LGS got another one - No. 4 Mk. 1 (T)

This, along with many other rifles, are being sold for a widow. The LGS is taking no commission from this - I did help the owner pick the collection up. Now I am helping him determine values. What would be a good price for this rifle (Washington State)? The bore seems strong, but the optics are a bit foggy. You can still see through the scope and see the reticle, but it is not crystal clear. I don't know if the bracket is a repro - it isn't numbered.

I expect that the Widow will want about 85% of whatever valuation we can come up with here.

Well, I can try and give you a rough estimate. I will give you the sum of the parts, and then what they might bring separately.

The rifle is a genuine 1945 BSA -produced No 4 Mk 1(t). Very nice and correct, and apparently, never saw hard service. I saw one sell last year for around $1500 on gunbroker. Sometimes they sell for more, as these years of model tend to be in very nice shape (such as yours). I bought an original 1943 (T) last year, and paid $1200 for it (with no telescope). Mine is beat up, and shows honest service wear, hence, the lower price. The one you have pictured should sell for more. It really depends on the location and demand.

The scope is obviously a mis-match and the incorrect model for that year of rifle. The rifle pictured should be wearing a Mk 3 scope. The one shown is an earlier Houghton-Butcher Mk 1. These are pretty common, and typically sell for around $1200; less if there are problems. They turn up with regularity on eBay. I bought a nice rebuilt one last year (from Roger Payne) for $1300, but it was rebuilt with new lenses and fully serviced.

I think the mount is a reproduction, as you suspected. It also looks like it has been "doctored" to give it an aged look, complete with a cold blue. Without more pictures (right side of caps) it make it a bit more difficult to give you a solid answer. However, if it is a repro bracket, they sell new on eBay and Gun Parts for around $149. To be honest, I wouldn't pay for one, and might not accept even if it was free. If it were a quality repro bracket (such as Roger Paynes), then that would be valued at $250-400. He has a few news one (his last batch) that sell for $390 US dollars. If it is an original (un-likely, based on photos), I've seen them sell for around $1000. They are the hardest part to come by.

Apologies for the long winded response. To summarize: I'd say low end would be $2400 and the high could be $2900. Again, this is based on current on-line auctions/your local area/and interest. Take a look at gunbroker. Currently, a Mk 1 scope in original bracket is being advertised for $1750, and its been there for a few weeks. There is also a No4(T) with a Mk 3 scope/mount also advertised, but the rifle is rough, and the scope will need service. That one is going for $2500. It too, has been sitting there for awhile.

You might be better served advertising the scope on eBay, where you would get top dollar, then have the rifle sold separately in your LGS. Have them ask $1800, and if you get $1500, you've done good.

Also, (and this is based only on my opinion), I have noticed the summer months seem to be a slow time for the gun market. I'm thinking that folks are spending their money on vacations, time with the kids, etc. I noticed the buying really picks up after in the fall to early December, then picks up again right after tax season (gotta blow that tax return). Again, only my opinion on what I've noticed in the market over the years.

Hope this helps, and good luck

This was EXTREMELY helpful! I know she won't parcel out the gun as neither she nor I have the time.

I spoke with her and she is okay with popping a price of 2100 on it and calling it a day.

We will try to get it sold! Thank you!!

The serial number is 11 digits away from my L42A1

I would say the bracket is the real deal or a DRP one, repro ones are too symmetrical etc, the bracket caps have the grind marks etc were its been finished.

I was going to post a comment about the bracket, but I think smleaddict pretty much wrapped things up nicely. The rifle is a peach, & the scope is genuine enough, though sounds as though it needs a little TLC. I really couldn't make up my mind about the bracket from the photo's posted. To determine whether it is genuine, one of mine, or a Pacific Rim variant (somewhat doctored), it would be helpful to see close up views from a number of angles. However, the OP has liaised with the owner who is just happy to let it go for a sensible price regardless, so maybe only of academic interest now....

I notice that the cheekrest has been moved back and bubba had a go at the front pad screw, but thankfully gave up. Mismatching I assume from the early date of the scope (prob. 1942)