Winchester Model 53 and Model 65 values

[Win 38-55]

It is always informative to see actual prices realized vs. what people are asking. The recent Rock Island Auction had four Model 53's and three Model 65's on the block. Here are the results ....

Model 53

All four were chambered in 25-20, the most common caliber in the Model 53 (Approximately 47% 25-20, 37% 32 WCF and 13% 44 WCF, according to my database on Model 53's)

Lot 14 $2,300 (Est. $1,500 -$2,500) Takedown 90%

Lot 1160 $7,475 (Est. $5,000 - $7,000) solid frame 99%

Lot 1165 $2,875 (Est. $3,250 - $4,500) solid frame 90%

Lot 1171 $1,610 (Est. $2,750 - $4,250) solid frame, barrel 98%, receiver 30%


Model 65

All three were chambered in 218 Bee, the most common caliber for the Model 65.

Lot 4 $2,185 (Est. $1,400 - $2,250) barrel 80%, receiver 75%

Lot 15 $4,312.50 (Est. $2,500 - $3,750) 99%

Lot 1163 $3,450 (Est. $3,500 - $4,750) 95%

If you compare the condition of the two models (extrapolating), the model 53's and Model 65's seem to be selling for approximately the same price for the same condition. The exception was the 99% Model 53 went for a whopping $7,475 compared to the 99% Model 65, which went for $4,312.

And these prices were for the 25-20 Model 53's. I've seen some crazy asking prices for the very rare 44 WCF Model 53 recently. The bottom line is that the collectors prices for the Model 53's seem to be finally rising to reflect the scarcity of this model. It makes me wonder if I should be hunting Woodchucks with my high condition Model 53 in 32 WCF? (photo shown below). I hope to be able to have a couple articles on the Model 53 ready for publication later this year, hopefully before the end of the year. I don't know why it is, but the little Model 53, basically an 'extra light' version of the Model 1892, really appeals to me, even more than the Model 65.

For those unfamiliar with the different Models built on the Model 1892 action, the photo below shows, from top to bottom and from most modern to oldest, Winchester Model 65 chambered in 32 WCF (32-20), Winchester Model 53 chambered in 25-20, and Winchester Model 1892 chambered in 44 WCF (44-40). The Model 1892 was introduced in 1892, the Model 53 was introduced in 1924 and the Model 65 was introduced in 1933.

 

[canuck]

My question is, how do those auction prices relate to Kanadian values?
Beautiful rifles you have there BTW.

 

[Win 38-55]

My question is, how do those auction prices relate to Kanadian values?

That is hard to say. In the process of working on my database of surviving Winchester Model 53's, I have only found about 5 Model 53's in Canada. Generally, for average condition old Winchesters, Canadian prices are lower than US prices, at least for the much more common Model 1886's, Model 1892's, Model 1873's. I have Model 53's in all three calibers (25-20, 32-20 and 44-40). Two out of the three I had to purchase in the US, so ended up paying full US prices for them (the 25-20 and the 32-20). For the 44-40, I traded an original special order Model 1886 45-70 with a full octagon barrel and half mag that lettered as is, and was shipped in 1904. So I ended up paying full US price for that one as well, although the 44-40's have really gone up in price over the past 8 months in the US, so I am very happy with the deal I got. If you can find a Model 53 in 44-40 here in Canada for under $2,500 that is unmessed with, then you'd better reach for your wallet real fast. I did run into a 44-40 Model 53 for sale a couple months ago for under $2,000 if I recall correctly. That is a very good deal. I don't know if it is still available or not.