Value? Winchester 1873 in 22 Short
Hey Guys,
I have a Winchester 1873 in 22 short made in 1894 or 1895. I've seen a few of these sell recently at auction in similar condition from $7k for 92-93% original finish to $135k for 98%-99% finish. The one I have is 94%-97%. I came about this conclusion because it's better then the 92-93% but not as nice as the 98-99%. It's extremely hard to get good pictures of the original finish on this piece but I'll try to get some pictures up soon.
Thank you for you help in advance.
In response to the TSR. I have the factory letter from the Cody museum and it seems to be in all original configuration. The one that sold for $135k I believe is the most pristine example in existence and came out of the Wes Adams collection in a recent auction I attended in March.
I apologize for the excess of photos but it's really hard to take good pictures on my phone. The blue is thinning in the high spots as well as near the front of the receiver.
I have a Winchester 1873 in 22 short made in 1894 or 1895. I've seen a few of these sell recently at auction in similar condition from $7k for 92-93% original finish to $135k for 98%-99% finish. The one I have is 94%-97%. I came about this conclusion because it's better then the 92-93% but not as nice as the 98-99%. It's extremely hard to get good pictures of the original finish on this piece but I'll try to get some pictures up soon.
Thank you for you help in advance.
In response to the TSR. I have the factory letter from the Cody museum and it seems to be in all original configuration. The one that sold for $135k I believe is the most pristine example in existence and came out of the Wes Adams collection in a recent auction I attended in March.
I apologize for the excess of photos but it's really hard to take good pictures on my phone. The blue is thinning in the high spots as well as near the front of the receiver.
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bnocenti,
It all depends on originality, and condition of your said rifle. Are you for sure when it was manufactured? Do you have paper's from Cody Museum stating so, and the original format the rifle came in? A properly papered firearm, will have a premium.
Other than that, it is still yet to be determined if the rifle has been messed with, modified, or refinished in any way or form. We would need to see several, well lit, up, close, and in focus, pictures of your rifle. We have several reknowned expert's on here, who can tell if something came from the factory like that, or if it has been restored. Macro mode is a wonderful thing on a digital camera.
I am not sure where you are getting your auction prices from, but for 135K, it would have to be a real rare, special order rifle, with lots of provenance. It would also have to be in great all original shape to fetch that much.
I am sure Bert H., will be along soon to throw in his spin. He is one of the foremost Winchester Expert's in the world, and just happens to be a member, and moderator of our forum. He will point you in the proper direction.
Best
EDIT 1
That is real nice, with an over all grade in the low 90%. It could fetch as high as $50K. You would definately need a hands on by a GOOD Winchester collector, for an accurate evaluation. You also need a LOA from Cody.
Best0 -
Please post several clear close-up pictures of your Model 1873 rifle. 0 -
High condition .22 Rim Fire Model 1873 rifles are a rare find. I suspect that in a major auction, your rifle could eclipse the $20K mark. The actual value is nearly impossible to say until the gavel drops. 0 -
Does the factory letter mention the special sights? Just curious, bought a very similar gun, not as good, with sights that look like they have been there forever, but are not mentioned in the letter. 0 -
I have one here with serial number 568666B. I would say about 70%. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by MFI
I have one here with serial number 568666B. I would say about 70%.
WOW!! Believe it or not, I have serial number 568676B! Only 10 guns apart! My Dad bought it when he was about 10 years old from a little gas station for $10.00. The guy had it hanging on the wall!
Mine is closer to probably 60%.0 -
quote:Originally posted by gartman
Does the factory letter mention the special sights? Just curious, bought a very similar gun, not as good, with sights that look like they have been there forever, but are not mentioned in the letter.
From what I've been told the sights usually aren't mentioned in the letters. The letter I have does not mention the sights at all.
I took mine to a gun show this past weekend and had a lot of people asking me if I'd sell it. I actually checked the factory letter mine is SN# 370031B if memory serves me correct. Which would put it in the 1891 production year. Everyone that saw the gun said it was the best one they'd ever seen but I know of 1 other that is in better condition. Unfortunately nobody at the show would tell me what they thought it was worth which honestly didn't surprise me.
Hey Neal,
I just re-sized all the photos. They are all the same but shouldn't be as grainy. I have a photographer friend that does weddings but I'm not sure how much time he has to take pictures of my collection. I'll try to get in contact with him to see if he has some free time coming up. Personally I think the gun looks better in person. I was told by one person that it's upper 90% as far as the blue is concerned but that's all subjective.0 -
Whether you want to sell it, or keep it & maintain insurance on it, it would be a good idea to have a professional photographer take photos of any high dollar gun. Many "wedding photographers" also have studio experience.
Plus, I think many of us on the forum would like a better look but don't have the skill to resize your cellphone pics.
Neal0 -
If you really want an accurate estimate of its worth, list it for sale at a penny with no reserve. Short of that, you are just gonna get rough estimates. 0 -
Dang, wonder what my Winchester 1873 in 22 long is worth? Not for sale but seems prices have risen from last time I checked apparently. Great shooters I might add. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by jjmitchell60
Dang, wonder what my Winchester 1873 in 22 long is worth? Not for sale but seems prices have risen from last time I checked apparently. Great shooters I might add.
If it is chambered in the "long", then it has been altered, and collectability will suffer. However, some saving grace, it is an 1873, in the 22 rimfire< so not all is lost.
Best0 -
quote:Originally posted by tsr1965
quote:Originally posted by jjmitchell60
Dang, wonder what my Winchester 1873 in 22 long is worth? Not for sale but seems prices have risen from last time I checked apparently. Great shooters I might add.
If it is chambered in the "long", then it has been altered, and collectability will suffer. However, some saving grace, it is an 1873, in the 22 rimfire< so not all is lost.
Best
I've heard that these were made in 22 Long as well and are much harder to find. Is this true?0 -
Fellows,
The Model 1873 was factory chambered in both 22 Short and 22 Long, but never in 22 Long Rifle (LR).0
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