As most of you collectors are aware, there is a set of three pre-Model 29's on Gunbroker, with a starting bid of $34,995. Since looking for a Model 29, I've used Gunbroker, Auction Arms, and Guns America, to get an idea of cost, availability, etc. And, I'm somewhat struck over the persistence of the seller.

This is at least the third bidding on these revolvers, since I started my search, and it's spurred a few questions.

Why is the opening bid so synergistic of the value of a single pre-Model 29?

S&W doesn't place a great deal of intrinsic value on consecutive serial numbers. Given that, why does the seller seem to place such a high value on sequential serial numbers?

Since this current auction is at least the third iteration, why hasn't the seller made changes to his opening bid?

I have my own ideas about this particular auction, but I'd really like to get some input from the collectors here.

Edit- Please note The Rules don't allow links to live auctions.
Lee J

The seller doesn't need to sell obviously---the guy selling had
a Dad who had the business before. My guess is Dad had
connections with the S&W factory,S&W collectors,(or both) and has had these
guns in the family for a period of time.They are NICE but they
are not $12000 per copy nice--consecutive or not. The price
tag is not in Oregonland it's more like Disneyland. There are guns
just as nice on this board (single copies) that I have seen
sell for less then $3000. I have a friend who has a consecutive set of Colt 1911--NAVY marked pistols that are
new(they are almost 100 years old) they MAY be worth
$34000 but not 55 year old S&Ws. Pete

I've asked myself the same question's, although it is pretty neat and interesting. Just think how many "normal" 29's you could buy with 35 grand!

Is the person who has these on auction. To say he is over enthusiastic on his prices is an understatement...just look him up in the Gun Digest (formerly the Gun List).

That set is worth at best $15,000 on a good day.

Here's a thought and perhaps this is what he is thinking. I had a old beat to death Corvette that drove like **** compared to the new ones. I advertised it at what I thought was fair and it didn't sell. I raised it like $3K and it moved out of here quickly. Also did this with a rusted hulk of a Olds 442. Very strange. I guess that you just have to find the right buyer. Cash is KING

+1 on what Curtis said

When I read your post, I was thinking GW.
His reputation precedes him!

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"I also cook."

That is WHO it is. I was THINKING what you said but I'm
new here so I didn't say it! Pete

I think Doc44's consecutive pair in the custom green lined presentation case is more desirable than those three...at least to me they are.

GW has rose colored glasses and it "real proud" of every gun he sells. It is nice that he finally got good a taking pictures though because his older adds were always blurry and everything was always listed as excellent even when you could see scratches through the blur. You will see those two listed many more times.

Bill

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US Marine, 16 years+

It nevers hurts to 'start high' but this is over the top. I looked at the ad the other day and just thought this guy is out of his mind.