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My Dad just bought one of these in a local gunshop.

We found out later that the guy bought it from this gunbroker auction for less than he paid, but I am not sure the market on these, so just because the seller got it for a steal I wanted to see if anyone knows what these are worth.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewIt ... =330333858" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

That is the exact rifle! Minor pitting, wear, but includes the rear tang sight (not sure if this is original).

From my limited knowledge about these and some research, it seems the serial number indicated it was built in 1927 and a very early production rifle.

If anyone knows about these, I would appreciate it, as my Dad is all upset that he thinks he was ripped off, but I told him it seems to be a rare piece and could be a good investment.

Any information would be helpful.

Thanks

bump*

I found it on http://www.homesteadfirearms.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; , they will appraise it for you. you just have to put your gun info in like like condition and they do charge like 9.99 for it. the one in the GB picture is the take down model, here is what they had on it. hope this helps


A Brief History of Winchester Rifles and the Model 55

Winchester Rifles and Shotguns was established by Oliver F. Winchester on February 20, 1866. The first model produced under his name was the Model 1866 lever-action rifle .44 caliber rimfire. There had been earlier rifles using lever action including the Rocket Ball and Volition Repeater in 1848, Jennings Rifle (patent 1851), Smith and Wesson pistol, and Volcanic Repeating Arms (New Haven Arms Company and Henry Rifles). When the design was improved by B. Henry Tyler (shop foreman at the New Haven Arms Company), the .44 caliber metallic rimfire cartridge became powerful enough to compete with the single shot rifles of the day. Winchester Repeating Arms Company established itself as one of the world's leading firearms manufacturers of the world, and the subsequent rifles produced by Winchester are highly prized today by collectors.

About Model 55 Winchester Rifles - In 1924, Winchester introduced the Model 55 lever-action rifle as a simplified version of the 1894 Winchester. The Model 55 was available in 30 WCF (30-30), 32 WS and 25-35 calibers. This rifle could be ordered only with a round 24 inch barrel, the forearm smooth, a plain walnut straight-grip stock, and shotgun butt. The frame and barrel were blued and had either a solid or takedown feature.

The Model 55 was manufactured through 1932 with approximately 21,000 guns produced during the 8-year production period. The Model 55 was discontinued because it could just not compete in sales with the 1894 Winchester.

Click Here to see a Chronological History of Winchester Firearms

Appraisals
To determine the value of your firearm, you must first analyze it carefully. There are two distinct 55 models, and then caliber variations, and they all vary somewhat in value. In appraising your rifle, you must initially determine if you have the 24 inch inch solid model, or the take-down version. After selecting the appropriate Model and variation, you will be easily guided to the value range. There are 4 steps to this process.


Step 1: Determine the Model of firearm
Step 2: Determine the Variation of model type
Step 3: Determine the Condition of firearm
Step 4: Determine the Book Value of firearm

Excellent website!

They have a wealth of information and great guns and services available.

Thanks for the tip.

The take down model on the GB page is the exact rifle which was purchased by another seller -- it's a nice piece and should be a great shooter; I have never had the opportunity to shoot a .32 Win special.

I will be sure to post any results from further research and range trips, just in case anyone else has an affinity for these historical rifles.