M&P Vintage 1948

Airpark · #1 08-03-2009, 07:15 PM

Found a M&P probably vintage 1948 serial # S983XXX, 4", 6 shot, reportedly carried by a GI during the Korean War. IMO it is about 85 to 90 percent, some holster wear, needs a good cleaning, wood S&W checkered grips, all the numbers match, locks up tight. Has seen some use and needs a bit of TLC. What is it worth? Thanks for your input.

mikepriwer · #2 08-03-2009, 08:00 PM

It's a $250 gun, or so .

Later, Mike Priwer

donaldw870 · #3 08-03-2009, 10:16 PM

Mike's estimate is about right, though it depends on how much you want the specimen. Can we call it a "specimen" if it's not in high condition? Yes. In my mind, "specimen" ranges over both shooters and collectibles. I got my 75% specimen of the same vintage for $100 from a guy who either didn't know what he had or just wanted to unloaded it. A really nice shooter, which I shoot quite a bit.

Donald

depicts · #4 08-05-2009, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by donaldw870

Mike's estimate is about right, though it depends on how much you want the specimen. Can we call it a "specimen" if it's not in high condition? Yes. In my mind, "specimen" ranges over both shooters and collectibles. I got my 75% specimen of the same vintage for $100 from a guy who either didn't know what he had or just wanted to unloaded it. A really nice shooter, which I shoot quite a bit.

Donald

Boy I guess I really overpaid for this unfired (except factory) M&P from May 1947 at $475. It still has a cosmoline smell. It must have caused me to lose my senses.

Seriously, did I outragously overpay for this gun with original Gold Embossed Box?

hsguy · #5 08-05-2009, 02:56 PM

Bill, I think you did fine with that one, the box alone is worth $100. Another thing to consider is can you buy a new gun of that quality today for $375? I haven't seen any. John SWCA #1586

DCWilson · #6 08-05-2009, 03:35 PM

I concur with hsguy. New in the box at less than $500 and rich with historical associations besides? I'd have jumped on it. You did NOT overpay for that one.

I love the late '40s guns. I have a few, but not one of them is as new or nice as yours.

David Wilson

depicts · #7 08-05-2009, 05:30 PM

David and John, thanks for reassuring me.

John, you have a special talent for helping me feel good about the money I spend. I really missed getting to Troy this year. Maybe you can talk me into a few buys in Tuscon buddy!

Bill

popgun · #8 08-05-2009, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by depicts

David and John, thanks for reassuring me.

John, you have a special talent for helping me feel good about the moeny I spend. I really missed getting to Troy this year. Maybe you can talk me into a few buys in Tuscon buddy!

Bill

oops not supposed to post links to live auctions. sorry. I deleted it

popgun

depicts · #9 08-05-2009, 05:38 PM

popgun, Aldon McElhaney is a dealer local to me, about 25 miles away.

In person or at gun shows his starting prices are outrageous. Then if you "dicker" with him, he'll throw you out of his shop.

In all fairness, He has seen better days, and his health, business and attitude have all gone downhill.

hsguy · #10 08-05-2009, 07:48 PM

Bill, bring a bag of money with you to Tucson, I think we can make a lighter load for the return trip, I'll hook you up with Lee, he will help out. Missed you in Troy and hope to see you in Tucson. John

depicts · #11 08-05-2009, 10:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hsguy

Bill, bring a bag of money with you to Tucson, I think we can make a lighter load for the return trip, I'll hook you up with Lee, he will help out. Missed you in Troy and hope to see you in Tucson. John

I'm just gonna bite my toungue on that comment my Friend. LOL

Airpark · #12 08-06-2009, 05:05 PM

Thanks for all the comments. Pawn shop sold the gun for $350.

I'm no expert but IMO it was nothing special at that price.

Good Luck,
Bill H

MR. IHC · #13 08-08-2009, 02:52 AM

i just bought one at gandr mtn., three weeks ago identical to this for $325 no box no papers, serial number real close.

pace40 · #14 08-09-2009, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Airpark

Found a M&P probably vintage 1948 serial # S983XXX, 4", 6 shot, reportedly carried by a GI during the Korean War. IMO it is about 85 to 90 percent, some holster wear, needs a good cleaning, wood S&W checkered grips, all the numbers match, locks up tight. Has seen some use and needs a bit of TLC. What is it worth? Thanks for your input.

Bill

I tend to agree with the valuation in general but with one caviat...

Who carried the gun in Korea? If that is known and it turns out to be someone special, that price just got extremely low.

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