Value question - Early Shiloh Farmingdale 1874

[bones92]

Long time lurker, but never really posted before on this forum...

It's been a while since I've kept track of these, so I'm trying to update my knowledge on values. I have an earlier Shiloh 1874, 45/70 with a tapered octagon barrel measuring about 29" from receiver to muzzle. Very nice adjustable Vernier rear sight. Double triggers. Barrel marked with Old Reliable. Serial in the 2800 block. Beautiful stock and forearms... looks like curly maple but I may be wrong.

Fair market value?

[Brent]

I wish I could give you a solid number, but I cannot. Early Shilohs suffer big demerits for their chambers. But otherwise, they are wonderful rifles and I actually prefer them to the modern rifles, except for the dastardly chamber....

[bones92]

Do you mean the issue of excess freebore between the chamber and the lands?

I looked and it seems this rifle has rifling right up to the neck, as far as I can tell (certainly not the 1/2 inch of smooth bore I've heard described).

The drawback, or so I'm learning, is that this rifle has a non-original stock set. The LOP is 12.5" The wood is really beautiful... kind of like a tight curly maple.

[Brent]

yes, the freebore is what I was thinking.

I'm not a fan of maple stocks on guns other than muzzleloaders where they are stained and tradtional. But fancy wood is always interesting. Don't hesitate to post a photo.

[bones92]

Photos attached.

I emailed Shiloh, and the lady there indicated this is a "presentation grade" American black walnut stock. LOP is 12.5", probably per order, so she said. Lucinda indicated it was likely made in the mid-70s.

[bones92]

I guess I can only upload one photo at a time...

[bones92]

Full view

[bones92]

forearm...

[horseman308]

Definitely black walnut. That is some nice wood.

[Brent]

Definitely black walnut. That is some nice wood.

Yes it is. One of the nicest I've seen.