(2017 post) Hi, a guy showed me a nickle framed rifle not too long ago that I'd never heard of.   When I first saw it, I thought it was a Wesson or Maynard, but it was not.  It was break open, in .22 and US made.  W. Wurfflein Gun Co.  It had a hammer, then behind it another "hammer" that unlatched the action for opening.  Nice, heavy gun with a medium weight barrel.  No tang sight, or holes.  

As a possible acquisition, I don't know their value.  I don't see many comps on the internet, and did read they didn't make many.  The guy want's over a grand. 

    Hi AZshot:
  If you go to Google images and type in Wurfflein rifles, you will be taken to their site with many pictures of Wurfflein rifles. If you click on a picture, you will be able to see that rifle. Then click on view and you will be taken to the web site with that rifle.
  The first rifle they show is listed for over $2000.00. This might give you an idea what the rifle is worth. Some of the rifles are engraved and quite fancy. Hope this helps.

    Bill.

Thanks all.  I got the spelling right and then could do better research.  It's nice, but in .22 and no tang sight, I think I'll pass at his price.

Well after 5 years, I finally got one.  I watch actively and have only bid on one other during these years, but it went too high for me.  This one went under the radar. I guess that proves they're pretty rare. Either a number 10 or 20 in .22 with a tang sight.  Will post pictures when it arrives. 

Will do.  I'm hoping the bore is shootable, the outside looks good, nickel receiver, good wood.  I've never had a tip-up, but often came close with the Stevens ones.  And I bought my daughter a Browning BT99 shotgun for Christmas.  Seems like the tip-up is a good action for carry and off-hand shooting.  From the bench, I imagine it won't be so easy.

I've been researching them off and on for 5 years.  Your location is correct, he was the son of another gunsmith, Andrew Wurfflein, who was a well-known muzzle loader rifle and pistol builder.  William took over the business, then about 1884 partnered with an uncle who invented their type of break-open design.  They got it patented and stamped the patent on every one made (with the same die, it appears).   

They were semi-custom rifles, as were many of the day (Stevens and Sharps for two), in that a customer could order a number of features and options.  That caused them to probably over-sell but under produce in a timely manner.  They chambered in 26 calibers, had about 8 models, made 2-barrel sets, offered a myriad of options. Eventually their loan (from a sister-inlaw) was called, he couldn't pay, and he went bankrupt.  I'd have to check, but I suspect their prices were somewhat higher than the Stevens and other single-shots of the day.  He advertised a bit, and did a traveling salesman stint.  But just couldn't keep up with the big companies...I suspect. 

From what I have seen in the one I handled, and online (here mostly) they seem to be a high quality design, fit, and finish. That is the reason for my long quest. Looking forward to confirming.

Thanks, I did know that he made pistols too.  I didn't know they were scaled down, but that makes sense.  I have an advertisement about them, proclaiming their merits. A handgun would probably be a good choice for a breaktop, you'll not be hindered by a shooting bench like with a rifle. 

Update: even though the auction website said I won, and showed I was the winner in the "won items", I suspiciously didn't get an invoice the next day.  I waited a few days and called them.  They said their process was to figure out shipping first, then give one, combined invoice with your item's cost combined with the shipping.  I gave my name and bidder and lot number, they acted like they found me on at least 2 calls. They said invoicing takes days, they were busy buying another estate that week, and to wait. So I waited another week.  

Finally I was getting more worried, and called and found out "all invoices have been sent."  This was the 3rd time I'd called as well as sending 3 emails, each time giving my bidder number and all screen shot proof.  On this call, the phone answerer "couldn't find me."  They explained that "sometimes two bids come in at the same time, and we make the decision who won...blah".  Which I'm sure happens.  They said they'd "look at the timestamps and get back to you."  A couple days went by, so I called again and talked to the son of the owner.  He was friendly and said he'd make sure they based it on the time stamp, still "being looked into."  I've worked in tech my entire career and it doesn't take DAYS to see the tracking of who got the win.  But they kept stalling.  Either way, they kept saying they'd let me know, make it right somehow if I didn't win, blah.  I waited another few days and gave up...assuming they gave the Wurfflein to someone else.  Which I'm sure they were counting on. 

I was going to give them the benefit of the doubt except they never called ME back, I always had to call THEM. Always said they were checking things. But they never answered ANY of my emails, where I showed my screen shots showing I won the rifle.  Nothing...nada...to this day. Never called or emailed and said I actually didn't win and why.  

Lewis and Grant auctions.  Use caution.  I have no idea if I really missed the final bid due to system error...or if some high roller called them and offered a higher price and they sold it to him.  Proxibid thinks I won, and the going...going...gone had no other bids that I saw.  Also wasn't a very active lot...only I bid after one other person early on.  Tellingly, I "won" it for about half the going rate....by my "won" bid anyway.

I’ve been stung a few times by online auctions. The last time I bid in one was Rock Island a couple of years ago. I am happy to say the rifle was better than described. I have only bought one on Gun Broker, it was a bit pricey, but nice.
Mike