Craig,
Well having the Letter is a plus,but I would still definitely look at it in person if it were me!! Like Kevin (SigKev) said look over the inside of the Left Grip Frame for any indications of a Factory Refinish. Any Dates,R-B in a Rectangle,Etc. and also look at the area around S&W Logo on the Side Plate to see if it is still raised a bit from the Factory Stamping. Also,make sure the Grips are True "Cokes". The easiest way to tell is the Larger Checkering Area & an Oval appearance to the Base. Being that it has a 1957 Ship Date helps,but you also have to remember that to Complete the Package you're going to have another $400-$600 in a Correct Presentation Case & Correct Period Tooling going by todays prices unless you stumble across a deal on them somewhere. I guess my speculation comes from the fact that I believe we see more of these on the East Coast & from what I've seen of the West Coast availability of some of these Early Revolvers it tends to drive the price up a bit. So anyway,without being there,you're going to have to use your best judgement. I would still see if he is willing to negotiate once you get there because he most definitely doesn't have near that invested owning it for 30 yrs!! I think more in the $1000-$1050 Range would be a decent deal & $1100-$1200 so-so. You know it doesn't take much wear on these to change a 95% Condition Revolver to an 85% Condition Revolver and that sounds like the condition you are describing to me. Well "Good Luck" with your decision as the ball's in your court now!!
Masterpiece
Last edited by Masterpiece; 03-17-2011 at 02:47 AM.
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