Value on a Marlin & Winchester

[Jefro]

Hey folks,

Looking for some help in regards to the value on a 1887 Marlin takedown in 38-55 (manufacture date 1903). And a Winchester 1892 in 32-20 (manufacture date 1902). Both are in very good shape with bluing at 80%+ and bores would be rated 7-8 out of 10.

I have the opportunity to purchase both of these rifles from a friend of mine but have no idea of their value as I've been told $300 right up to $1500 ea. But any information is certainly appreciated.

 

[Win Shooter]

Without any detailed pictures your estimates are about right.

 

[Lee Enfield]

Your 38-55 marlin is not an m.1887, it could be an m.1881 small frame top eject (but wouldn't be mfg in 1903) or much more likely an m.1893 side ejecting.

 

[Mike Webb]

Good photos are really required. Your .38/55 is probably an 1893 Marlin, I have never heard of an 1887 Marlin centerfire rifle. Maybe it has an 1887 patent date on it. The Marlin will bring less than the Winchester, condition being equal, more collector interest in Winchesters. The .32/20 chambering is less desireable than the .38/40 or .44/40 in the 92 rifles. If either has any special options the value will increase sometimes substantially. If either has been altered from factory original( stocks cut off, drilled for sling swivels or broken and repaired or metal drilled or modified ) value will plummet, ALWAYS substantially.

 

[Jefro]

You guys are correct. The Marlin had a patent date of 1887 but is a 1893, my apologies. I got both the manufacture dates by searching the serial numbers online.

Both rifles are factory original. No alterations at all. Stocks are in good shape without any cracking etc... and as far as I'm aware neither have any special options (such as tang sights for example) and are just base model rifles?

I will try to get some pictures though today and post them a.s.a.p. as $300 seems extremely low to me and $1500 seems high so I would love to get a better idea on their actual value.

 

[Mike Webb]

In my area the two, if standard rifles, would go for $750 or so for the Marlin and around the same for the 92, it being a .32/20. A .44/40 might fetch a couple hundred more and the Marlin is a takedown, which is more desireable. I'm assuming they are both round barrels not octagon or half octagon, which bring a little more. You say they are in 80% condition which is much better shape than guns of this age are generally found in. When you post pictures it is probably best to take an average of values given and go from there. My 2 cents.