What is this Winchester worth?

[Matt74]

For what it is worth here is something just for some comparison. Here is an "antique" in the US model 1894 I bought this last year. It is also in the 20,000 s/n range. And in very high condition. It however is a special order takedown rifle with octagon barrel, half magazine, Lyman Globe front and Lyman No 6 folding leaf rear sight, and extra grain wood. It is also in the most desireable 1894 caliber for collectors, 38-55. Picked it up in the US for just over $5,000. It is the bottom gun in the photo. As you can see in the others pics, it still has a lot of really nice case color left on the lever, hammer, etc. The top rifle is a 30WCF TD rifle I picked up this year as well.

Mossyhorns: early 38-55s like that are very desireable to "collectors", it just all comes down to condition.
Matt

 

[c-fbmi]

Excellent info as always Matt, but I think you're being overly generous even at 2K, as you said it is the most common configuration and the most common caliber, I've picked up a few of these in the last year and don't think I've paid even 1K for any of them. Would have to have it in hand to really put a true value on it, of course. Condition in photos APPEARS to be good-very good, so it should come in somewhere between 1000-1500 bucks. IMHO as a Win collector.
That's a fine looking oct/button mag 94 you got there, I see your tastes aren't slipping at all !!! LOL

Douglas

 

[Matt74]

Hi Douglas, nice to hear from you!
Yes, maybe it is generous at $2,000 give or take, but that is why I said "give or take" and that it is so subjective. Like you said, there is no substitute for a hands on inspection. The reason I put it that high was its Antique status in the US, which for some folks, adds a premium. Not an antique, I would say around a $1,000 somewhere. Maybe you are closer with your range, or somewhere in between.
Thanks, yes, it is a very nice half mag. One of my favorites. Unfortunately, my tastes seem to be getting more expensive, but have slowed down lately. Buying a new house and a funeral to help pay for, so been trying to sell a few, and hold of on the addiction for a bit.
Here is a photo of my latest addition, incase you have not seen it in the "Lever####" thread. 1894 38-55 semi deluxe with part octagon barrel, 1/2 mag and TD frame.

Still have two more on the way up from the US, but they are already paid for.
Matt

 

[c-fbmi]

The addiction is as strong as ever, trust me, (had to add on to my vault to accomodate my addiction) but as you noted I too have had other more pressing financial priorities lately. Last hunt in Africa did a hard number on my disposable income and now wife wants a swimming pool and stable............happy wife, happy life........Sorry to hear there is a funeral in your life, obviously very close if the costs fall to you. My condolences!!

I've learned something new again from you, that is the first "part deluxe" I've ever seen with the abbreviated checkering.......cool.

Douglas

 

[Matt74]

I kinda figured from a previous conversation that last hunt was going to hurt. Worth every penny I am sure though. Yes, keep that wife happy.
Thanks, yes, a grandma that was like a mother to me. Pretty much raised me. We were extremely close. We have a very small family back home of limited means, and I'm afraid insurance doesn't always cut it. Alzheimers was not kind with her these last few years. Luckily I made it home in time to spend her last hours with her. Very painful, but so happy I could be with her. Sure do miss her.
Well, don't know about a "part deluxe", but this is what collectors often refer to as a "semi deluxe". Now, you and I both know Winchester never cataloged a "Deluxe" or "Semi Deluxe" 1894, these are just collector terms. They were "Fancy Sporting Rifles". That said, to me a deluxe rifle denotes a rifle with checkering and "deluxe" wood (1X, 2X, 3X, etc). May or may not be pistol grip. As you can see, mine is a PG rifle, but only has extra grain / or extra finish walnut, and "I style" checkering. I style checkering was Winchesters lowest grade of checkering. Most of the "deluxe" rifles you see have at least "H Style" checkering. Most of the rifles you see with my style checkering and plainer wood are commonly referred to as "semi deluxe" rifles, though I have seen some refer to them as deluxe. It is also a bit if a subjective, and widely varied - in terms of usage - word.
Matt

 

[mossyhorns]

