Serial #10 on the chopping block

[Hibby83]

In the case you haven't seen this listing.
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/900046223

This is the oldest I've seen up for auction. The next closest was 70 something #. I call that one "the one that got away". There was multiple 8's at that auction, I walked away with a D grade so i certainly wasn't upset . I had the funds for #7X but there was a lot of blue loss & character. I still think it about it to this day ha. EDIT- I looked up the auction and it was serial number 75 that i passed up.

Anyway back to #10. You seasoned veteran collectors will surely see that there has been some changes to the original form of this old autoloading rifle. I'm sure it brought someone many good years of service. The ol adage of "wishing to know some of the history it has seen" surely comes across my mind.

If any of you are taking up bids on it, i wish you the best. I'm just a spectator for this one.

[9.3shooter]

Too bad some hamhock had to drill holes in it. Oh well, not for me.

[ROBOPUMP]

I have had some discussion with the owner and have pointed out that it appears to have a newer safety lever than it should. S/N 10 should have a "tear drop" safety lever in that it was probably produced the first day or two of production. The newer safety lever with the thumb piece on the end of the lever did not come out until late 1906 or early 1907 as per John Henwood's book. The owner did send me photos of the receiver having the 10 in the correct place for the serial number. So, the question is: "how did this rifle end up with the more modern safety lever?" It is not even a wearing part.
I also asked the owner to remove the butt stock to verify the "10" on the butt stock and the upper tang of the receiver. He has not responded on this. Be safe and enjoy life. ROB

[Hibby83]

Here's one of the photos "serial #" I received from the seller a few days ago.

Sourcing a correct safety lever would be as difficult or more so than whatever that side mount is.

[Roger]

Hey guys, I also noticed the buttplate is rem/umc marked. Comepletely out of order. Either the plate or stock are replaced. Or something else is amiss here.
However,if it is truly number 10, then it is certainly a rare piece.
Thanks for your time
Roger

[Hibby83]

Roger- I believe there's no denying the the stamp on the receiver. There are other parts that surely are not it's original equipment.

I understand a lot can happen in 115 years. The gun appears to have been taken pretty good care of "non period correct fixes/modifications aside". The bluing is in pretty darn good shape for it's age. Perhaps it was kept up most of it's time "only the original owner(s) know"?

[S and S HUNTCLUB]

That is the lowest serial number that I've seen on a Model 8. If I remember collectly, ROBOPUMP has the highest serial number Model 8 known to exist. If he wins #10, he'll have the lowest and highest serial numbers of Model 8's that have surfaced in his collection. I'd be surprised to see this sell for under $1,500... even with the modifications... being that it's serial number 10. My bet is the selling price will be north of $1,500.00. I know I'm always looking for a sweet deal. Good luck bidding everyone! It'll be interesting.
Enjoy Life, Bob @ S and S HUNTCLUB

[MinnesotaDan]

I am interested to know if this rifle has any factory repair codes, possibly explaining why the safety is not the period correct original.

[S and S HUNTCLUB]

Wow! $1,225.00 took it home. I stand corrected. I thought it would reach $1,500.00+. I hope it found a happy home. Cool old Model 8. Enjoy life, Bob @ S and S HUNTCLUB

[Hibby83]

Wow! $1,225.00 took it home. I stand corrected. I thought it would reach $1,500.00+. I hope it found a happy home. Cool old Model 8. Enjoy life, Bob @ S and S HUNTCLUB

Any guesses on a P.O.E converted Model 8 30 rem and an 81 L.A.S.D no 42?

They’re being auctioned off at Rock Island Armory soon.

Edit- the converted 8 went for 7K and the 81 went for 9.5. That's not counting the buyers premium or any other fee's

[Rifleman]

Guess even though it is serial #10, the four drilled holes on the side of the receiver is a no no for me, that and possibility wrong buttplate, unknown if stock is original. IMO buying a 8 for its serial number when there are/could be issues doesn't fly. Holes in receiver and unknown stock possibly why it didn't hit $1500. Be glad when the 8/81's get back to the summer/fall 2020 prices. I've looked alot at a number of them on GB and Guns International. Would like a 35 Remington caliber, but not going to pay $1000 plus for a rifle that was selling for around $800-850 last fall before the crazy prices started. When prices do get down (I believe they will), some buyers are never going to get out of them what they invested. Same with Savage 99's and a whole host of guns, ammo, components.

[81police]

The current lowest serial number that www.thegreatmodel8.net has on record is #7, pictured below. But still, #10 though!

[S and S HUNTCLUB]

Thanks for sharing the information and picture of #7. That's a great message too. Enjoy life, Bob