Congratulations AZ S&W Guy on your purchase. Almost everyone commenting acknowledges that Quality, Condition, Scarcity, and Popularity are primary components of value that affect sale prices, including firearms. What has not always been recognized is that "Pride of Ownership" is far more important than many might imagine. It is apparent to me that much of what motivates many S&W collectors is the pride of ownership of a piece of history that is expressed with high quality workmanship, often in very short supply, and that has remained popular with much of the firearm community for quite a long time. Whether it is a shooter or a safe queen, she's likely the pride and joy of the owner; and they often want to preserve this for their progeny as a legacy worth cherishing.