While a nice, common 1873 can be had for between $1,500 and $5,000, an engraved, well-documented “One of One Thousand” sold for a whopping $448,500 at a Rock Island Auction about 15 years ago. Adding one of the very few “One of One Thousand” embellished ones could be a wonderful centerpiece of a collection. A wonderful collection could be amassed with no two exactly alike. The great beauty of the Model 1873 is the wide range of special-order features Winchester cheerfully offered. The Model 1873 has become one of the highly collectible Winchesters. This one sold for $448,500 and has many special order options. When authenticity is undeniable, prices can go through the roof. Winchester Model 1873 Winchester 1873: The “One of One Thousand” Winchester has long been a holy grail with collectors. If that seems a little low for the quality, one of the finest known 1866s engraved, signed by John Ulrich and gold plated sold for $598,000 at a Morphy Auction in 2018. The one pictured sold for $100,000 at a 2019 Morphy Auction, and it’s engraved with an Indian hunting buffalo and is gold plated. While plain, late, well-used 1866 rifles may sell in $3,000 to $6,000 range, and were often used by Indians as well. The “Improved Henry” Model of 1866 was made alongside the 1873 into the 1880s. Many in that price range have replaced parts due to their long working lives, and ones in exceptional condition are very, very rare. Civilian Henry rifles, many of which saw hard use on the American frontier, normally sell in $16,000 range on up, with War-era ones about 25 percent more if conditions are similar. Such rifles were used heavily in their time and the survivors in even relic condition are now highly prized. It was the gun they said was “loaded on Sunday and shot all week.” The Civil War-era Henry ushered in the repeating rifle era in a big way. Of all the Winchesters, the first one-the Henry-“Saw the elephant.” Few have solid documentation, but the romance enhances their value. It appears to have gone for the bargain price of $66,000. This one was silver plated and stocked in rosewood with much of its original finish intact. Bottom, Highly embellished Henry rifles are very rare. The Henry Top, This Civil War-era Henry sold in 2020 for $19,200. Too little preservative can allow rust as well, and too much preservative can cause wood to soften and discolor. For example, case hardening fades in sunlight, and fingerprints can cause rust to form if not carefully wiped away. ![]() Be aware value can become diminished if meticulous storage conditions aren’t met. The price for ones that were refinished or highly finished away from the factory should be commensurately lower in price and won’t appreciate as quickly as one authenticated by the factory or with solid provenance.Ĭaveat emptor-buyer beware-must always be on your mind, especially with arms having 95 percent or more finish. Responsible sellers will stand behind them. The highest return on an investment occurs only on original arms. ![]() Few, though, cause the stampede the Big Red W does with collectors, so if value/appreciation is your primary concern, choose Winchester. Many times they’re priced less than a Winchester in similar condition. Most are far more scarce than Winchesters, and ones designed by Andrew Burgess-a Civil War photographer who became one of America’s most prolific arms designer-are, in my opinion, more intriguing mechanically. Such provenance adds to their appreciation values.īefore we go any further, let’s add that there are many other very collectible, high-quality lever actions made by Colt, Marlin, Savage and Eli Whitney. Winchesters are very popular with collectors because many can be documented by original factory records, unlike so many other makers. Which Winchester is where things get a bit fuzzy, but if growth in value is all you’re considering, then stick with 19th to mid 20th century Winchesters-with condition, condition, condition all that matters. The most collectible lever-action rifle is a Winchester.
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