Helping out friend whose husband died a few year ago. She has four Winchester Commemoratives. Three are NIB and one is used. Can't post pics at this time - sorry.
They are:
1. Apache Model 94 (30-30). Issued in 1974. BBOGV value is $995 for 100%. ADDED:Unfortunately, the Apache was stored in a rifle box (not nicely/securely) with the NRA Centennial. The two rifles bumped against each other and the stock has several dings. Would require some re-finish work. No box or other papers included but the rifle has not been fired. Barrel is just over 19”.
2. Cheyenne Model 94 (44-40). Issued in 1977. BBOGV value is $995 for 100%. ADDED:The Cheyenne has been stored in original styrofoam container and is beautiful. Not a mark on it. There is a manual but not sure if 100% complete documentation. The outer cardboard slider is a beat up as can be seen in the pics. Barrel is just over 19”.
3. Cherokee Model 94 (30-30). Issued in 1978. BBOGV value is $995 for 100%. ADDED:The Cherokee has also been stored in original styrofoam container and is beautiful. Not a mark on it. There is a manual but not sure if 100% complete documentation. The outer cardboard slider is a beat up as can be seen in the pics. Barrel is just over 19”
4. NRA Centennial 1871-1971 (30-30). Issued in 1971. BBOGV is $695 for 100% but this has been fired/used and in good condition. ADDED:As noted above, the NRA Centennial was stored in a rifle box (not nicely/securely) with the Apache. The two rifles bumped against each other and the stock has several dings. Would require some re-finish work. No box or other papers included. The rifle has been fired but is in decent condition. “If” I were a lever action rifle guy this is the only piece I would want as it looks more like a shooter (IMHO). Barrel is just over 23”.
I will meet with her tomorrow or Saturday to see what documentation she has for each rifle (orig box, manual, etc).

So questions are:
1. Is there a current market for these? She has been offered $1000 for all four rifles. Seems way too low, and I suggested for her to wait until I can get more information.
2. If yes on a market, any suggestion on how/where to sell for best possible value?
I did leave a msg on the Winchester Collector Forum but have not received a reply. Thanks in advance for any input/advice.
Bob

Attached Files

	ApachePics.pdf (590.6 KB, 23 views)
	CheyennePics.pdf (1.70 MB, 11 views)
	CherokeePics.pdf (1.25 MB, 12 views)
	NRAPics.pdf (912.4 KB, 15 views)

Agree $1000 is way too low but as a general rule these commemorative models don't bring a great deal of money on the market. Some are worth more than others but seems Winchester made too many in general. Plus the fact they are based on the period incorrect 1894 instead of the 1873-1876 models which would have been correct. Friend bought a Oliver Winchester one in 38-55 for around $650 back in 1980. Doubt it would fetch that much now. Just my opinion.

The $1K lowball offer is insulting, given the condition of those Commemoratives . While some Commemoratives are too nice for practical carry, I have a used .30-30 1967 Canadian Centennial long rifle with octagonal barrel I bought at a gun show for $600 a few years back. It was in about 90% condition, and unless the market has fallen significantly, I would expect the four should be worth at least twice what she has been offered. You don't mention barrel lengths, but I know that 16-inch short barrel Trapper models are popular with Winchester fans such as myself.

PM sent.

I like the Winchester Commemoratives. They are nice Rifles and
come in different Cartridges (38-55, 44-40).

Reading your post, I'm thinking $3200 to $3500 for the 4 Rifles.
If the Boxes/Papers are excellent will bring a little bit more. A lot
of times I've seen Boxes in really Bad shape.

I'm basing that on; from time to time my Favorite Local Gun
Store gets Commemoratives. Like John Wayne or Crazy Horse
brings big money. One needs to remember the Commemoratives
were made by the Thousands.

Wall Drug, SD has a big collection hanging up on the Resturant
Area walls.

The Best to you and your Endeavors.

Attached Images

DSCF0258.jpg (127.0 KB, 34 views)

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SD social distanc'n since 1889

Winchester Commemorative 94’s are a bit like Hummel figurines: Many “serious” gun people, including Winchester enthusiasts, have little use for them, viewing them as cheesy overdone trinkets, but if you find somebody who likes them, they REALLY do.

While the blue book value is overly optimistic, the lowball offer should be ignored. I would hope the lady has some time, because the best price may mean waiting a bit for the right collector, and resisting the temptation to grab what’s on the table. Online auctions might be the way to go.

Winchester commemoratives are everywhere. Too many were made and you could even buy them at big box stores... IF they are unfired, complete with box and paperwork you may get $500 each on a good day. IF they have any wear, been fired, boxes trashed, etc then the price drops like a rock. We all want the best when helping friends in this situation but the facts do not change.

