More Savage #4 stuff.

[Nate]

In many years of collecting I have seen only 1 Savage #4Mk1 and now I have the chance to buy it. The serial number starts with 9C and is dated 1942. It does have all the proper square S markings, all early parts, and the bolt matches. The stock is very good + but the finish on all the metal is gone and resembles a pewter color. Since I have never been able to find one of these anywhere before, what is a fair price to coax it from a friend?

[Art]

I remember, back in early to mid 1960's before the Gun Control Act of 1968 seeing barrels full of Savage No4 rifles in gun and even department stores. I wonder how many of them had their bores wrecked with WW II surplus corrosive ammunition, were cut up into sporters or are just languishing in someone's attic. At that time the went begging, I recall them selling for about $15.00, compared to the other SMLE type rifles, and especially Mausers which were considered much more desirable. Now they are a sought after collectable. How times change.

[Art]

How times change. I recall the Savage No4 rifles in really nice condition selling out of barrels in gun and even department stores for about $15.00 in the mid 1960's before the Gun Control Act of 1968 stopped Milsurp imports for over 20 years.

They went begging at that time compared to the Mausers which were considered more desirable to "sporterise" and even the Brit. Lee Enfield type rifles, especially the SMLE's. Now they are valued collectables. I wonder how many of those Savage rifles had their bores wrecked with World War II corrosive ammunition, were cut down into sporters or languish in someone's attic.

[jona]

They were finished in a grey dulite. Some think it was a phosphate finish. It was light and easily worn. Finish you describe is typical and there is probably more there than you think. Because of, the value is not too much affected. So if it is complete, unsported, and has a good bore its current U.S. value is between $250.00 and $400.00.

[Hal O'Peridol]

He is talking about a MkI, and NOT a MkI*. With all early parts and matching very hard to find, much different collecting animal than a regular Savage No4MkI*.

Since buying from a friend, if you value your friendship, a price of 400 dollars is not out of line

[madcratebuilder]

He is talking about a MkI, and NOT a MkI*. With all early parts and matching very hard to find, much different collecting animal than a regular Savage No4MkI*.

Since buying from a friend, if you value your friendship, a price of 400 dollars is not out of line

I agree, $400 from a friend is not out of line for a matching No4 MkI no star. About 15,00 no star Savage No4's made. The MkI (star) runs $250 and up, 1.2 plus million made.
Does it have the round cocking piece? MkI or Mk2 backsight? Very nice rifles. They have a oil blackened finish. I acquired mine as a sporter and reclaimed it.

[Nate]

Yes, it has the round cocking piece and a S marked micrometer rear sight. The rifle looks as though it has never been apart and all the screw heads are perfect. Thanks Guys, I know my buddy will be happy with $400.00.

[Hal O'Peridol]

We'd like to see some pictures when you get the rifle!

[madcratebuilder]

You scored a rare jewel, that S marked backsight is a difficult part to find, I've been searching for several months with no luck, someday. Congrats! PIC"S!!!

[Nate]

Thanks to all for your input here. I must confess that this rifle is not pretty at all. As mentioned, the metal has no finish left and the stock is a little dented here and there. It's only grace is that it hasn't been messed with, just shabbily stored. I'll give pics a try but it might be like posting pics of Betty Page when she was 70.