Should I Modify my Win '94 1867-1967 Canadian Centennial Carbine?

[JarheadE5]

I have the rifle mentioned above in the title, un-fired, LNIB, with warranty papers, manual, tags, etc. I thought I'd acquired a treasure, only to find out what a piece of junk Winchester cobbled together to replace their venerable pre-'64 masterpiece. Live and learn, should have done my homework before doing the deal and giving up a beautiful S&W 5-10 as partial trade(yeah, I actually added boot to the deal-what was I thinking?)
Anyway, how sacrilegious would it be if I were to inlay a shiny, minty-fresh, 1867-1967 Canadian Centennial silver dollar (proof coin, with flying goose) into the rifle's stock? Would it hurt resale value if done professionally?

 

[CBH13]

from a quick search they do appear to have a small premium so personally if its in the shape you say with everything original I'd leave it as is and just throw the coin in a protective case and keep it with it

 

[Radar363]

I don't know much about collecting but if this was actually produced in '67 the quality should be decent (at least better than the mid-70's model 94 I once owned).
Like CBH13 said, they seem to be worth something to collectors, the cheapest I saw was $700 with no box, so I would not modify or customize it in any way that might devalue it.

 

[Flashover16]

I pretty much agree with the above.
lets face it the thing is never going to have a lot of collector value but likely more if unmolested.
I really stay clear of these so called centennial/ Special edition weapons as a general rule.
kind of like in 2011 when everyone produced a 100 year anniversary 1911.

 

[toobaroque]

Here's my personal experience.

It's not uncommon to see these walking around the gun shows where I come from. The prices for "minty fresh" examples range from $650 - $1000 depending on how clean the box is, the paperwork, etc. etc. That's what they are ASKING, but I don't know if they are selling.

I did have a chance to buy one last fall at a gun show in Michigan. Very near mint condition with the box and all the papers and the guy was begging me to buy it from him at $450. I have since seen others in not-so-new condition for around that same price.

If you want a new coin in the stock, put it in there if it makes you happy! I don't think you're going to dramatically affect the value either way. But, if you want a true Winchester Collector perspective, give a guy by the name of Bill Richmond a call at 419-782-9891. He's probably one of the country's leading authorities on collectible Winchester rifles.

 

[Jmposey]

My guess is no, it won't hurt the guns value at all - if it looks really well done when it's finished. Just make sure it doesn't look like bubba did it with a pocket knife and you should be ok.
Might even add a little value, who knows.

As a general rule, anything that's made to be a "collectible" is never really a collectible.

Serious collectors, who pay serious money, want guns that have real history. They really don't care about a gun that only has a manufactured connection to "history".

Now, if you had a gun that was actually used by some Canadian pioneer in the 1860's....

But in this case, I say go for it.

 

[GeauxLSU]

If you're not going to shoot it, sell it. Buy something you want. Keep the silver dollar. You are not going to help the value with any 'customization'.

 

[97 winchester]

I have the rifle mentioned above in the title, un-fired, LNIB, with warranty papers, manual, tags, etc. I thought I'd acquired a treasure, only to find out what a piece of junk Winchester cobbled together to replace their venerable pre-'64 masterpiece. Live and learn, should have done my homework before doing the deal and giving up a beautiful S&W 5-10 as partial trade(yeah, I actually added boot to the deal-what was I thinking?)
Anyway, how sacrilegious would it be if I were to inlay a shiny, minty-fresh, 1867-1967 Canadian Centennial silver dollar (proof coin, with flying goose) into the rifle's stock? Would it hurt resale value if done professionally?

View attachment 688072

from a quick search they do appear to have a small premium so personally if its in the shape you say with everything original I'd leave it as is and just throw the coin in a protective case and keep it with it

If you're not going to shoot it, sell it. Buy something you want. Keep the silver dollar. You are not going to help the value with any 'customization'.

I would combine and follow these two thoughts. I don't believe you gain anything changing a special edition. If you aren't keeping it original it's just another used rifle.

 

[JarheadE5]

Thanks all for your thoughts and recommendations!

 

[Gordylew]

The minute I say that there is little collectors interest in the late 60s early 70s Winchester 94 Commemoratives, Rick on The Walking Dead will be seen carrying one and all of the sudden everyone wants one and prices go through the roof. But barring that from happening, I wouldn't do it myself. The market on those guns may one day come around and adding some bling to it will hurt the value. You never know what will be the next must have gun.