My brother in law just inherited a nice 30 wcf lever action. Serial number 12052xx. Apparently it was made in '42 according to a website I found. I'm not an expert in grading guns but the bluing is mostly there but getting light on the edges like the reciever, loop, bands etc. NO rust or pitting and the wood looks pretty nice with no major dings.
Can anyone tell me about how much this gun might we worth and are there any "guesses" as to how much these old Winchesters might go up in value as the years go on? Thanks Don

I would venture a GUESS of about $500-600 given that it's a bit older and sounds like it's in fair condition. Pre-64 94s sell on gunbroker for anywhere from about $350 to $500 assuming decent used condition but they are mostly 1950-63 models.

When you consider that them made nearly 2.5 million 1894s pre-64, and that .30-30 is the most common caliber I'd say that appreciation will basically track inflation and the general level of gun values. In short, I wouldn't buy it or keep it solely for it's "investment" value. OTOH, it is obviously some kind of family heirloom and once gone, they're usually gone forever.