280 Nitro Express

[bgunnink]

I inherited a 280 Nitro Express Charles Lancaster (London, England) 18934 along with other rifles and guns over 30 years ago. At one point, I was told some were of value. An appraiser in our area was unfamiliar with some of the guns. Could anyone direct me in how to find out what a gun like this in good condition might be worth?

 

[318AE]

Welcome to AH!

I have a Charles Lancaster 280 nitro express. The cartridge is also called a 280 Ross. It’s generally considered an obsolete cartridge. It’s a easy proposition for a reloader provided they can find the correct .287 bullets.

Some pictures would be very helpful in determining its likely value to a collector. The value will depend on where the gun is located too - ie the US or the UK etc.

 

[Global Rescue]

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[TRAVEL EXPRESS]

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[bgunnink]

Welcome to AH!

I have a Charles Lancaster 280 nitro express. The cartridge is also called a 280 Ross. It’s generally considered an obsolete cartridge. It’s a easy proposition for a reloader provided they can find the correct .287 bullets.

Some pictures would be very helpful in determining its likely value to a collector. The value will depend on where the gun is located too - ie the US or the UK etc.

Thank you for your response. Some additional information:
The guns have been kept in a fireproof safe for about 30 years.
They have the original scopes and hard covers.
I am now in my 50's, and debating if I should sell them rather than have them sit in storage.

 

[Russ16]

Where are you located. I would suggest you take them to a knowledgeable individual or dealer for in person inspection and appraisal. If you tell us where you’re located the collectively we can likely recommend one.

 

[bgunnink]

I am located in central Wisconsin. Many years ago, we did look for an appraisal and the gun was unfamiliar to people in our area. If you could make a suggestion of where to go, that would be great. My other debate is whether or not spending money for an appraisal is worth the money if you only find a gun is worth a few hundred. I am hoping this is one that would be worth more.

 

[318AE]

Nice rifle. These photos look like a high grade Daniel Fraser take down rifle. It would the great to see where it has Lancaster on the barrel etc. Sometimes these rifles traded and retailed within the trade, so anything is possible. It certainly looks like it came out of Fraser’s shop. It’s a high grade gun.

It looks like the stock was refinished and a Griffin and Howe side mount added. The market is stronger for these in the US than the UK. In original condition, in the US, I think it could a $8-10k rifle at retail prices. The refinished stock and side mount might put it closer to ~$6-8k. It’s always better to have the rifle in hand to asses value but I hope this helps. Rookhawk will probably be along shortly…

 

[Russ16]

Off the top of my head Puglisi guns in Duluth could take a look for you. I would take all of them. They’ll usually do an appraisal on the lot cheaper than one at a time.

As the other poster said I would expect that gun to be worth more than the cost of an appraisal. But I won’t guess at value without having it in my hands.

If you’re going to sell it I would recommend finding someone to help you maximize the value.

It is a good looking rifle.

 

[Mtn_Infantry]

I am located in central Wisconsin. Many years ago, we did look for an appraisal and the gun was unfamiliar to people in our area. If you could make a suggestion of where to go, that would be great. My other debate is whether or not spending money for an appraisal is worth the money if you only find a gun is worth a few hundred. I am hoping this is one that would be worth more.

@rookhawk this is your neck of the woods and expertise.

 

[Mtn_Infantry]

You might think about contacting Griffin & Howe. They might have records of it if the gun was sent to them for the scope mount and/or refinishing.

 

[bgunnink]

Nice rifle. These photos look like a high grade Daniel Fraser take down rifle. It would the great to see where it has Lancaster on the barrel etc. Sometimes these rifles traded and retailed within the trade, so anything is possible. It certainly looks like it came out of Fraser’s shop. It’s a high grade gun.

It looks like the stock was refinished and a Griffin and Howe side mount added. The market is stronger for these in the US than the UK. In original condition, in the US, I think it could a $8-10k rifle at retail prices. The refinished stock and side mount might put it closer to ~$6-8k. It’s always better to have the rifle in hand to asses value but I hope this helps. Rookhawk will probably be along shortly…

This is very helpful, and answers what I needed. Thank you! My thoughts were for $1000-$2000 I would probably keep it. With the possibility of higher values, I will work towards finding an appraisal and hopefully selling. To valuable to sit in storage any longer. Very fun to learn a little more about my collection as well!

 

[rookhawk]

Thank you for your response. Some additional information:
The guns have been kept in a fireproof safe for about 30 years.
They have the original scopes and hard covers.
I am now in my 50's, and debating if I should sell them rather than have them sit in storage.

I’m not far from you and I’d be happy to inspect and appraise for you in person. Send me a PM if interested. I’m in Western WI less than ten mins from I94.

 

[rookhawk]

You might think about contacting Griffin & Howe. They might have records of it if the gun was sent to them for the scope mount and/or refinishing.

There is nothing about that scope mount that looks like the work of G&H. Installation was way too tall.

 

[bgunnink]

I’m not far from you and I’d be happy to inspect and appraise for you in person. Send me a PM if interested. I’m in Western WI less than ten mins from I94.

I would certainly be interested. Would you only be interested in appraising this rifle or do you have expertise in other ones as well? I am just starting to make work of getting some information on a few of the other guns I have such as a Holland & Holland, Weatherby Mark 5 300 Mag, and Steyr Daimler Puch AG. I wonder if the rifle looks refinished as it was quickly oiled before the picture was taken. ??? I know my dad would have felt keeping things original was important. Hopefully, it is just the picture.

 

[rookhawk]

I would certainly be interested. Would you only be interested in appraising this rifle or do you have expertise in other ones as well? I am just starting to make work of getting some information on a few of the other guns I have such as a Holland & Holland, Weatherby Mark 5 300 Mag, and Steyr Daimler Puch AG. I wonder if the rifle looks refinished as it was quickly oiled before the picture was taken. ??? I know my dad would have felt keeping things original was important. Hopefully, it is just the picture.

I’d be happy to do it all. I can help you accurately describe them. The key is accurate description and evaluation of condition.

The pics of the 280 Lancaster look poorly refinished hurting value. (Linseed oil poured all over the checkering) You suggested it may have just had gun oil smeared on it which would be easy to resolve if that’s all it is. I can’t tell if it’s cracked at the head in the one pic or not. In person, I can judge whether some of the things done to it are possible to unravel or not. We can also do a bore inspection.

 

[USN]

Rookhawk is the go to guy and in your neck of the woods. All members here respect his expertise. Looking forward to how it works out.