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S&W factory revolver armorer

I agree with the above posts. I will add that in addition to a box, these came with colorful outer sleeves. The packaging needs to be pristine for these to bring top prices. I’d the unfired guns are truly like new and everything’s there, $2300 is probably fair for the lot.

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"I also cook."

The Winchester 1871 - 1971 commemoratives came in two styles.

The first was an imitation of the graceful Model 64 Winchester, which had a pistol grip, a curved lever, a longer barrel and a shortened underbarrel magazine. The second style was the "musket" which had a full-length stock similar to the early falling block "Winder" .22 target guns.

I bought the Model 64 style, but soon regretted it. It used the cheaper post-1964 parts and the fitting and polishing were not exactly good. I soon got rid of it, and finally found a 1930s Model 64 that was incredibly nicer.

The muskets never did have a following, and will bring less than the Model 64 imitations on the market.

John

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- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

The used one generally won't bring anymore than a standard used non commemorate. I agree with the other that the Blue Book is too high, but $1,000 is way to low. An auction would be the best way to sell these.

The last gunshow I went to around here( been awhile ) a vendor had a few 94 Commemoratives. Had three Canadian sometings and marked them down to $300 each Sunday after lunch and still couldn't sell them. Had a John Wayne @ $400 and took it home. The 94 Commemoratives around here seem to be a bust.

As others have said $1000 is an insult . If these were plain post 64 Winchester 94's I would think $400-500 each for the 30-30 ones. The 44-40 would bring a bit more because of the caliber so maybe $500-700 for that one. As others have ssid them being commemoratives really doesn't help much I would think they should bring $1700-2200. Any good 1970's Winchester 94 30-30 even if it has been hunted with should be worth at a minimum $350 the 44-40 probably double that..

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Randy

Thanks for all the input. I will see the rifles tomorrow and whatever else she has to go along with them. And, I will post a few pics tomorrow.

The Cheyenne Model 94 (44-40) seem to sell at around $700+ if in perfect condition and with all the paper & box in same condition.
Sometimes more if auction fever sets in.

The caliber and the tang sight draw attention. Something different from the others.

A dealer or gun flipper would offer something around $300. ($1000 for a 'package deal')
That doesn't make it or them worth that.
It only shows he/she wants to make a profit and thinks they can get about double their investment. That's the usual mark-up on used guns,,or more, in a shop.

I recently assisted a local museum with preparing for exhibit a collection of Winchester firearms that had been donated with the condition that they remain on permanent display. A dozen of the 32 were Commemoratives. I was somewhat surprised at the variation in quality. Some had outstanding wood and excellent metal finish. Others, not so much. So I think not all commemoratives are created equal.

I agree with other posters that often standare factory examples sell for more than the commemoratives unless as noted the commemoratives are unfired and in the original packaging with the box sleeve and paperwork. Some came with commemorative ammunition, which would add to value if present.

I'm not familiar with the four examples listed, so cannot comment on value.

Last few big on site auctions I have been to, unless a bidding war breaks out, average $500-$600 unfired, $350-$450 if without boxes, fired, etc. Buffalo Bill I have bought at Zayre in late ‘60’s for $75...

If they had been made on the 1873 Model Winchester I would have grabbed one in a heartbeat! Too bad they quit that model back in 1919. Right now hankering for a 1873 Miroku or Uberti.

When you hear that something enjoys limited production, it means that they will make as many guns, widgets, or sprunions to fill all the initial orders. In effect, they satisfy the demand for whoever wants the particular item, insuring that the supply equals the demand. There's really little or no room for demand-fed price appreciation.

I learned with the S&W commemoratives for various police departments that the guns were not in demand. I was happy to sell mine (IRS:CID) for what I paid for it.

I think you guys are a little behind in your pricing. A standard 94 in .30-30 used in good shape sells for around $500-600 these days.
But you are correct that commemoratives often sell for no more and sometimes less than standard models. I've known people to buy a commemorative as an everyday shooter because they could get it for less than a standard model.
Being that these rifles are in NIB condition, I'd think the .30-30s should sell at about $600 each and the .44-40 in the $750-800 range.

I was going to throw out $2000 for the group. But you gotta find someone that sees the value in commemoratives.

Anther thing to consider, no one on this forum has made an offer but many have said the one and currently only offer is too low. Iy may be or it may not be. Whoever is buying them is apparently willing to pay that amount. We don’t know if that is an individual, a shop or whoever. Blue book is a waste of time and money. To find what they have sold for recently go to the completed auction section of your favorite auction site. There is a good basis for a price.

