Most valuable USFA

[Invinoveritas]

Now that they are out of the SA business, going forward what would be the most sought after USFA?

I have 7 or so models in including 2 , 20 th anniversary models , some one of a kind Olympic guns , some nice engraved models, but would be interested to hear from the experts , including Gary Grainger.

For me, I would love to have that Sears gun.

[Capt. John Fitzgerald]

Invino,
Even though it is made up of Italian parts, I also think that the first "Sears Gun" would be the ultimate.  It was USFA's first real "showcase" revolver.  
Among my collection of USFA's I have two that I consider collectable.  An 1851 Navy Richards Mason conversion and a 16" Buntline with shoulder stock and presentation case.  Both are marked "USFA" and I have been told that less than 35 of either model were ever produced.
CJF

[GaryG]

The most expensive gun for USFA to produce was the Sears.  This is based on USFA's cost for the engraving, gold work, and the grips.   USFA didn't get many requests for the Sears gun probably based on the cost.   Very few were made and this is probably the most valuable.

As you all know, USFA had a habit of making some really nice and unique products but only making a limited number.  The Capt has 2 of the very unique guns.
1.   Conversions were either built around Uberti or ASM part sets.   Again very few were made.
2.   The 16" Buntline with scabbard, stock and presentation case.  Interestingly, when I left, there were still some finished 16" Buntlines, cases and scabbards but no shoulder stocks.


USFA also made a 22 cal Bisley Target model with a 10" barrel.  Only one was made and it went a friend of the owners.  Colt wouldn't/couldn't make it so USFA did. 

I'm not a fan of nickel plate but the Cattlebrand gun in full nickel plate was awesome.   I believe they were Wyoming brands.  They were done by John Adams Jr.

[wileycoyote]

fun and insightful info, gary. thnx for sharing that.

[Major 2]

I have couple ...one is my 1860 Conversion it was shown at the Shot Show in 93 I'm told.
The PO did not fire it and it came to me by way of a Trade    it is my understanding there were less than 35 made, maybe as few a 15 of the 1860 conversion.

The other is a 45 cal. Store Keeper 3 1/2 " in polished nickel w/ ejector
I saw this by chance on Gunbroker , with 2 hours left .and a $550 opening bid..  and no bids.

I bid, knowing full well I be snipped. I was supprised when I won it !

Only  value is really to me..as I have shot both ...and enjoy them .

[Coffinmaker]

This isn't an answer to the OPs post.  Just me being Snarky.  I don't collect.  I was, in a former life, a master woodworker and cabinet maker.  I used primarily hand tools and worked with the methods of our ancestors.  It got to the point, at the antique tool and collectors shows, the exhibitors/vendors pulled the good stuff off the table as I walked up.  They knew I was going to buff off the patina, true up the tool and (gasp - choke) use it.
I see guns the same way.  Just tools/toys to be used.  Had I the "Sears" gun, I'd be shooting it at a CAS  match and looking for a second one to make up a pair.
I've a pair of Double Eagles that are real nice guns.  I've warn the blue off the front end of the Ejector, barrel, and cylinders (I added .45 ACP cylinders) and as soon as I get the firing pin bushings fixed, they go back inna holsters and Bang Bang Bang.
Tools and Toys.  Use em to make things, shoot em for fun.  Meant to be utilized for their design purpose.  Guess it's a good thing I don't collect.
Got a thing for conversions, love to have 2's 51 Richards.
Oh ..... The OP.  Don't have a clue.  I'm too bust trying to wear em out <};-)

Coffinmaker

[Buckaroo Lou]

I guess I am sort of like Coffinmaker. I would have a hard time not shooting a firearm I purchased. I am very particular about them though and take very good care of my firearms.

However, I am glad there are folks who like to collect. Folks who have the where with all to purchase a firearm put it away and keep it pristine so it can be admired at some future date. I thoroughly enjoy looking at old firearms that have been cared for and kept for being displayed and admired.   

[Major 2]

I agree with you both... I do have collected a few originals ...but Guns are for shooting ...

I'm really not into saving them for posterity, or so the next owner gets the pristine piece..

[Blair]

Just my opinion, the "Most valuable" will be the one you have not added to your collection yet.
Makes little difference whether you are solely a collector or a collector shooter. I do like collecting arms I can shoot without causing harm to their overall value.
But, there are other factors that should be considered in this equation as well.
I have had one gun, a Galand & Summerville, English made revolver, in .442 cal. This revolver was unfired, and I choose to keep it that way. (my choice only!) I did make up a 50 round box of ammo for this revolver, but, sold it with the revolver.
Another gun I have not fired is a MH revolver in .44 MH. Getting information on this caliber is the primary reason I have not shoot this gun yet.
Another is a "scoped" Model 1865 Maynard Sporting Rifle in .40-60 percussion Maynard. Again there is the difficulty in getting the cartridge cases. Along with all the other reloading goodies that were set up in a boxed Presentation Cased. I have four original cases that came with this set up. I offered one of these to a manufacturer of Maynard cases and never heard back from them.
My best,
 Blair

[Pettifogger]

I have a fully engraved Zip.  This one isn't called the "Sears," I think it is called the "Walmart."

[Capt. John Fitzgerald]

Good one, Pettifogger!

[Major 2]

I have a fully engraved Zip.  This one isn't called the "Sears," I think it is called the "Walmart."

Now that's funny ! 


Guns should be shot,  as Cars should be driven ....  I can understand the reason to own a Classic of, or collection of either
I just can't imagine , owning GT40 , Ferrari,  67 Mustang GT or any of the Classic Muscle cars of the era and not driving it.

A Shelby Cobra    I drove one once in 1967 , belonged to a High School shop teacher I had.
Mr. Weiss allowed me the thrill to wheel his then new 427 AC Cobra.

Joe Weiss was the COOLEST Instructor I ever had. After I graduated, I lost touch though,  never knew what happen to the Cobra.
It was his daily driver then...I'd have no clue to its value today   
 
Point is I can understand the reason to not shoot or drive , I just don't think I could not Shoot or drive 

I will not go into dating a Super Model,  and not... well you know !

Like I'd have chance at any of the above any more