About DaisyBBGunner Expertise Please read my entire profile.
First, a BB gun or a pellet gun IS NOT A TOY. These must be treated like any loaded gun. Always assume one is loaded and never point it at anything you do not intend to shoot. Especially, never point it at a person.
I can answer questions about Daisy products, including age and history. I can give production dates of most Daisy air rifles/BB guns and toys with a degree of accuracy within a year.
Experience I am an avid collector of products made by the Daisy Manufacturing Company. These include Daisy BB guns, toys, accessories, catalogs, and advertisements of all kinds dating back to 1890.
I have recently published the book An Encyclopedia of Daisy Plymouth Guns, which can be seen at www.daisyencyclopedia.com.
Question Hi. I've had this gun for some time now. I got it from an old fellow at his yard sale. He told me he got it new in 1939. I don't have any pics yet, but would like to know what one in mint shape would be worth and I could take it from there. Could you give me a price with and without the box. Thanks, Brian.
Answer Brian,
The first Red Ryder was not produced until 1940.
I cannot give you price for a mint 1940 Red Ryder because, to best of my knowledge, one does not still exist. Think of what mint means. It means the gun is the same as when the factory worker laid it in the box in Plymouth, Michigan in 1940. With copper bands gleaming and not a tiny little scratch on the shiny blued finish anywhere. The wood finish is perfect. And the gun has never been fired, except maybe to be tested. The 16 inch leather thong hangs fresh on the saddle ring. The rear sight screw is ready for adjustment.
And of course, the box is red and says "Golden Bands" rather than "Husky Bands" or something else.
Nope, never saw a mint one. No Daisy collector or expert I know has either.