1884 Top Lever Grade II

[6pt-Sika]

Originally Posted by Bruce P Bruner

How soft is that spot for $2800? Objectively, a candidate for restoration is X amount of value, plus the cost of the restoration. If the restoration is accurate and correct it can be rewarding, even if you never recoup the cost as long as you are happy with the result. It's beyond annoying when the sales people say "it's original" when asked, though considering the source it's not surprising at all.
I'm just like everyone else, a good price equals value. How can you justify value on a gun such as this one? Beauty and value is in the eye of the beholder. I always strive to be able to recoup my firearms investments, even if close I'm okay with it. I'm won't live long enough to "come out" on mistake guns, I'm not in business anyway. Collecting shooting arms shouldn't give me such a headache. Sorry for the rant, I'm a bit frustrated.

I payed a couple hundred less for a Grade 0 top lever 10 at Sanford in April , that I didn’t need but John the used gun salesman caught me at a weak moment and condition on this one is original but the colors are not quite as vibrant as yours . I bought a Grade 2 top lever 10 at Hausemanns in June that’s been restocked and changed to straight grip as well as a set of Belgium made fluid steel 3 1/2” barrels with Briley screw ins added as well as the original damascus barrels , I paid a good bit more for that over your cost . Now on the other hand I have a pair of Grade 2 top lever 10’s I’ve had for a few years , one is 3 frame 32” and the other is a 2 frame 30” . They’re both in very decent shape but the colors are faded a lot but they’re not beat to heck and I’m a bit under your cost for the total of cost of the pair . Another thing to consider now is the state of affairs in loading components for the 10 gauge if the Remington and Gualandi wads remain unavailable the easiest option of using the old style fiber wads isn’t very appealing to me and I think a bit more trouble , so that could reflect into the value .

[Hammer Gun]

You got a 138 year old that anyone would love to own! Gary

[Bruce P Bruner]

Viewed the gun in hand.
Barrels were extremely well done, 2 7/8” stepped chambers, shiny bores.
Measured the chokes, the same, almost Improved Cylinder.
The frame and hammers were very nice.
The stock finish and borderless checkering weren’t up to par.
It is currently available at the Thornton store.
I’m relieved, better luck next time.

[mobirdhunter]

I’d sure wake up early for that nice gun!