Unique T/C Contender Value

[NH Rugerman]

Forgive me if this is the wrong location to place this inquiry regarding the value of the following.

I inherited a Thompson Center Contender pistol in 7mm T/CU Caliber with a unique serial number (NWF 1976-1984) with 10" barrel, standard receiver w/cougar scene and scroll, select figured walnut stocks and aluminum TC carrying case. The gun is unfired with the all original paperwork and TC patch included.

Inside I found an article about Nancy Fearing (NWF in the serial number) who was an early (1976) employee of Massachusetts Gun Owner's Action League (GOAL). This gun was manufactured in appreciation for her efforts, she left GOAL in 1984 (thus the 1976-1984 in the serial number)

I am not Contender guy and am wondering what the fair market value of the pistol is....I doubt the above adds to it but maybe I am wrong.

thanks for any insight you can provide...

 

[PhantomWolf]

Hi NH Rugerman,

I have 4 Contenders and yours sounds really nice. I would suggest going to Graybeard Outdoors.com "Contender Classifieds" and asking there. Also JoeSalter.com-Downeast Antiques on Rt. 101A in Amherst NH deals in high end and unique firearms and could most likely answer your question. Good luck!

Ralph

 

[Merle1948]

could it be National Wildlife Federation?

 

[Acorn]

I had a pair of IHMSA “commemoratives”. At the time no-one put a premium value on them.

 

[powder smoke]

If you live any where around Hillsboro stop in at Morse's Sporting Goods.
Good bunch of guys there they'll help you out! ps

 

[Rumrunner]

I have an Encore in 44mag. Serial number on it is "HOY 1999". TC gave it to Gil Hebard that year when he won the American Handgunner of the Year award.

 

[Rumrunner]

I meant to add, other than someone who might have personal interest such as knowing the individual, etc... I don't think there would be any added value as a collection piece, and would probably sell for what the current value of such gun is worth. I would check gunbroker prices of those that have actual bids. Good luck.

 

[bogus bill]

This is a first or second year Contender. I bought it in the early 1970`s. It is in .45 colt/410. It came in a large T/C mahogany factory case. I added the .256 win mag barrel and scope. Any idea what it should/could sell for? It also has a silver butt plate for inscription but hadn't been engraved yet.
https://i.postimg.cc/ZnZwQXxF/TC-13413.jpg

 

[Dan in MI]

From what I have seen in keeping track of Contenders for years, most of the specially engraved frames don't get much bump in value unless the buyer is of the group it was made for. Early frames are less desirable because they were tougher to open. The only frames I know of that really have some value outside of the norm are the flat sided, non engraved or cast scene. Now this is all generality as I am not a genuine collector.