Value of old Winchester?

[R.H. Lee]

I don't know how old. Says "Model 1894 "
"Winchester"
"Trade Mark"

on the tang behind the receiver that goes to the stock.

Top of barrel says "30 W.C.F" and "Manufactured by the Winchester Repeating Arms Co. New Haven Conn. U.S.A. Patented August 21,1894"

There is a proof mark on the receiver and one on the barrel

Side of barrel says "Nickel Steel Barrel Especially for Smokeless Powder"

Serial No. is 336XXX.

Any way to find out how old this rifle is and approximate value?

 

[Flatfender]

Made about 1904/05 per Fjestad's Blue Book

$350 - $1500+ per Fjestad's Blue Book

Depends on condition, if it's a deluxe model, if it's a takedown model.

YMMV (Your Mileage May Vary)

 

[R.H. Lee]

Thanks, Flatfender

It's got a ring in a post on the left side of the receiver (saddle ring?),
and the blueing wear makes me think it spent some time in a scabbard.

 

[Art Eatman]

It will probably vary with the part of the country, but a Model 94 of that vintage in halfway decent condition sees asking prices of $500 and up. I don't know what the actual selling prices will be, though. But, nostalgia has really pushed prices up in these last few years. I've seen asking prices of $300 to $400 for really beatup old clunkers...

Art

 

[R.H. Lee]

Thanks, Art That gives me a good idea of its value.

The rifle is not mine; I found it at my dad's house after he went to a nursing home. I've since heard from a 90 year old friend of his who says he gave it to my dad years ago and now wants it back

Dad can't remember, but thinks his friend gave it to him as a repayment of some debt.

I sure get into some entanglements

 

[JohnBT]

If you find my uncle's shotgun I want it back.

It's got to be somewhere, nobody else has seen it.

John

 

[rust collector]

Statute of limitations may come into play. If your Dad's compadre wanted to claim the gun, he needed to do something about it long ago. It is your father's property that was entrusted or given to you. If the former, you must retain it or dispose of it as Dad directs. If given to you, it would seem to be yours. The statutes of limitations for replevin (civil recovery) and for prosecution for theft are long ago expired.

Talk is cheap and memories fail, so "statutes of repose" require that a claimant take timely steps to assert the claim or lose the ability. Even if there was proof of repayment (which seems unlikely), possession should have transferred upon payment and "friend" is deemed to have waived his right to recover by sitting on his rights.

Relocating parents is no fun. Family dynamics take horrendous turns when it comes to the assets of an elderly person, especially if there is enough to fight over. Make sure you account for anything taken from the house, and don't believe everything you hear regarding ownership, promises or loans.