Help with value range on 1st Model 2nd Issue

[acl864]

A friend called me asking for help on the gun shown in the picture. It's going on the auction block at a small auction house that typically doesn't sell a lot of firearms- antique or otherwise. He's interested in purchasing the gun but doesn't have a clue about the value. Unfortunately I don't know anything about the value either. I'm going to look it up in the SCSW after work today to see if there is any guidance there that may help him. In the interim I'd appreciate any feedback as to a realistic value range for the gun.

Thanks

[blackpowder30]

Andy, It appears this was priced according the Blue Book of Gun Values. The 50% rating may be correct but it is difficult to tell from the photo. If I were to consider it I would also want to know if it has matching numbers and the condition of the action. Sorry I can't help you more.

[acl864]

I looked it up in the SCSW and told him my best guess was in the 250 to 350 range. Without a more detailed examination or better pics it's tough to say what the actual value could be. I'd rather be conservative then see a friend spend $500 or $600 on a $250 gun.

But... it did cause me to go back and look closer at the Model 1, 2nd and 3rd Issues in the SCSW. I hadn't realized that the lower conditioned examples were potentially so affordable- at least as compared to their more modern descendants. I may try to pick up one of the less collectible examples just to own such an interesting piece of history. Of course there's probably an advanced collector or two who said something similar as they purchased their first antique S&W. Buying one of anything is always dangerous if you are the "collector" type.

[glowe]

I see a very tired Model 1 in the picture. Almost all the sliver plating is gone and no bluing left on the metal. Stocks are also dented and worn. What I can not tell is the mechanical condition or how loose the frame/barrel hinge is, but $500 is way out there in left field. I would say $200 would be my guess at value.

[acl864]

Thanks for the help, I'll pass along the info.

[rhmc24]

For comparison or just "show & tell", except for the engraved one
which was a trade, I paid $300 or less for these but the full blue one $400.

[acl864]

Wow! That's an eye opener. That's an awesome collection. It's hard to believe that you can buy a 150 year old Antique S&W's that inexpensively. I'm really glad I found my way over to the Antique section.

Thanks

[opoefc]

Andy, About $250 max. for the auction gun's value. Ed.