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Value for Winchester Models 1897 and 62A

tomharp
My dad left me two Winchester guns, one of which is a Model 1897, 12 Ga. and the other a Model 62A, 22 Cal.

The 12 Ga. is a Full Choke, Serno. E419047, (1908), with a exposed barrel length of 28 3/4". The serno is clearly stamped just forward of the loading chamber and at another point just forward of that stamp is another occurance of the serno, but not as distinct. The bore is free of pits and the stock has minor scratches. I don't know if it is damascus or steel. The original butt-plate markings can still be easily read. The stock is about 13 3/4" long.

The Model 62A, 22 Cal. rifle has a serno. 139122, 22 7/16 long barrel and the steel is all blackened without a blemish or worn/light spot. The stock is in very good shape with few scratches. The checkered composition butt-plate is in excellent shape. The bore has no pits, etc.

I'll be leaving these guns to my son and am curious as to their value for both insurance and sellable value.

Thanks for your help.
Tom
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Comments

5 comments

Date Votes
  • gskyhawk
    not an expert on either of these 2 but awhile back I sold a model 97 that was in good working order but the finish was pretty well gone for just over 300 dollars,
    the 62A in fair shape will bring mid 300 , really nice one should go mid 400 to maybe 500
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  • Rafter-S
    I can't give you sell figures since I've been out of the gun buying and selling loop so long. The numbers gskyhawk states sound reasonable though.

    But for insurance purposes, I suggest taking close-up photographs of every area of the guns and keeping them in a safe place, so you can "show" the insurance company what you had if something happens. Also keep the serial numbers on record somewhere too.

    As far as insurance claims are concerned, I would use prices shown in the latest Blue Book of Gun Values. And the "best" claim value would be an offical appraisal by a recognized expert gun appraiser. Have it in writing on his letterhead showing his license numbers, etc.

    Also, if you are concerned about insurance, it would be best to contact your insurance company and see how your policy would handle firearms, if stollen or damaged.

    That's my 2.5-cents worth,
    Rafter-S

    "What is truth? No wonder jesting Pilate turned away. The truth, it has a thousand faces -- show only one of them, and the whole truth flies away! But how to show the whole? That is the question."
    --Thomas Wolfe, "You Can't Go Home Again" (1934)
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  • Bert H.
    Hello Tom...

    Your Model 1897 was actually manufactured circa 1910/1911, and the actual barrel length should be 30-inches (as measured to the breech face). It was a rolled steel barrel versus damascus, and appears to be a standard Field grade gun. The value will most likely be in the $500 - $750 range (depending upon the exact graded condition).

    Your Model 62A was manufactured circa 1942 and it has a 23-inch barrel. If by "blackened" you are referring to the factory original blued finish, then it sounds like it may be in NRA "Excellent" condition, and as such, it could be worth close to $1000.

    If you can post pictures of both guns, I can get a bit closer on a value estimate.

    Bert H.

    Real Men use a SINGLE-SHOT!
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  • only winchesters
    Good morning tomhart! Good question on your 97 about steel or damascus. According to Stadt, author of Winchester Shotguns and Shot Shells, damascus barrels were available up to 1914. Typically Winchester, ran a roll die down steel barrels, imprintinting the patent dates onto the barrel. Damascus barrels didn't have that. Also Damascus barreled 97s are on the rare side, since they were for "Black Powder" use only. Over the years they had the barrels replaced, so they could be used with Smokeless Powder. Without seeing the gun or at least a picture, there's a slim chance it may be damascus, don't shoot it unless you have a gunsmith check it out first. If it's a damascus barreled 97, the value, would be hard to establish, since it would be on the rare side. A standard 97 of that vintage can go for as little as $300. to as high as $700 or $800, it really depends on over all condition, and how many are "for sale" at that time. If you want to sell, you would most likely get your best price on the net, meaning here at GB, or one of the other sites, since it reaches so many more potential buyers than what you would have locally.

    Since you have two sets of serial numbers, that tells me you have the "take down" 97 and not the "Solid frame 97". Take downs do bring more $$$. In there day, the old 97 was a great gun. In the first 17 years of production over 500,000 were made. But the production numbers fell way off once Winchester introduced the Md 12. Regards Dave
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  • He Dog
    You can believe Bert H, he knows his stuff! He advised me on my purchase of a 62, and I can add nothing to what he says, except you can flat out trust him.
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