How much are antique 73s really worth?

[jimbobborg]

A local guy is selling his 73 in 32-20 for $2795.  Is that out of line?  http://www.vaguntrader.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/Number/720962/gonew/1#UNREAD

[dusty texian]

Howdy jimbobborg. Looking at the pic;s of that 73 ,my opinion would say that is a bit high on price. The checkering that someone has added takes away from the value of the rifle . The 28" barrel is special order, and would normally bring more money . Cant tell from the pic. if the magazine was cutdown or a  factory half mag. A cut down would bring down the price also, and a factory half mag. brings more in most cases. The .32wcf while a fine cartridge ,in a 73 usually bring,s a little less than say a 44-40 or 38-40.It comes down to what is it worth to the buyer. Personaly I think you could find a 1873 in better condition for the asking price on this one. I am by no means downing the little rifle it could have a home with me ,but not for that ammount.Just my two cents . And worth every cent.,,,,,Dusty

[Cliff Fendley]

+1 on everything Dusty said.

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[Trailrider]

I'm no expert, but the way antique prices keep climbing, in spite of the economy, with the extra-long barrel, it might be a tad high. You know the old definition of "what it's worth": What a buyer and seller will agree to in an arm's length transaction. I'm not trying to be a smart donkey. Put in a bid at whatever you think you want to pay, or maybe slightly lower to give you negotiating room, and see what happens.

[jimbobborg]

I'm just seeing if he's way off base on this price.  Most of the 73s I've seen locally are under $2000.

[ndnchf]

I agree with Dusty Texian's assessment.  Its not hard to find a better rifle for less money if you look around.  I've got no dog in this, but here's an example of a pretty nice .32 WCF model 1873 for what I'd consider a much more reasonable price.  Its the 15th rifle down on this list.

http://www.fulmersantiqueguns.com/listing.asp

[Shotgun Franklin]

It always depends on the caliber, custom features, condition, date it was made and who owned it.

[KirkD]

I agree with Dusty Texian as well. Price is about $1,000 too high and the non-factory checkering is unfortunate. Keep searching for an honest '73, or see if the fellow will come down about $1,200.

[griswold]

Prices have sure changed.........I remember back in 1979 I was wandering around a gun store in west Fort Worth, (not sure it is there now) and stumbled across a 1873 in 32-20.....weapon was almost silver in color, no bluing or case harding color at all.......dust cover was missing, everything else worked and in place..........Price $100.00........and I didn't by it cause I wanted a 44-40..........

Some one shoot me...........ahhhhhh.

[jimbobborg]

Prices have sure changed.........I remember back in 1979 I was wandering around a gun store in west Fort Worth, (not sure it is there now) and stumbled across a 1873 in 32-20.....weapon was almost silver in color, no bluing or case harding color at all.......dust cover was missing, everything else worked and in place..........Price $100.00........and I didn't by it cause I wanted a 44-40..........

Some one shoot me...........ahhhhhh.

1990, I found a Colt SAA in .45 Colt, made in 1918, all original, $400.  No, I didn't buy it