For what it is worth here is something just for some comparison. Here is an "antique" in the US model 1894 I bought this last year. It is also in the 20,000 s/n range. And in very high condition. It however is a special order takedown rifle with octagon barrel, half magazine, Lyman Globe front and Lyman No 6 folding leaf rear sight, and extra grain wood. It is also in the most desireable 1894 caliber for collectors, 38-55. Picked it up in the US for just over $5,000. It is the bottom gun in the photo. As you can see in the others pics, it still has a lot of really nice case color left on the lever, hammer, etc. p

Mossyhorns: early 38-55s like that are very desireable to "collectors", it just all comes down to condition.
Matt

That's a beautiful rifle Matt74. I would rate my rifles in good to very good condition but like all the rifles I own I believe they should be shot and I do in fact shoot them. The one with the lowest serial number will never be sold. My dad shot his first deer with it and so did I. Can't put a price tag on that. I love holding and shooting them and imagining how many hands have held them and the hunts they have been on. Priceless to me.

 

[Matt74]

Thanks very much. Believe it or not, I shoot all of mine as well. I only have a couple I have not had the opportunity (time and cartidges) to shoot yet. I also hunt with a couple of them. I hunted deer up to last Fall with a really nice 38-55 I recently parted with, and I hunt Moose with my Model 71 Deluxe. I buy these rifles b/c I admire the old world craftsmanship and pride that went into making / crafting these fine old rifles, and I really appreciate taking one into the field. There is no better feeling then carrying that old lever gun into the woods and trying to outsmart that big ol' buck or Moose. Like I said, I have evolved in my interests with this model the last couple years into higher condition / rare 1894s, but that doesn't stop me from using them as they were meant to be used, but also caretaking them for the next generation. That is fantastic that both you and your Dad shot your first deer with the same rifle. That is something to cherish. Like you said, Priceless.
Matt
Edit: I should make an amendment. In an earlier post, I mentioned purchasing two rifles that are already on the way. Bringing them up from the US. One of these two I won at the last James D Julia auction and it may indeed not get fired. We will see. If not, this will be a first for me, but it is a really special rifle. I will share photos when it arrives. It will be like Christmas.

 

[Mike Webb]

That is an awesome deluxe 94, Matt. Is that 2x or 3x wood or have you checked the inside tang? I wouldn't want to take a screwdriver to it at all. I think the OP'S gun while nice is a $1500 rifle. As stated it is a standard 94 rifle with the exception of the express rear sight. As well in the photos the receiver almost looks as if someone has rubbed a little cold blue on it or maybe it is the lighting. As far as the American antique designation that means absolutely nothing to me, value-wise. Although it adds value in the U.S.

 

[Matt74]

Hi Mike,
I was thinking more about the OPs gun last night and this morning, and I think around the $1500 mark is right too. That was around what I was thinking originally, but then bumped it up a bit given it is antique. But, like you echoed, that doesn't mean much up here, and to some in the US, it isn't meaning as much down there now either. I have seen this sentiment echoed on the WINCHESTER ARMS COLLECTORS ASSOCIATION (WACA) forum. Now, it it was a certifiable first year rifle, that would make a difference. After more though, I think $1500 ish is about right given the condition and year. I was thinking that if I were to buy it for example, what would I feel comfortable paying for it, and I kept coming back to around that amt. I guess that is a good indicator sometimes. BTW, good eyes. I never noticed the possible cold blue application.
Now, if you are talking about the 38-55 semi deluxe above with part octagon barrel, that is only extra finish or extra grain walnut. Winchester often upgraded TD rifles or rifles with a lot of special features with such wood. It is not 2X or 3X wood. Then I would be calling it a deluxe, not semi deluxe. Oh, there are no Xs on the tang either. And on a side note, not all deluxe wood is indicated on the lower left tang in this fashion, so don't rely soley on that as an indicator or originality. It is a nice gun. I will try to take a pic of it next to some of my others and post it. I always said it is the wood that makes the gun. And I always really liked deluxe wood, and by that I mean 2X and above. But, there is something about the bit plainer extra grain / extra fancy walnut that has a real nice look to it on these rifles. Can't pin point it.
Matt