Livinus:
I've been collecting pre-'64 Winchesters (primarily lever actions, but also some Model 70's) long enough to be able to tell you that Blue Book values on the collector's pieces "lag" the market significantly. Even though the editors attempt to gauge market prices based on recent sales, in some cases the "real" and "book" values don't ever seem to jibe.

Depending on condition and rarity (like being one of the 50 or so made with a single crossbolt in the stock) your pre-'64 African would probably sell for anywhere between $4,000 and $6,000 right now.

Anyone interested in collecting should really watch more than buy for a period of time, to have a better idea of what real values are. Then you're also in a good position to recognize the few bargains out there when you see them.