L39A1 rise in value?

[Brian B]

I was watching the auction below with some interest. I like to keep tabs on the value of these as time goes by. I was surprised at the closing price for this one. Seems that only a year or so ago, you could pick one up for about half of the final selling price.

I noticed the non-matching bolt and the added cheek piece and thought it would hurt the value. Seems like the bidders didn't seem to care.

Just wanted to see if anyone else had any thoughts or if I was missing something. Gives me the warm fuzzies seeing these bringing good money as I have a few and am very happy with their purchase prices. Wasn't that long ago I was buying a few of these at less than $1500 a piece.

Thanks,

Brian B

Link to closed auction:

https://www.gunbroker.com/Item/774603859

Information

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[30Three]

unfortunately I couldn't open the link on my computer (it's out of date Apple); but I think it's normal that the prices for the L39A1 will go up.
I believe they only made around 1280 of these, and seeing what the L42's are fetching. The L39 has been great value for quite a while.

[CINDERS]

30three it sold for $2,925.oo/USD I gather

[30Three]

I would think that the L39s would be rare in the USA; so possibly more expensive than in the UK.

[AmEngRifles]

To reply to this post, even though a few months old, it appears that the L39s are on the rise (price wise) everywhere. I was NOT even aware we had any in the US, but makes sense as it is a bolt action and not considered a "evil" rifle by the Democrats. There is a seller in the UK asking 800 pounds which translates to $1,200 US. That appears to be a VERY fair price. And yes, I do not know how many, but this is a VERY UNCOMMON rifle to run across in the US, so probably not many imported. Finding one WITHOUT import marks means it would go for even higher!

[Brian Dick]

The L39A1 isn't on the Curio and Relics list so is not legally importable to the USA. That being said, there was a time in the late 90's and early 2000's that they were being approved and imported in small numbers by Navy Arms and others including myself, (long story), so there are some over here. I always have to chuckle at those who think import marks are a detriment. The law has been in place since 1968 and many of the the best military service rifles and others have been imported here to the USA since 1986 when it was opened up again. What really makes me laugh are the folks that never say a word about British and other nations commercial proofs but whine and complain about U.S. import marks. They really ought to get out more!

[rcathey]

What really makes me laugh are the folks that never say a word about British and other nations commercial proofs but whine and complain about U.S. import marks. They really ought to get out more!

Can’t stand ‘em!! That’s why it’s proven difficult to find a Smith and Wesson Victory I'd like to add to my collection. I want “U.S. Property” marked, 38 Special, and no British proof marks. Sorry for the miniature rant haha.

[Brian Dick]

In my experience, the majority of U.S. Property and U.S. Navy marked S&W Victory Models have no import marks. I have one of each in perfect condition and they don't sport them. The ones imported post 1968 in .38-200 will have them. I have a lovely FTR Australian that has them. I also have Canadian owned examples, both commercial purchase 4" barrel and lend lease 5" barrel ("C-Broad arrow" marked), that sport them. They don't bother me. Just another day in the history of the firearm. There's no offense intended in my remarks. It's just reality. To each his own.