Model 57, 4" S ser. #

[tedog]

Talked to dealer over ph., has this S&W, ser # S255556, 80-90% claims it's collector item, firm price $999. gun only. I say 2-300 too high, what do you say?

[weatherby]

too high it's just a shooter not a collocter piece

[JCS&W]

I have seen M57, 4", nickel guns go for between $650 and $750 for just the gun. But these were not S serial numbered M57's. I have not seen enough of the older models sell to make a guess, but I do know it would depend heavily on the condition of the M57.

[M29since14]

If the travel involved is not a big deal, I would go look at it. His judgment on condition might not correspond with yours. As to the price, yes, it seems high. But sometimes, too, "firm" is not FIRM - when you are standing there ready to buy, cash or checkbook in hand.

[BCDWYO]

80% to me is pretty worn down. 90% to me is wearing on the high points only. Either case its a shooter, not a collector, and would not be worth $1K to me. As we all know, % condition is pretty subjective.

[fyimo]

I bought a mint no dash with ivory grips for $950 and later sold the grips for $300. The revolver was mint so I think the price is way to high in the condition you discribe.

[410bore]

an S numbered 57 more than likely is wearing Cokes....if it is nice its a decent deal...watched one about 90% sell on gunbroker a month ago for around $1,500.00

[M29since14]

Well, I am probably a little too fond of guns like this to comment purely objectively, but you can never be sure unless you know the seller and have an understanding of his judgment when he specifies a percentage of finish figure. If there is any doubt at all, I would go look. It might be a really nice gun. "Nothing ventured, nothing gained."

[tedog]

I took the drive to look at this 57. This is what I found. The gun looked like it just came from the factory with a very light turn line. Best cond. I have ever seen for a 64-65 manufacture date. Now the down side, no box, no tools and wearing goodyears. And here is the best part, dealer said he could only come down to $950. I said thank you and left.

[M29since14]

Well, you did the right thing, IMO. If the gun had its original stocks, it might have been a fair buy at that price, but without them, and with no flexibility in the asking price, I would have walked, too. If he had allowed even a modest sum for the missing stocks, it might have been another matter.

Given the gun was in that sort of condition, it makes me wonder if the missing stocks were not in the backroom, being sold on the usual auction sites, or already gone to that end.