If one were to get into one's head to buy a C grade, what ought one's budget be?

[Bill Murphy]

My first C was $700. The owner, a Virginia gun dealer, thought it was a Trojan.

[Dean Romig]

Ain't ignorance blissful?

[Craig Larter]

I bought my CHE Bernard for $2200. about three years ago and it got me started on a Parker ADDICTION! I feel very fortunate to have a CHE. Came from a small western NY auction.

[B. Dudley]

Now that was a buy Craig!

[Hammer Gun]

C grade hammer guns are few and far between, and like Dean says if you see one for sale you better buy it if you are interested in hammer C grades with Bernard Barrels, My C grade top lever has 32" bernards,the gun is in original condition, and it cost accordingly, Gary

[Craig Larter]

Just from my observations (12ga guns only) a 30% to 50% case color DH with damascus barrels is about a $3750. gun. A CHE in equal original condition from the same era is a $5500. plus gun. I wouldn't sell mine for less than $5K (it's not for sale) it is very nice original condition but only about 20% case color. I think Bernard barrels add lots of appeal and $'s.

[Fishtail]

I tend to disagree in that it seems I am constantly seeing C's for sale, for what is said to be a low production gun. What is interesting is that there are relatively few Trojans and V grades for sale given the numbers that were built. I'm sure it has to with the fact that most C's were taken care of far better than most V's.

Sometimes it seems like of the 5500C's that were produced, only 7000 remain.

[C grade]

I have collected CH/CHE's for over 10 years and decent , all original guns are hard to find. Yes, you can ocasionaly find a steal but one with 50% + CC, not abused, original wood an barrels is going to cost. Really nice restored C grade hammer 12ga Bernard was just offered by a member for $15,000. I have a nice CHE 12 live bird gun I was very happy to get for $11,800. I have three in the next Julia auction for 20,000+ each. JMHO
David

[King Cobb]

Just realized I put c grade in the title. I would be looking for a hammer less gun not a hammer gun.

[Chris T.]

Originally Posted by Dean Romig

There are a few hammerless C's on Internet sites right now and they've all been there for quite a while, so apparently folks don't like them for one reason or another.

My advice to those looking for a C.... It you are holding out and looking for a lifter or top-action C-grade hammer gun, you may never get one. If you see one and you like it... it may be your only chance for years to come.

I think the reason they are slow to sell is the same reason there weren't a lot of them made, you can buy a much nicer (higher condition) DHE for a lot less money. Yes there are always exceptions, but in the eyes of many they are a little more gun for a lot more money. Different story if your a collector looking to complete a set.

Dean's Yoda like advice is the voice of an experienced collector, if you find what you want....buy it! You could wait a long time for another one to hit the market. It's only money