Winchester 1894 (Consignment Sale)

My question relates to a Winchester 1894 that is on a consignment sale at a local gunshop for $899.99. Unfortunately I can't post pictures as the salesman drew the line there, so I will endeavor to describe as fully as possible:

General: 26", octagonal barrel with full length magazine chambered in .30WCF Stock is dark, shows wear (dings, scratches, etc.) but no apparent cracks or significant chunks missing. Hardware has surface rust and grime; front/rear sights intact; bore is rusty - apparent this rifle has been in storage with little regard for preservation. Most of the receiver bluing is gone and barrel appears in similar fashion though the engraving is still legible. Action is stiff but appears workable.

Serial: 202011

Markings:
* Barrel:
--MANUFACTURED BY THE--
--WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN . CONN. U.S.A.--
(location: barrel top - pretty far forward)
and
NICKEL STEEL BARREL
ESPECIALLY FOR SMOKELESS POWDER
(italics on left side of barrel, near receiver)
and
30WCF
(top, near receiver)
no other markings I could discern (e.g., proofing marks on barrel or receiver)
*Tang:
MODEL 1894
--WINCHESTER--
TRADE MARK

My confusion lies in the difference between the barrel markings and the tang - the barrel markings seem to be for s/n before 100,000 while the tang marking is for post s/n 100,000. My sole reference (until coming here) has been Madis' work: "The Winchester handbook" (1st edition 1981) - which, after digging through the archives here, appears to be in error and compounds my confusion.

1. At 899 and in the described condition, is that a fair price?
2. If purchased - from a collector's standpoint is it something to keep in the current state or is it suitable for cleaning, minor restoration to the point of occasional shooting? (an automotive parallel: a'66 Shelly GT350 found hiden in the trash vs. an otherwise worn but straight '66 Mustang V-8 candidate for restoration and weekend use)

Thanks!

 

Thanks - I'll try and engage the shop owner to see if I can get some pics, esp. of the bore.

 

Bert H. - thanks for the info. Guess it'll continue to collect dust as I'd asked earlier if they'd entertain a counter offer and declined.
Re. guides - should I just relegate the Maddis book to the bookshelf? Any suggestions on what I could take into the field for use at gunshows and the like for a quick reference?

 

Am interested - purchase details? (forum rules wouldn't let me send a PM yet...)