16 ga take down pump shotgun.

Winchester model 77 semi auto tube fed .22

Winchester model 62A pump action tube fed .22

Savage 1899 takedown(?) Lever action .250-3000
Which as I understand it is 250 savage.

Winchester model 02 single bolt action short long or 'extra long

Savage 24b break action 22lr over 410 ga

Marlin model 80 bolt action magazine fed .22

I have been and will continue to do research myself, but any additional info I can get would be great. Thanks in advance.
 
A 16ga. '97 Winchester has a goodly bit of collector value if its in halfway decent original finish. Not so much as a refinished "shooter" due to the inconvenient chambering.

I have a M80E Marlin, a fine plinking gun. If its unsalvageable, but it has a complete original peep-sight, that part is worth nearly as much as the whole gun.

A .250 Savage M99 can be quite valuable depending on condition and grade, but once again, if it needs significant work, then it becomes an expensive shooter. There is always a market for them, though, either way.

Not super familiar with the others, but they dont sound like they are worth a whole lot, especially if they are rough.

Pics would help for a more accurate assessment of value.
 
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I'll see if I can get some pictures uploaded after some basic cleaning. I'll try to avoid removing any 'character' including rust for now, despite the screaming gun-care ocd my head. After that I'll also be able to tell you all if there are any malfunctions mechanically or if there are any missing parts etc.
 
I'll start with saying if you or he want to realize any type of collector value, do not try to restore or refinish. Cleaning without removing or damaging any remaining finish and repairing to functional condition is pretty much it.
If your intent is to render them useable and in respectable cosmetic condition with no intent to sell, then by all means, sand, polish, and reblue all you like.
Marlin model 80 is a great shooter with not a lot of value. In really good shape, possibly $140-$150
Savage 24's have kinda exploded in value in the last 15 years. In decent shape, could fetch upward of $500
H&R .410 single shot probably in the $140-$150 range as well.
All based on decent useable condition.
Winchester guys will be more help with those.
 
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All the Winchesters and the Savages have potential collector value, depending on three things: Condition, condition and condition. Wipe off the metal with a clean oily rag and post pics.
 
Please, before you sand or wire wheel anything, just boil them if you decide to get rid of the "patina". "Patina" in scare quotes because it is just rust that some people like for some unknown reason. I'm glad you seem to like clean guns :D

At this point, I'd probably say that there is nothing particularly valuable beyond shooter's value. Why? Because you said that your FIL has a "box" full of older guns. I'm thinking it is likely that they were not really exquisitely cared for. This is entirely speculation, and your pictures may prove otherwise. There are a couple of models there that appeal to specific groups of people, but I didn't see anything that would really appeal greatly to a huge audience. However, you might be able to find a contact in each of these smaller markets and sell them profitably if you do some digging. Much like selling any other collectible item, it isn't the item that makes you money, it's finding the right venue for sales that really makes the money.

So, looking forward to pictures, and enjoy your search for the perfect venue!
 
Okay thanks the input thus far folks, I am reading all of your comments, haven't forgotten about you haha. Work has just been busier lately plus I'm doing some online classes, time sensitive unfortunately. Tonight I intend to give them a quick wipe down with a cleaning rag and then an oily rag and will post pictures. Ill check the functionality a bit later. I will be sure to include any of my conditional concerns in the pictures.
 
Okay, life happened last night, had to help my grandpa out, but I'm back. Ill try to post the pictures in the same order as my list. First the 410 HR
20200712_174516.jpg 20200712_181555.jpg 20200712_181817.jpg
 
I have an H&R ‘Bay State’ that is over fifty years old...it is a 410 and a sweet gun,,, it’s not for sale, but I have been offered a whole lot for it, so be careful.
 
Well, those arent as bad as I feared. The Savage and Winchesters look serviceable. Im most familiar with M99 Savages and their market, so, assuming the other side of that gun is the same and the bore and internals are clean, Im saying $5-600 for that one around here locally. The chambering is a problem for all but a dedicated shooter, but the condition looks high enough to interest a casual collector who doesnt already have a .250-3000 takedown.

Ill let the Winchester experts chime in on those, but the .22 Marlins are in the $100-150 range.
 
Trying to identify that 99 (or 1899?). I see: rounded forend tip (no schnabel), straight grip, shotgun butt. Comparing this with the table at http://www.savage99.com/models.htm, I don't see a match. Can some 99 expert school me?
Probably an E, Ive had E, D, and G models and none of them really conform to that chart. IMO there was lttle ryme or reason to the Model letters and exceptions abound.

Also possible the forend tip was worn or been sanded off.
 
Are the firing pins missing on the 22/410 Savage or is that a camera illusion?
 
From what I've found, the 62a could be worth a few hundred dollars depending on condition, is it safe to remove the rust from the receiver and barrel or will that damage the value?
 
From what I've found, the 62a could be worth a few hundred dollars depending on condition, is it safe to remove the rust from the receiver and barrel or will that damage the value?
It depends on the rust and how you remove it. If it's just surface rust, use a light oil and 0000 (4 zero) steel wool and rub gently. No heavier steel wool, no wire wheel, no steel brush, no white knuckle rubbing. If that's not enough, then wipe it with an oily rag and leave it for the next owner to deal with.
 
Or boil it in distilled water (or steam it) and it will turn into bluing (if it is surface rust). That way you won't have a bare spot under the rust.
 
Another update: the savage 24b 22 over 410. The shotgun firing pin is present, rifle pin is not. Don't know why not, seeing as both retraining screws were still there. Also the selector is broken. Otherwise it seems fairly mechanically sound and the rust isn't too bad.
 
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