Estimated Value

[live_to_ride]

I have a loaded question... no pun. What is the estimated value of a Springfield 1873 with bayonet. Its in good condition, but I dont know the year it was made.

[Mssr. Eleganté]

Somewhere between $450 and $35,000.

[xenophobe]

Somewhere between $450 and $35,000.

Without a lot more information, I would concur.

[live_to_ride]

A little more info...

Thats quite the spread. Here is a little more info.

The serial number is 56524. In front of the trap on the left hand side has NJ stamped into it. Model 1873 is engraved on top of the trap. US is stamped on the end of the stock. The wood is in good condition, but needs to be refinished. Has the bayonet, and original cleaning rod.

[Pthfndr]

The wood is in good condition, but needs to be refinished.

WARNING WILL ROBINSON! DO NOT REFINISH IT UNTIL YOU HAVE HAD IT PROFESSIONALLY APPRAISED!

If you do, you could make it worth only $450 - or less.

[xenophobe]

DO NOT REFINISH IT. DO NOT CLEAN IT. DO NOT TAKE A SINGLE CHEMICAL OR ABRASIVE TO IT. LEAVE IT EXACTLY THE WAY IT IS.

A few minutes can take thousands of dollars of value away from the firearm.

That picture does little. I still cannot say how much it is worth, but the stock in original unrefinished condition, and the metal, even if it is rusty, is worth more untouched. By anywhere to 2-10 times the value if you were to clean it and refinish it.

[metalhead357]

I woulda said exactly what Xeno~ has said. If you're selling it- DONT TOUCH IT!

Now if you're going to restore it....go get a couple of reputible names to choose from before proceeding on with any of them...............

[Fate]

Needs some camo paint and a scope.

[Blue]

Find that thing in the attic?

[tankerman]

Many folks claim to be appraisers, to not trust them unless you know for a fact that they deal in old Springfield's(you still should be worried if they offer to by the rifle). If you live in Socal you can try little John's Auctions, Little John has sold many of these at auction and should be able to give you a good ball park figure, but it is your responsibilty to research the rifle and get a good idea of what you have for insurance purposes or in the case of selling, so that you do not get taken advantage of by the sharks.

[Ford8N]

DO NOT REFINISH IT. DO NOT CLEAN IT. DO NOT TAKE A SINGLE CHEMICAL OR ABRASIVE TO IT. LEAVE IT EXACTLY THE WAY IT IS.

A few minutes can take thousands of dollars of value away from the firearm.

That picture does little. I still cannot say how much it is worth, but the stock in original unrefinished condition, and the metal, even if it is rusty, is worth more untouched. By anywhere to 2-10 times the value if you were to clean it and refinish it.

+1!

It would be like drilling a hole in the bridge of a pre64 winchester model 70 for a scope. That is a $500 hole.

[-hanko]

Call Butterfields in SF.

-hanko

[live_to_ride]

No Sanding... got it.

The gun is actually the proud possesion of my father-in-law... which was the possesion of his father... which is where the story ends. We have no idea how he came to own the gun. It spent many many years, and continues to this day, hung on a nail in the basement. So I was curious what the markings can tell us. What year was this gun made? Does NJ refer to someones initials or New Jersey or what? He is interested in having the gun restored.

[ivanimal]

Restoration usually equals destroying. Keep it pure. Take it to an expert, dont let any-one person have the final say as to its value, seek the advice of many.

[jdberger]

Ivan is correct, restoration usually destroys the value. HOWEVER, a professional restorer like Doug Turnbull could make the gun more valuable. The shop over there is pretty amenable to questions. Send them an email with some pictures.

For valuation, you might want to try calling one of the better known firearms auction houses like Butterfield & Butterfield. They have offices in San Francisco and LA.