What is worth of my antique rifle?

Question

I have an 1889 38-40 Marlin Safety Octagon Barrel Lever Action, Side Ejecting rifle. It is in good condition and fully functional.I also have rounds for same. It shoot like a beauty. Does anyone know what I could sell it for? Please state your reference for answer. thank you

Answer 1

Take it to a gun show. A don't shoot it often. Guard it with your life. You have a prize. At the shows experienced collectors and dealers are there and can help you appraise it.

Answer 2

You cannot determine it's value without knowing more about it's condition. The % of remaining blueing, condition of the wood and rifleing, and tightness of the action can all determine this. Does it have a 16-20" carbine barrel, a 24-28" rifle barrel, or the very rare 30" musket barrel?

The 2007 Blue Book of Gun Values has this as ranging from a 95% remaining finish for $1,100 + 25% for a carbine to $200 for a 10% rifle. The muskets are worth a lot more.

Send me more information and I'll give you a more accurate estimate.

You might get the most from an eager collector. Someone who is interested in it only for hunting is unlikely to pay as much.

You could get lucky in a big gun auction and get even more. See if Butterfield's has one coming up.

Consider consignment at a store but don't pay over 15%.

Take a look at gunbroker.com and auctionarms.com. I think that gunbroker extends the auction by 15 minutes every time there is another bid. It's a very good seller site but not so great for buyers unless you have a lot of time.

Be sure you pay attention to all pertinent laws. You can sell it but it will require licensed dealer to dealer transfer if you sell it out-of-state, or if your state does not permit direct transfer between private parties or has a waiting period for long-guns..

Answer 3

Sorry, don't know but you could call an antique dealer who sells guns. there may be books at the library/book store for reference prices, most collectables like that have a catalog somewhere.
condition is everything so make sure you keep the gun well maintained and any wood treated, stored and protected from any humidity

Answer 4

I woul spend the money and get a kelly blue book for guns, yup there is a blue blook for everything, don't let someone screw you out of it for $50 because it's old and not new.

Answer 5

You should take the gun to a sporting goods store and talk to some one who is experienced in this sort of thing , but go to a few of them .

Answer 6

You have to get it to an antique shop to get it appraised. It is impossible to place a price on it without seeing it.

Answer 7

you need to have a gun dealer grade it and then look up the price

Answer 8

gunbroker.com, auctionarms.com, gunsamerica.com, american-firearms.com............ >Check these sites for value & prices of your rifle.*