Value on these are all over the place but condition rules. Civil War era pieces tend to bring a little more. Provenance to an individual will also add a premium. Cased pieces also drive the value up. Cases themselves frequently sell in the $2,000 range. An average condition Model 2 sold for $14K+ at recent auction because of the provenance to a certain Civil War veteran. Poor condition pieces with no provenance are regularly bid in the $500 - $750 range and higher. I paid a slight premium for the one pictured simply because of the early serial number.

All of the above said, if my grandfather had left me a Model 2, in my eyes, it would be priceless. I would enjoy it for my lifetime and let my heirs worry about what to do with it.

As far as care and storage. Keep it oiled and dry. Moisture and extreme temp variations are antiques enemy.

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Pace