Antique and Reproduction Gun Prices

[sltm1]

We occasionally discuss the fluctuation and increase in imported gun prices and the "high", prices of antiques today. It dawned on me after scrolling through GB's antiques, a gun manufactured in the 1800's usually cost at least one month's pay for the working man (cowboy's - $10.00 per month, new Colt - $12.00). So I figure, not only haven't antique weapons held their value, but they've actually decreased in price even including inflation!! Reproduction's are deals our forefathers would have done flip's for...perhaps they're pinwheeling in the grave over this info even as I type it!! Hummm, something to consider when trying to convince your wife you "need" another gun.

 

[Oyeboten]

Yes...


The rough Rule of Thumb, was or remains - a good Suit, a good Handgun of major Caliber, or, an Ounce of Gold, were all about on par.

 

[arcticap]

Someone's ancester kept a long running journal that included many comparative prices of goods from both 1860 and 1972.

In 1860:

In 1860, Abraham Lincoln was campaigning for President...the United States had 31 million people...Land was selling for $3 to $5 an acre, and a laborer’s wage without board was 90 cents a day.
Room and board for men — $2.79/month
Room and board for women — $1.79/month

http://www.choosingvoluntarysimplicity.com/what-did-things-cost-in-1860/

In 1872:

In 1872, the U.S. population had grown to over 38 million people, and Ulysses S. Grant had just been re-elected for a second term as President...On average, horses cost $60...A farm worker earned $23 per month, a place to sleep, and meals.
Room and board for men — $5.69/month
Room and board for women — $3.75/month

http://www.choosingvoluntarysimplicity.com/what-did-things-cost-in-1872/

 

[Oyeboten]

Aside from the Bottom of the Barrel though, many many people were doing well financially, most people were doing alright-enough to live fairly well, and, many doing more than merely 'well'.

We were overall a prosperous and productive Society, with very nearly no Taxes and about zero unemployment...and, aside from Lincoln's trechery, there was virtually no interfernce into anyone's Lives by the federal government, other than trechery with 'Indians' to serve Railroad and Banking Interests ( got worse from there, obviously).


I would like to know what various of our favorite Cap & Ball Revolvers were selling for in their day.

 

[arcticap]

Between 1860 -1863, the Union paid $25 each for 127,157 Colt 1860 Army revolvers and only $15 each for the Remington.

http://www.bghi.us/index.php?x=1860