.43 Mauser Carbine

[mike webb]

A friend picked up an 1871 .43 Mauser single shot carbine. I have no experience with these and it's in amazing shape. Were these cavalry carbines and how rare are they? The bore is excellent and it's also dated 1884.
What would be a rough value for it?

[Jim K.]

Those are not really rare, as tens of thousands were made, but they are uncommon here since few were brought back in WWI or WWII. Post-WWII, some were brought in by commercial importers. In top condition, they can bring $1200-1500, but an average one will go for around $400-600.

Jim