Pre 27 What is it worth.

charlie sherrill · #1 09-21-2018, 11:53 PM

I picked up a nickel pre 27 3 1/2" at a show last week. After a little cleaning and polishing I'd guess it's about a 98 % condition except it's wearing a ****** set of franzites. I cleaned and polished and put a set of stags and a Tyler-T on it and already had a nice holster for it. I shot it Tuesday of this week and it's right on. SC of S&W says it was born around 1953. The 60 ish lady I got it from said her grandfather bought it new. I couldn't find anything on completed austions to give me an idea of it's worth. What say you?

mh51 · #2 09-22-2018, 12:03 AM

From what I've seen.....I'd put it in the $1500-1800 range without the original grips.
Mike

John Fugate · #3 09-22-2018, 12:52 AM

Its hard to say without detailed pictures.

beagleye · #4 09-22-2018, 02:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mh51

From what I've seen.....I'd put it in the $1500-1800 range without the original grips.
Mike

That sounds right to me.

murphydog · #5 09-22-2018, 07:10 AM

If you let us know what you paid for it, we'll either say you spent far too much or need to be arrested for robbery.

glowe · #6 09-22-2018, 08:36 AM

Supica/Nahas says $1500 in Excellent original condition (98%) plus 25% for 3.5" barrel, but how about the fact that the original serial numbered stocks are missing?? I am not a collector of 357s, but to me that gun would take a big ding without original stocks??? You can't simply discount the value by the price of a replacement set and I would venture that you would have to add dollars to the price of those stocks to get at collector value??

I read often on this Forum that "true" collectors should not even be interested in a non-factory original gun, so full value should be out of the question? Not that I agree with that statement, but wonder what the impact of the missing stocks really have for collectors in general?

JP@AK · #7 09-22-2018, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glowe

I read often on this Forum that "true" collectors should not even be interested in a non-factory original gun, so full value should be out of the question? Not that I agree with that statement, but wonder what the impact of the missing stocks really have for collectors in general?

I can only speak for myself, but if the stocks are period correct, I don't ding the price much, if any, simply because they aren't numbered correctly. I might pay a slight premium if they are, depending on how badly I want the gun.

mtgianni · #8 09-22-2018, 11:24 AM

Even without the proper stocks it still is a great gun.

John Fugate · #9 09-22-2018, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glowe

I read often on this Forum that "true" collectors should not even be interested in a non-factory original gun, so full value should be out of the question?

For purist any value is out of the question, they simply do not want a gun without the original stocks at any price. But for the less picky collector or accumulator is not a big deal. Guns with excuses never bring what guns without do but there is a market for both type items just on different price levels.

usmc2427765 · #10 09-22-2018, 11:21 PM

It all depends on how badly someone else wants it.

glowe · #11 09-23-2018, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Fugate

For purist any value is out of the question, they simply do not want a gun without the original stocks at any price. But for the less picky collector or accumulator is not a big deal. Guns with excuses never bring what guns without do but there is a market for both type items just on different price levels.

I am in the later group in many cases, but will not pay full value+. If I consider is a bargain, I will buy it. If not original, I will not pay full price.

cmansguns · #12 09-23-2018, 10:52 AM

Mine is 1951 and all correct. At least $1800 to get it from me IF it were for sale which it is not.

The grips being faux plastic would not make the gun interesting for me at this stage of accumulating, and I am not sure about the nickel finish...original?, refinished?, factory or ???

If the gun was nice and tight, short action (premium for me...don't know about others opinions), original finish and I saw it at a private sale I would probably drag out 8 Benjamins tops, and not have any second thoughts if I was turned down.

Like other posters above, pics and better description could mean a wide variable in "perceived value".

raljr1 · #13 09-24-2018, 09:51 PM

357 magnum.jpg

I happily paid $1200 for mine with period correct grips, not numbered to the gun. I would rate mine at 95%

charlie sherrill · #14 09-26-2018, 02:15 AM

I watched a dealer offer her $300.00 for it which thankfully she turned down. I asked the dealer if he had any more interest in the gun and he said no. I then offered her $500.00 for it, would have done a lot more with correct grips, which she took. So, I guess I stole it.

22hipower · #15 09-26-2018, 07:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by charlie sherrill

I watched a dealer offer her $300.00 for it which thankfully she turned down. I asked the dealer if he had any more interest in the gun and he said no. I then offered her $500.00 for it, would have done a lot more with correct grips, which she took. So, I guess I stole it.

At the gun shows I attend it would be a rare "dealer" who looked at a pre-27 3.5 inch in nickel and let it get away after only a $300 offer. Either there's something more to the story of condition, or the dealer's specialty is perhaps in Pakistani knives? How about some pictures? In any case, $500 very well spent.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

crsides · #16 09-30-2018, 11:01 PM

You did good.