Swiss 1889 value?

C

Canadianbosco

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My buddy's Grandpa passed away a while back and left his guns to the family and they have ended up with my buddy for now. One of which is an 1889 Schmidt Ruben. I only got a quick look at it but it looks like an original not a 96/11. He isn't looking to sell it any time soon but what are these rifles worth currently? It's a little rusted and beat up (what 120 year old gun isn't) and it doesn't have the end cap or sling.
 
I paid $320 for mine maybe 2 years ago. Full stock, end cap, sling, all matching parts. Stock has a slash on one side that appears to be quite old. Top and bottom end caps of the red charging handle knob are missing; the remaining knob is cracked but still holding together. Bore is excellent as far as I can tell. Shoots well with 7.5 × 53.5 cast handloads based on 30-40 Krag load data.

Hope this sort of helps.
 
300-500$

In regards to your question as to what gun is 120 years old and not beat up or a little rusted, my 1889 Swiss isn't at all (it was basically new when I got it). Things that effect value are if it isn't all matching, and the condition. Generally speaking these rifles don't have the same following as the later rifles as you can't use GP-11 in them, which really decreases demand as most people like commonly available ammo.
 
Thanks for the replies I guess the condition has more to do with how it has been stored for the last few decades then the actual age of the rifle. It is still an interesting piece to put in the locker with the k31 so if weather he sells it or not I'll likely track one down. I've been looking for an excuse to get into reloading I suppose this might do it.
 
MDF said:
I paid $320 for mine maybe 2 years ago. Full stock, end cap, sling, all matching parts. Stock has a slash on one side that appears to be quite old. Top and bottom end caps of the red charging handle knob are missing; the remaining knob is cracked but still holding together. Bore is excellent as far as I can tell. Shoots well with 7.5 × 53.5 cast handloads based on 30-40 Krag load data.

Hope this sort of helps.
Click to expand...

Just noticed, they have replacement charging handle knobs at Corwin Arms right now.
https://www.corwin-arms.com/product/bolt-knob-set-swiss-g-96-g11-and-k11-rifles
 
knobs.jpg


knobscol.jpg


knobcut.jpg
 
BadgerDog said:
1891 Model 1889 Schmidt Rubin Infantry Rifle Serial # 192http://imageevent.com/badgerdog/swi...6l78tmr1.camel_s?n=0&z=9&c=4&x=1&m=24&w=0&p=0

Just receiver, barrel and magazine that I can see in the pics above...

Although, LOTS of inspector's marks....

Regards,
Doug
Click to expand...

Doug, even on those pics serial is visible on front sight, three parts of rear sight, bolt and (I suspect) on wood (inside). I have late production M1889 and front site is not serialized. Observing Swiss rifles it looks they were abandoning serialization gradually (probably as they were able to achieve 100% interchangeability of parts). However no serial on bolt knob on M1889 looks strange as it was still the case for M1911. This resin material becomes brittle, maybe unnumbered knobs are replacements? Also knob in the pictures looks too new for the rifle.
 
Horilka said:
Doug, even on those pics front sight, three parts of rear sight, bolt and wood (inside).
Click to expand...

You're right!! .. Thanks .. :)

I haven't had it out of the vault for years...

I couldn't resist is being 192 off the line in 1891... beautiful specimen to hold, if I recall the last time I pawed over it ..

Regards,
Doug
 
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