old guns

Question
Hi there. My Uncle Bob has 4 old Winchesters that he would like to know a little more about.The guns were pasted down to him from his Grandpa. He doesn't have Internet and i would like to help him out.
1. Winchester model 94 ser. # 1064863 this one has the octagon barrel with 3/4 buckhorn sights.
2. Winchester model 61 22 SLORLR ser# 214061 & 214051.
3. Winchester model 12 12Ga. pull ser.# 561484.

If you can help me with this i would greatly appreciate it.
Thank you very much.  
 Norman Martin
 Keyes Ca.

Answer
Norman,

Uncle Bob has some pretty nice old guns.

The Winchester Model 94 was built in 1928.  You did not tell me what caliber.  This rifle was one of the most popular ones that Winchester made.  Over 5 million of these rifles were manufactured between 1894 and 2006 when they ceased production.  The age of this gun makes it pretty valuable.  Most typically, these guns were either .30-.30 caliber or .32 Spl.  IF your gun is of a different caliber, it is more rare.  You also did not indicate if there was any engraving or detailed work on the stock.  Some deluxe versions were quite nice.

Overall value of this gun in 95% condition would be about $2500.  At 90% it would drop to around $2000 and at 80%, maybe $1750.  Since I have not seen the gun or even photos, I can't begin to determine what condition it might be in.  Add about 25% to the prices above if it is a caliber other than .30-.30 or .32 Spl.

Regarding the Model 12, looks like it was manufactured around the same time.  The serial number dates it a 1928 as well.  The 12 gauge version is the least valuable of all the calibers.  The guns manufactured after 1927 were chambered for either a 2 3/4" or 3" chamber.  2 3/4" was standard.  Most were six shot, hammerless and would have either a plain or pistol grip type stock.  This manufacture of this model started in 1912 and ended in approximately 1976.  In 95% condition, it would have an approximate value of $400.  At 90%, $350.  At 80%, $300.  Again, since I can't examine the gun I can't say anything definitive about its value or condition.

Finally, the two Model 61s you reference were both manufactured in 1954.  These were hammerless, slide action rifles with tubular magazines.  They could shoot .22 short, .22 long or .22 long rifle.  Most had a 24 inch round or octagonal barrel with plain sights and stock.  These were manufactured in the period between 1932 and 1963.  In 95% condition these are worth about $725.  In 90%, $550 and in 80% $475.

I'd say that Uncle Bob has some pretty nice guns.  They are all fairly collectable and should increase in value.  I would not suggest any 'modification or restoration' as that actually reduces the value to some collectors.

Hope this helps you out...

Doug Little