New Unfired Model 19 2 1/2" No Box

[Robert Henley]

I have an opportunity to buy a new unfired Model 19 2 1/2" pinned barrel. I might have already bought it, but there's no box.

How much do you think no box would devalue it?

Are there period boxes with no end labels out there and if so how much do those go for?

 

[Candrews86]

Assuming it's a -3 or -4, I'd say without a box and unfired would be worth around $700 to $800.

 

[usm1rifle]

What dash is it?

 

[Robert Henley]

What dash is it?

I'll have to check.

 

[Hapworth]

Original, serialized boxes tend to add $50 to $100 dollars to most revolvers' value until you get into the highly collectible items, where the prices go way up.

Period correct boxes can be found or requested in the Want Ads here, and are regularly auctioned on eBay.

But if your intention is to buy a collectible condition Model 19 snubby, wait until you find one with the full package; cobbling one together will never match the value that an all-original set-up has.

 

[jrandyh]

If the gun is as new it's likely worth more than that. If it's Unfired but in good shape as suggested.
JR

 

[Dennis The B]

Lack of a box should be no detraction to the value of the gun. A box original to the gun, becomes a plus to the value to a collector, just as the tools or other documentation.

Adding a box, just to have one with the gun, adds no value at all.

 

[5Wire]

Here's my track on the model:

Smith & Wesson 19 2-1/2 inch barrel. Revolver in .357 Magnum,.38 Special, Plus P. Blue Book of Gun Values (35th Edition) indicates between $325 in 95% condition and $650 in 100% condition for this gun. I have 97 recorded prices for this model gun from $395 to $1055 over a period of 4 Yrs 9 Mos ending January 1, 2015. The average price as of that date was $598. No refurbs, no refinishes, regular sights. All represented as 95% or better. No distinction for engineering revision, if any, no special editions, no distinctions for box, papers, tools. Current or last MSRP is $457.

The last 19 prices I have for this model since 1/1/2014 range from $500 to $825 averaging $655

 

[Robert Henley]

It sounds like the one I'm considering, in new unfired condition, is worth around $650 at best without the box. Not sure I can get it for that, but may make an offer.

 

[Hapworth]

It sounds like the one I'm considering, in new unfired condition, is worth around $650 at best without the box. Not sure I can get it for that, but may make an offer.

It depends on era and condition. Have you determined which dash it is yet? Is it truly unfired save for factory test? Has it been kept in perfect condition?

Knowing these things will help dial in fair price.

Also, what's your purpose in buying -- using or safe queening?

If it's to be used, buying a nice condition one that isn't a collectible can be a good way to go. If you're looking for a collector's item, wait until you find a complete one.

 

[Robert Henley]

It depends on era and condition. Have you determined which dash it is yet? Is it truly unfired save for factory test? Has it been kept in perfect condition?

Knowing these things will help dial in fair price.

Also, what's your purpose in buying -- using or safe queening?

If it's to be used, buying a nice condition one that isn't a collectible can be a good way to go. If you're looking for a collector's item, wait until you find a complete one.

No, haven't determined the dash yet. Will have to look at again.

Looks to be perfect, unfired, as the seller (who I know) states.

Would be used rather than safe queen.

 

[Hapworth]

No, haven't determined the dash yet. Will have to look at again.

Looks to be perfect, unfired, as the seller (who I know) states.

Would be used rather than safe queen.

Looks can be very deceiving when it comes to mechanical condition; it does help that the seller is trusted, but proper, thorough mechanical checks are advised.

If the plan is to shoot/carry/HD the 19, your best bet is to find a lightly used one that remains mechanically fresh, gun alone so you're not paying for extras like the box that won't serve any purpose. It can be from any generation, but you'll save money on a non-pinned or recessed model for the same functionality and quality.

 

[murphydog]

It's not clear from your message how much you want an original box/"complete package". If that is your intent I would recommend waiting for the reasons mentioned above, but if you will be happy with the gun alone (and it is at a good price) you may wait quite a while to find another one you like.

 

[Robert Henley]

Given I would use it rather than preserve it as a collector, the box wouldn't be essential but would have been nice to have had, especially since most everything else I have has the original boxes. From the above, it sounds like the lack of the original box is a $50 to $100 deduction.

 

[Hapworth]

...From the above, it sounds like the lack of the original box is a $50 to $100 deduction.

That depends on which dash the 19 is and what the seller's asking price is.

 

[firemanhank]

For what its worth, just before Christmas I bought a pristine 19-3 2 1/2" barrel for $600. No box or papers, but it sure is purty. The shorter barrels don't come around here in that shape very often. The price was fair to me as it filled a gap in my M19 lineup.

 

[nickcarr]

For what its worth, just before Christmas I bought a pristine 19-3 2 1/2" barrel for $600. No box or papers, but it sure is purty. The shorter barrels don't come around here in that shape very often. The price was fair to me as it filled a gap in my M19 lineup.

I have a 19-4 2.5" on reserve that I'm really looking forward too. No box but it comes with the original grips.

 

[ma deuce]

Here's my track on the model:

Smith & Wesson 19 2-1/2 inch barrel. Revolver in .357 Magnum,.38 Special, Plus P. Blue Book of Gun Values (35th Edition) indicates between $325 in 95% condition and $650 in 100% condition for this gun. I have 97 recorded prices for this model gun from $395 to $1055 over a period of 4 Yrs 9 Mos ending January 1, 2015. The average price as of that date was $598. No refurbs, no refinishes, regular sights. All represented as 95% or better. No distinction for engineering revision, if any, no special editions, no distinctions for box, papers, tools. Current or last MSRP is $457.

The last 19 prices I have for this model since 1/1/2014 range from $500 to $825 averaging $655

I'm sure that somewhere, maybe Wyoming or Arkansas, there's a magical never-never land where guns like this can be had for prices like this. But not in any place this effete Easterner has ever set foot.

 

[Hapworth]

I'm sure that somewhere, maybe Wyoming or Arkansas, there's a magical never-never land where guns like this can be had for prices like this. But not in any place this effete Easterner has ever set foot.

So among recorded sale prices over the last five years, an average of $600 and a high of nearly $1100 are "magical never-never land" prices?

Find a new gun store.

 

[jackvs1]

Still never figured out the 19-???????????????????