Kevin

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Unshared knowledge is wasted.

Back in the day Winchester made commemorative rifles for everything from dog's howling to Monday morning pancakes. Most were made in the cheap parts post 64 era. Most won't bring as much as a good blue hunting rifle from the same era. There is no market for them now. I'd pass.

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S&W Accumulator

I took a quick look at gunbroker completed auctions and it would seem that the Native American commemoratives are selling for $800-$1400 each when the original box is included. She might be able to get a decent amount of money out of them if sold through the right avenues.

Suggest the first thing she do, perhaps with your assistance, is list them on your state's Armslist with reasonable asking prices. Be surprising if they didn't generate some buyers. Leverguns remain very popular with many.

Heck, with everyone throwing suggestions out there, let me
throw this out there; Look Wall Drug South Dakota up on the
Internet, and just give the owner a call.

They may be interested. Like I said above he has his
Commemoratives on display. They also have tons of Native
American and Cowboy Guns, Pictures, and Sculptors on Display.

The Best to you and your Endeavors.

Attached Images

DSCF0256.jpg (184.8 KB, 26 views)

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SD social distanc'n since 1889

Few people are buying lever rifles like they did 30 years ago... Ive tried selling Older Winchester and Commemorative Rifles and the Market is soft...that said Your NRA rifle NIB is like 900.00 in my world...I have 2 that are Musket versions NIB. 1000.00 Is a Fair Price if they are using Per 1964 Silver Money.... there are some discusting people out there.

Her best bet may be to take them to a good auction house.
I see quite a few commemorates sell at auction and as said, condition of both gun and boxes is everything. Just before the storm broke I saw several LNIB 30-30 models sell for around $650 -750. Those chambered in odd calibers bring more. That 44-40 rifle could bring upwards to $800 at a well advertised auction. So figure on deducting, say 25% for house fees, your friend could receive between $2000 to $2300, if all guns have boxes, paperwork and etc.
If she decides to sell them herself, she should accept no less than $500 each for the 30-30s and $750 for the 44-40.

John

The NRA musket is one of my all time favorites

Agree with what has been said here. The guns themselves could be excellent/unfired but if the boxes are beat up with little to no paperwork they won't bring as much. Sorry to say it but excellent boxes and paperwork WILL bring a higher price tag, or auction price tag...

I had one. Gorgeous rifle but it was soooooo long I couldn't keep it still at the shoulder from a standing position but then I'm a short guy so maybe that was my personal problem. I really liked my Legendary Frontiersman in .38-55; very pretty and fun to bring to cowboy action matches.

I've had a number of Winchester commemorative rifles, and just classic, pre-USRAC 94s in various calibers. They don't demand the attention that one would think because they're not particularly desirable except, MAYBE, for serious collectors with incomplete collections. Otherwise, for most folks, they're just shooters. I sold all of mine for less than 500 dollars each and kept only three. Details another time.

$250 each is a little insulting, I agree. $2000 for the four is definitely reasonable. I wouldn't expect her to get much more than that. But in tip top condition, unfired, that's a possible number.

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Come and take it!!

I bought a new Winchester Legendary Lawmen carbine back in 1977 for (IIRC) $375. (I was in college at the time so I put it on layaway.) It’s the only Winchester commemorative I’ve ever purchased and I bought it because I was in LE. It was put together right and I’ve never fired it. I still have the sleeve it came in too. Not interested in selling.

Not a good investment though, $375 in 1977 dollars is worth about $1,650 today (but I don’t buy firearms for investments, I buy them to enjoy).

As has been mentioned previously, the NRA Centennial Muskets seem to go for less than the NRA Centennial Rifles. I bought a used (about 97%, no box or papers) Centennial Musket at a local show last year for $400. There was also a new-in-the-box Musket with an asking price of $800 that didn't sell while I was there. The box for the new Musket was rather beat-up; it looked like it had been to a lot of gun shows.

UPDATED - edits in original post. Pics and more detail on each rifle. I thank you all for comments to this thread.

Thank you for the Pictures. The Boxes are what I suspected,
I never seen a good box (even in the late '70s my Dad showed
me a Collection once, same thing).

The Rifles are Excellent. Yea, well the two bumped together,
so what, just a little touch up, their good.

Now seeing more of what's going on, maybe in the $1900-$2000
range with the Right Buyers.

Thanks again.

Attached Images

USFAFlatTop44Spl.jpg (3.5 KB, 55 views)

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SD social distanc'n since 1889