In september, in France some nice SW will be for sale in a local estate auction.

I wil be glad to have your opinion about the SW engraved and the number 1 first issue too.

Maybe a idea of the value it's reasonnable to bid

http://www.interencheres.com

That is difficult to answer as one would need to know how prices compare here and in France. In the US, a model one second issue can be had for a few hundred dollars especially in the condition that the one pictured is in.

The best way might be to check an online site like Gun Broker and see what they are going for. Search SOLD listings as asking prices are not cash in hand. Once you have determined the going rate for a gun of this type, you can factor in any difference in US pricing and France pricing and come up with a fair price range.

As I said above, I wouldn't be a buyer for that gun over $250.

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James Redfield
LM #497

lechat,

While all of the S&W's listed are interesting...I'd say if sold at anywhere near the Pre-Auction Estimate...The Model 1..1st Issue..6th Type...Is the bargain of the lot of them!!

Meaning...From what I can gather in the Photos...The Revolver looks to be in better than average original condition & worth quite a bit more than the 500 Euro Pre-Auction Estimate!! I believe in a Well Advertised Auction in the US...And taking into consideration it's mechanically sound...That Revolver should easily bring at least $1500 US Dollars "Minimum"!!

Possibly even more to a Motivated Buyer...Just My Opinion!!

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Masterpiece

thank for your opinion.

Yes, the n°1 seems me too in very good condition.

I was not sure but a value near 1.500 $ seems me not stupid.

And about the others engraved revolvers (russian, new model, ladysmith and n°1 1/2), what is your opinion ?

The engravings don't look as factory for me.

The gold inlaid russian from Middle East (A caid ottoman officer) is very cool but I not sure it's a factory SW. I think it's a belgium or spanish copy, well made.

lechat,

Concerning the Engraved Revolvers...I believe the 2nd Model Ladysmith has a possibility of being Factory Engraved...Although given it's been poorly refinished at least once...I don't see it bringing near the Pre-Auction Estimate!! The others I don't feel to be Factory!!

As to the Gold Inlaid Russian...Could also be a Russian Tula, Ludwig Loewe...Or even possibly a Turkish Copy...I believe the New York stamping on the Barrel Rib to be the key!! Regardless...Definitely not produced by Smith & Wesson!!

In regards to the above...The most notable difference being the Upper Section of the Triggerguard extending well below the Frame not found on S&W's...Which are generally nearly flush with the underside of the Frame at that point!!

Hopefully Joe (jleiper) will see Your Thread and clue us in on just what it is...He's the Resident Expert on identifying the Lg-Frame Top-Break Russian S&W Copies!! Also...On the outside chance he doesn't take notice...You could also send him a PM asking to give his opinion...I'm fairly certain he'd be more than willing to do so...Good Luck!!

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Masterpiece

I have seen two or three of those fake Russians on this and other boards.
The type is shown as Zhuk No 618 under Turkey but stated to be of S&W make, which is obviously not so.

The gold inlaid example is decorated in a style seen on several other "intentional misrepresentations". See the attached pictures.
I will look at the other No.3s and express an opinion.
0001.jpgInlayed copy.jpg
These reputably came out of Bulgaria.
Joe
Here is a helpful link:
Faked Russian Contract Smith & Wessons

Yeah, but only dropped once!

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NRA Benefactor

Zhuk got this one wrong, because identical examples are marked A. Simonis - a known Liege maker.


DSCN3209a.jpg
Copy and real

DSCN3211a.jpg
Barrel marking

Joe

No. 73 is a 1st Model Russian, equivalent to a 2nd Model American. Definitely a commercial revolver.

No.74 is a Fake, maybe not even Smith & Wesson manufacture.

No.75 is a 3rd Model Russian commercial with non factory engraving. I couldn't find a serial in the description but should be in the 40,000 range?

No. 76 is a 2nd Model Russian contract revolver - not 3rd model, probably 5th contract but I cannot see all the marks. Definitely real.

Joe

I agree with Joe and Masterpiece. I would be a bidder on the Model One, First, but it will probably go for well over the auction estimate. Ed.

Thanks to everybody for your precious help.

I will interested only with the n°1. I have already one but this one is better.

Based on my other expensive hobby -- straight razors -- shipping and customs issues from France or anywhere in Europe can be 1) expensive and 2) a PITA.

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Loving retirement!

Sorry, you asked about the Model 1, first issue and I looked at the first gun listed which is a Model 1, second type. It appears that based on the pre auction estimate that they are close to my thought that it is a $250 gun.

According to today's conversion rate of $1.18 US dollars per euro, the Model 1, first issue estimated at 500 euro's would be the equivalent of $588.71 which is about $1,000 to $1,500 below what it is valued at in most books. At $588.71 it would be the deal of the century.

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James Redfield
LM #497

I have a good idea:

I collect straight razors for you in Europe and you collect SW for me in the US

yes, I think I will try a bid 1000 * max + fees (20%)

hahahahaha

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Loving retirement!

It seems like the 1st 1st models I have seen in the major auctions in recent years have sold for surprisingly low prices if at all.
There seems to be waning interest??