What is the value of a Springfield 1903 sniper rifle?
December 30th, 2009 by eranio
My friend likes to collect old stuff from WWII. He goes from garage sale to garage sale looking for old rations, guns, and equipment. He recently picked up a Springfield ’03 sniper rifle with documents, scope, used original targets, and pictures of the original owner using it in the field. He bought it for 70$, with all that extra stuff. He wants to know the value.
Posted in sniper rifle
December 30th, 2009 at 4:54 am
If it is a US Model 1903A3 that has had a scope added to it, $600 to $1000 depending on condition.
If it is a US Model 1903A4, which was the actual WWII issue sniper’s rifle and the scope is the original, $2000 to $4000, depending on condition.
The rifle will clearly state the model number. It is important that the scope and mount be original as well.
As to the documents and pictures, they do add value if they are pertinent to the rifle. If a nice collection of stuff that shows clear pic and serial numbers, etc. from WWII, they could easily add another $1000 or more.
December 30th, 2009 at 4:54 am
I’m no appraiser, but I’d say he stole that rifle, especially if all the serial numbers match.
December 30th, 2009 at 4:54 am
i dont know the latest value but if it was in good condition it was over a 1000 dollars 5 years ago
December 30th, 2009 at 4:54 am
most non snipers ive seen go over $1000 easily if they are in very good condition or better…id say at least $3000, probably more if the condition of all the equipment is pretty good too
December 30th, 2009 at 4:54 am
* Go here for Value.<> gunbroker.com, GunsInternational.com, gunsamerica.com, auctionarms.com….
December 30th, 2009 at 4:54 am
If it’s a true ‘military sniper’ with original equipment,
he made out like a bandit!
(Oughta be ashamed of taking advantage of the old ‘Vet.’.)
Those are rare birds.
Condition of course, counts a lot, but with the documents, and
‘provenance’ provided by the pictures, the value is conservatively
‘above $1,000.00′.
December 30th, 2009 at 4:54 am
If you’ve ever watched Antique Roadshow, the history of a specific item like baseball memorabilia and similar things increases the value. If he has the pictures, targets and documentation you have a great "provenance" that links the history to the specific rifle and owner’s use of it. Things like that "can" actually increase the value tremendously. What your friend should do is actually take all the information and any more he can get from the previous owner and have the rifle appraised not as a hunting or shooting weapon but as a military / historical item. I’m not saying it will increase the price substantially but there is a good chance of it. Some gal had a question in here months ago about duck decoys and someone told the person they were only worth $60 for the lot. Because I’d seen similar decoys before on the Roadshow, we did some digging and the value is hundreds of dollars EACH. Amazing what you can pick up sometimes.
December 30th, 2009 at 4:54 am
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=126082909
Here’s one to compare it to. It all boils down to authenticity. Is it an actual military sniper rifle, or is it one that was converted by an individual. Tell you what though, tell him I’ll give him $150 sight unseen. He can better than double his money.