Ole'1873, what's it worth?

[Jhauschild]

Hello folks. I'm new here... First post so please be excuse me if there is already an answer here to my question. Which is:
A friend of mine brought me a 1873, seems original, it doesn't work properly. I wouldn't shoot it. The only thing I see wrong is that the bolt doesn't retract after working the action. I'm thinking of buying it as it is. What would it roughly be worth? I can provide a photos and more info if need be.

[Pettifogger]

Absolutely 100% impossible to give a value with a vague description and no photos.  The value of antiques can vary tremendously with very minor variances in condition.  There are only a handful of parts in a 73.  If the bolt does not retract when the lever is operated there are missing parts.  Missing parts are expensive if you want to shoot it.  If you want a wall hanger it does not matter if it works.

[Slamfire]

 " I,VOTE ,,PICTURES" I never get tired of seeing ( looking,& lusting )pictures of older gun's.







 Thanks Hootmix.

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[Jhauschild]

Trying to post pics. Not getting anywhere. Errors and such.

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[Jhauschild]

[Pettifogger]

Pretty low resolution photos that when I zoom in on them they loose all detail and I can't mentally process upside down pictures.  Looks like a basic well worn grey gun.  Basically zero collector value.  Might be shootable depending on the bore condition.  We might be having a basic problem with terminology.  When I say the bolt does not retract I mean that when the lever is pushed down the bolt does not move in the action.  The bottom photo looks like the lever is up but the firing pin is to the rear.  Is the entire firing pin and bolt mechanism to the rear?  In other words is it free floating?  Or is only the firing pin to the rear?  If it is just the firing pin to the rear it could be something as simple as the firing pin retractor is missing.  If the entire bolt mechanism is free floating it could mean the links are missing.  You see these in this condition for $800.00 and they will sit a long time if they ever sell.  Nice for an expensive wall hanger but not nice enough to be collectible.

[Jhauschild]

I can get better res. pics. Had issues with getting the pictures uploaded. Figured it out though. The firing pin is the portion that is staying out.
I plan on buying this as a wall hanger. The guy I'm buying it from wants me to make an offer. I don't want to screw him over or myself for that matter.

[Pettifogger]

If it is only the firing pin then the firing pin extension is missing.  One of the cheaper parts to replace.  If it is just a wall hanger all you have to do is push the firing pin in with your finger until it seats in the bolt.  With the hammer down it will look just fine.  I would offer 500 to $600 max for a wall hanger.

[Jhauschild]

In light of what it may be worth, anyone interested? I'm taking it back to the owner tomorrow. I told him what it's worth and I can't spend that much for a wall hanger right now.

[wildman1]

If possible take off the side plates (carefully) and see if it has links etc. Looks to me as if there is tape on the bottom of the carrier holding it in. wM1