Winchester 1895 & Ballard rimfire

[Herzo]

I am in possession of 2 family heirlooms:

The first is a Winchester Model 1895 which by the serial number was manufactured in 1897. The only marking on the barrel is "30 US" which I interpret to be 30-40 Krag; based on the serial number and the fact that a 30-06 case will only enter ~halfway into the chamber. The bore is dark, but the rifling appears sharp....a thorough cleaning will probably help it.
The barrel is 28" long with what appears to be a replacement insert for the rear sight. It has a Lyman rear peep that appears as though it might have been a factory option. The boltface is also designed for a rimmed cartridge. I would call the condition 95%+ for an antique firearm. The bluing is probably 90% of original depth of color with no wear anywhere. The wood is original finish and rich color with a few minor dents <3/16 in size and light handling wear.

The Ballard falling block is in similar condition except for a few light rust spots that can probability be removed using WD-40 & 0000 steel wool. The barrel is a 28" hexagon in what I believe to be 32 caliber rimfire. Bore is black, but may clean up. Bluing is rich with few light areas. Action is tight, but the trigger is extremely sensitive. Wood finish is original with only 1/4" square nick in the forward part of the splinter fore end.

I am trying to determine an insurance value for these rifles....any suggestions?

 

[ISS]

jmho;
the 95 about $2000, +/- 10%. I have a couple, so I am prejudiced in favor of them. They are well built, and safe to shoot in any caliber with factory ammunition or equivalent reloads. The 30 US and 30 Govt (30-03, predecessor to the 30-06) are lower valued that the larger calibers. The 405 has the highest value, I think Teddy Roosevelt's taking one to Africa (he called it his "Big Medicine Rifle, iirc) and praised it for hunting Lion helps.

The Ballards vary widely in value, five different companies owned/built actions. Many were castings, these days only safe to build a 22rf on. The forged models are safe for low pressures, really for Schuetzen shooters in cases like the 32-40 or 38-55 and cast bullets. They are still considered to have the best triggers ever installed on a single shot rifle. Best place to look RE value is the ASSRA (American Single Shot Rifle ASSN) website.
Unless they have sentimental value, I think you are safe at $3000 each.

ISS

 

[Herzo]

Thanks, ISS.
The Ballard was made by Marlin (engraving remains sharp) probably in the late 1890's by the serial number (226XX). The bore is beyond bad with major erosion ahead of the chamber and pitting past that. Were I to wish to shoot it, I would consider converting it to a .22, but it is more valuable to me as a work of firearms art.

 

[Rook 6]

Recommend staying away from steel wool if you plan on attempting to remove small rust spots. It can strip bluing in the blink of an eye. Rubbing with a piece of copper or a REAL copper penny with a little oil is a better option. Personally, I’d put protective oil on it and leave alone. Real shame about the bore. Maybe not cleaned after shooting black powder? Black powder residue is VERY corrosive.

Good luck!