Value for 1873 Winchester

[Becks357]

Hello
good folks,
I need some help getting the value for above mentioned rifle. It is a fair condition 44 cal, 1877 made (serial# 25###) 24" round barrel Sporter model. The rear sight and one lower butt stock screw are missing.
According to Homestead Service Self Appraisal the value of the gun is $1400-$3000 US. However, this is in the states! I do not believe, that these guns would demand such high prices in Canada!?

All help is highly appreciated.

cheers
Becks
ATTACH]

 

[Mike Webb]

Without pics I would guess between $1000 and $1200 here in Canada. You can pick up an original rear sight for around $150 if you shop around.

 

[NorthCoastBigBore]

I could be wrong but the loading gate looks like a replacement. Agreed on the price, looks like a good shooter less than a collector; but lots of folks would be thrilled with that!

Nice honest lookin' rifle anyway!

 

[Win 38-55]

That is a first model '73. First models are very hard to find. I would say that it would be worth closer to $3,000 but it also depends upon whether the stocks have been sanded and any other issues it might have

 

[Mike Webb]

It is a first model so my numbers are wrong. Plus I would call it "good" not fair condition. 38-55 is right about the stocks. They look decent but the wood should be slightly proud of the steel or flush with it if they are unsanded. I would say in Canada it would be around $2000 in value. It seems to me that Winchester values are softer than they were 20 years ago. I think the guys born in the 30's thru the 50's are dying off and this age group had the biggest fascination with Winchester rifles.

 

[Becks357]

Thank you all for your advise,
I bought the rifle from a family, that claims that it has been in their Family for a very long time and that it was in fact a "bring back" from the 2nd Boer war by one of their ancestors.
Of course, there is no documentation to support that claim. (It still makes a nice story though). I do not really know much about Winchester rifles but I somewhat know antique firearms and this one looks all original and un-tempered to me. I haven't fired this gun and I am not really planning on doing so. I am a bit on the edge putting it up for sale. It is a nice piece of history (have a hard time letting them go!)


cheers
Becks357