[old hillbilly]

I am new to the forum, and have been reading some of the posts here about a couple of pistols that will be at an estate auction this weekend. The estate is of a couple that were a second set of parents to me when I was in my teens and early 20s, and I am interested in these as keepsakes. I have not seen these in person, only the auction description and that of one other person who has seen them. The first is a H&R 22 Expert pistol with 10 inch barrel The description says rolling block, but I assume that is an error. A friend who is a target shooter has seen it ans says it is in very good condition. The second is an American Double action 44. This is the only picture I have access to.
http://www.auctionzip.com/Full-Image/1576046/fp51.cgi
I would like an idea of what to expect to pay for these. Unfortunately, in my part of Mo. any gun tends to sell pretty high at auction. I have read most of the postings I can find on this site and others about the 2 guns, so I know their characteristics, etc.
Thanks

 

[GunnyGene]

Do you know the auctioneer? You don't want to bid against the house, and some auctioneers will have shills in the crowd.

 

[hrf]

Welcome to TFF.

An H&R Expert with 10" barrel has been relisted on a major online auction site more that a dozen times, with highest bid $451, but has not sold because of an even higher reserve.

The .44 Webley caliber American Double Actions sell higher than those in smaller calibers, but finish on that one appears very poor, and should not sell for more than $200.

But local estate sales are very unpredictable, as factors such as wanting to help the heirs, uneducated bidders who decide items must be valuable because they'd never seen one, and dishonest practices such as mentioned by GunnyGene enter into the equation.

(If you don't get them, let us know what they actually sold for)

 

[rhmc24]

I would offer up to $400 for the H&R Expert 10" if in excellent condition and $125 for the .44 DA. Fair price or not it is probably more than a dealer would pay.

 

[Jim K]

Guys, is that loading gate on the American original? If so, it is one I have not seen before since AFAIK none had loading gates and that one looks like an gunsmith job.

Jim

 

[hrf]

Guys, is that loading gate on the American original? If so, it is one I have not seen before since AFAIK none had loading gates and that one looks like an gunsmith job.

Jim

Jim, the loading gate is original; only the extra large frame .44 had one.

This is also true of Iver Johnson's similar American Bulldog model.

Here's an H&R example in an earlier thread:

http://www.thefirearmsforum.com/showthread.php?t=103356&highlight=44+american

 

[old hillbilly]

Thanks for the info. My main interest is in the Expert, but if it goes as high as listed here I cannot afford it. I had to retire several years early due to health problems, so my play money is limited, but it woudl fit in well with what I like to do.

For a little history, In my younger days when I could still see good and before arthritis I used to shoot on the local rifle team, primarily small bore but also competed in the center fire and pistol matches, though with limited success. I stayed with it as long as it was fun, but the others in the local clubs started taking it so seriously that it was no longer fun and I dropped out when I moved. My main hobby now is tinkering with old tractors and farm machinery, and plinking, as well as doing a little varmint control in the local area. I have my own range set up, but my daughter is still at home and works nights, so the times when I can use it or limited.

 

[Jim K]

Thanks, hrf. I even contributed to that thread and didn't remember that.

Jim

 

[old hillbilly]

The auction is over, and the Expert looked as if it had just been removed from the box. No wear marks, no scratches, very tight, etc., and I had high hopes, but 2 family members got in a bidding war, and it sold for $925, but not to me. I dropped out at $350.

The American double action did come home with me though for $65. Looks to have been nickel plated, and the cylinder is slightly loose at lockup, but it appears to have very little wear, so I suspect it may have always been that way. The only real flaw I see is that the Center pin is broken off right at the latch, so there is nothing to pull it out with. It extends all the way into the hammer recess, so with a little penetrating oil it may not be too hard to remove. I know a gunsmith that probably can make me a new one if I wish.

For another $3 I also got 8 live rounds and 3 empties in an original box. I gave 2 of the live rounds and the empties to a couple of friends that have cartridge collections. Needless to say, neither the ammunition or the gun will ever be fired.

 

[hrf]

You made out well, as .44s that complete rarely sell for under a hundred, and the .44 Webley rounds for two or three bucks each.

 

[Slowhand]

Great catch on the American Double Action. Forget the expert $900. is way too much. Thanks for the information and posts.