Value of the 125 Anniversary Model

JSR III · #1 10-13-2009, 02:59 PM

Wondering if anyone can give me a value on the 125th Anniversary model? The gun is about 98% with a couple of corrosion flake spots here and there. Comes with the case and Roy Jinks book but missing the coin. I thought that I saw one a few years back for $950, but not sure if I am recalling the correct gun.

Thanks,

hsguy · #2 10-13-2009, 04:18 PM

The gun is a shooter now with no collector interest and I would value it in the $450-$550 range and the case and book add to the bottom line.

JSR III · #3 10-13-2009, 04:23 PM

John, are you saying that this gun has no collector value due to the 98% condition or are you saying that the 125th Anniversary Model has no collector value?

Thanks,

hsguy · #4 10-13-2009, 04:46 PM

James, most collectors of commemorative guns want the guns LNIB and the flaking, corrosion and missing medal mentioned would remove it from the the collector market. I think a pristine 125th Model would be of interest to some collectors.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSR III

John, are you saying that this gun has no collector value due to the 98% condition or are you saying that the 125th Anniversary Model has no collector value?

Thanks,

29aholic · #5 10-13-2009, 05:19 PM

Jim
I gotta agree with John. The commemorative market is very small and the folks that collect them are VERY picky. During the years I was in the gun business used or seemingly used commemorative guns were not much more than paperweights. The collectors didnt want them and the shooters didnt want them for shooters cuz they were too flashy...even when priced at a shooter price.

Winchesters are the worst because they all had picture boxes and an unfired gun without the box might as well have been a truck gun.

Allen-frame · #6 10-13-2009, 05:28 PM

As a shooter, the value is determined by what you are willing to sell it for , and what someone is willing to pay.
I personally would like to have a model 25 in 45 Colt with a 6 1/2 in. barrel. How it shoots and condition would determine value for me.

I might place a bit more value on it than hsguy does , but numbers are easy to toss around when theres not a deal on the table.

P.M. me for a private discussion if you wish. I'd be interested if you were letting this one go.

Good luck ,,Allen Frame

S&WIowegan · #7 10-13-2009, 05:39 PM

It's important to note that about 10,000 of these units were produced. They are nice but not scarce or rare(two of the favorite seller words). Any damage at all drops it into the shooter class and $500. would be about right. You may well see people ASKING way more but that's way different than getting. A complete ensemble including NIB gun with papers, all boxes and the shipping sleeve might bring $1k.

hsguy · #8 10-13-2009, 05:53 PM

I think the previous posters hit the nail right on the head, fired or Winchester commemoratives without the box and papers often sell for less than equal condition regular guns.

Another thing that concerns me is you said the gun had a couple of corrosion flake spots. To me this implies that the metal under the bluing is damaged, while the gun may have 98% of the bluing left if the missing areas are due to rust rather than normal wear this diminishes the value in my mind. The percentage system has value but should not be relied upon soley to determine value. For example, a gun may be rated at 99% but if the missing 1% was caused by a deep scratch across the frame this gun is not equal to a 99% gun with slight muzzle wear.

JSR III · #9 10-13-2009, 06:40 PM

Thanks guys. I may have overstated the blems but the gun is not perfect. Asking price is $600 and IIRC the serial was 8520.

hsguy · #10 10-13-2009, 08:04 PM

James, it is probably a fair buy at that price. You could always sell the case and book for $100-150 if in good shape. If you dont have the book keep and have Roy sign it at the next meeting.

Club Gun Fan · #11 10-13-2009, 11:19 PM

I had a flat new 125th and a Texas Wagon Train Commerative that was given to me to sell for the daughter of a retired S&W employee. I dragged them to shows for three or four years and sold both of them for under $700.00 each.

ycr · #12 10-14-2009, 08:36 AM

I agree with the previous comments relating to commemoratives having a limited appeal. The last one I sold was a Model 19 Detroit Police special run that was commissioned by the department itself. I posted many pictures that you might find in a search. It was as complete as I have ever seen with all packing materials and the presentation box still wrapped in plastic. I bought it because it was a good price but it did nothing for me. I sold it here on the Forum to a guy from Detroit. He was thrilled. I have a 25-3 125th with the box, book, and coin. Got a good deal on it. ($500's) I asked a few friends of mine who had said they wanted a 45LC if they were interested but they both declined because it "had not been fired". Thought that was ridiculous so I loaded up some 45LC and headed for the range. It is a great gun to shoot. Especially with some mellow LSWC ammo. It is all cleaned up and back in the safe and a definite keeper for me. Not because it is a commemorative. But because it is a good shooter. Is it worth less because I fired it? I suppose but how much less and do I really care? These guns are to enjoy (in my opinion). We are "temporary custodians" of these guns. Why save the fun for the next guy?