1895-1910 $1 was the equivalent of $23-25 in 2010
http://www.measuringworth.com/uscompare/
http://www.westegg.com/inflation/

The average hourly wage for all industrial workers was $.21 in 1900 and $.24 in 1910.
http://books.google.com/books?id=T6spAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA232&lpg
In 1900, 52% of the total workforce earned less than $.16 hourly.

1908 Sears catalog prices; the Smith 00 was $25; at $.25/hour that's 100 hours of work.
Ithaca Field - $18
“Improved 1908 Model New England Hammerless”; likely Fyrberg - $11.95
New England American Hammergun; likely Crescent Fire Arms - $8.95
New England Wonder Hammergun - $10.95
Aubrey/Meriden Fire Arms hammerless Model 18 - $13.85
T. Barker Hammergun - $12.45

More price comparisons here
https://docs.google.com/document/pub?id=1OTND2bQH0vhlbCf7c2sN8H1vzmT7xagUSXhewGB03SE

https://sites.google.com/a/damascusknowledge.com/www/home