Sad Story/Happy Ending/Sad Story

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DARE

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I sold a gun that I should have kept.
Elmer Keith Deluxe Edition 29-3 .44 Magnum EMK0013.
Sold it at a gun show in North Texas for $1,000 a few years back. It had the box with it, but think the wrong presentation case.
$1,000 was probably OK for non-deluxe version. SCSW 4th says 2X to 3X for the deluxe gun.
Did not know what I had.
The gun originally belonged to my dad, also David Reynolds.
He had a gun store in Dallas, Texas and was friends with Roy Jinks.
My dad's favorite number was 13.
Roy Jinks collected number 13 guns.
Occasionally S&W guns came out that Roy could not buy or did not want.
Twice he offered those guns to my dad. One was the 1st 645 model and the other was the Keith Commemorative.
Elmer Keith was one of my dad's heroes.
Roy Jinks was one of my dad's heroes.
Hard to believe that I thought selling this gun was a good idea.

The reason I am posting about this now is that I saw the gun for sale online today. They are asking $4500. Pretty sure that is too much. It especially hurts considering what I sold it for. What do y'all think would be a fair price for the gun?
 
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There’s a reason the windshield is large, and the rear view mirror is small… Got to keep looking forward! But hey, I get it, it’s tough to sell a gun, never mind let some value slip. But at the time, it had to be a good deal for you, or you wouldn’t have sold it, right?

That said, I’m not sure what the value would be for that specific revolver. I believe it’s one of those cases where you’d really need to find the right collector to bring any big bucks. Otherwise it’s a condition thing for that model. In those terms I’d think $900 - $1,500 in very good to excellent condition. With the right collector, it may be worth a couple/few grand…? I think $4,500 is a bit of a pipe dream unless the PT Barnum factor kick in… That’s my opinion…
 
One sold at the recent RIA auction. Not sure if it was the same as yours but apparently had the presentation box, a cardboard box and shipping box. Price was $1880 including the buyer's premium but not sales tax.

Smith & Wesson Model 29-3 Double Action Revolver | Rock Island Auction

As to regretting selling something, I suppose we've all done that. I think though I regret more some I should, and could, have bought and didn't.

Jeff
SWCA #1457
 
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I have done almost the same thing, was just stupid, I sold or traded 5 guns that I should have kept, 4 was my dads.. that gun is worth the most $ to you because it was your dads, I still have a M10-5 that was my dads, can not put a price on that, told my son he will have it someday..
 
Thanks, 22hipower. That is one of the standard models. So 2X or 3X $1880 is $3760 to $5660. So maybe $4500 not too far out of line for the deluxe gun. Probably will try to talk them down some and then just bite the bullet. Not their fault I sold it for $1000.
It belonged to my dad, he got it from Jinks, it is number 13 and honors Elmer.
How many times do you let one get away and then get another chance at it?
 
DARE said:
Thanks, 22hipower. That is one of the standard models. So 2X or 3X $1880 is $3760 to $5660. So maybe $4500 not too far out of line for the deluxe gun. Probably will try to talk them down some and then just bite the bullet. Not their fault I sold it for $1000.
It belonged to my dad, he got it from Jinks, it is number 13 and honors Elmer.
How many times do you let one get away and then get another chance at it?
Click to expand...

It's only money. Some things are special and the price really doesn't matter. It would be cool if you got it back and you'll certainly appreciate it more this time around.
 
DARE said:
Thanks, 22hipower. That is one of the standard models. So 2X or 3X $1880 is $3760 to $5660. So maybe $4500 not too far out of line for the deluxe gun. Probably will try to talk them down some and then just bite the bullet. Not their fault I sold it for $1000.
It belonged to my dad, he got it from Jinks, it is number 13 and honors Elmer.
How many times do you let one get away and then get another chance at it?
Click to expand...

I had previously missed that you are actually considering buying it back. I read your initial post as you regretting selling your dad’s gun and now being surprised at how much they are asking for the revolver now.

That said, I’d reach out directly to the seller and explain your connection with the gun and ask for some mercy on price. I would not mention the Roy Jinks connection if he’s not already awre of it! Not sure what your financial circumstances are, but maybe offer $3k / $3,500.

Could be that the seller is a decent human, and is not into the gun for that much, and he’ll work with you to help get your dad’s gun back to your safe. You’ll find out both when you make your offer… I think that if you end up paying above $3k it’ll be more for love of the gun/sentiment than expecting to get that monetary value back anytime soon. If you’ve got plenty of cash in the bank, just buy it no matter the price and sleep better at night, and with lesson learned. Good luck!
 
dmar said:
I had previously missed that you are actually considering buying it back. I read your initial post as you regretting selling your dad’s gun and now being surprised at how much they are asking for the revolver now.

That said, I’d reach out directly to the seller and explain your connection with the gun and ask for some mercy on price. I would not mention the Roy Jinks connection if he’s not already awre of it! Not sure what your financial circumstances are, but maybe offer $3k / $3,500.

Could be that the seller is a decent human, and is not into the gun for that much, and he’ll work with you to help get your dad’s gun back to your safe. You’ll find out both when you make your offer… I think that if you end up paying above $3k it’ll be more for love of the gun/sentiment than expecting to get that monetary value back anytime soon. If you’ve got plenty of cash in the bank, just buy it no matter the price and sleep better at night, and with lesson learned. Good luck!
Click to expand...

What he said. I’d not go into a lot of detail, just “it was my Dad’s. I got stupid as a young man and sold it and I’ve regretted it ever since”. He may or may not help you out, but It can’t hurt. I’d not go into any other details as those would add provenience to the gun and maybe make him think it’s worth even more🙄
 
When I was about 12 years old and just starting to hunt and shoot ...
My Dad had given me my first shotgun ... brand new , not a hand me down and it was all mine ... we were cleaning our guns after a squirrel hunting trip ...
He looks at me all serious and tells me ..." Son , don't ever sell a gun you like ... you will come to regret it ! "
I think my old man was a lot smarter than I gave him credit for at the time ... That was good advice and I've never sold a gun I liked and I would add ...never sell a gun that belonged to your dad or grandfather ... those need to stay in the family .

I sure hope you are able to get your's back ... Good Luck !
Gary
 
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dmar said:
I had previously missed that you are actually considering buying it back. I read your initial post as you regretting selling your dad’s gun and now being surprised at how much they are asking for the revolver now.

That said, I’d reach out directly to the seller and explain your connection with the gun and ask for some mercy on price. I would not mention the Roy Jinks connection if he’s not already awre of it! Not sure what your financial circumstances are, but maybe offer $3k / $3,500.

Could be that the seller is a decent human, and is not into the gun for that much, and he’ll work with you to help get your dad’s gun back to your safe. You’ll find out both when you make your offer… I think that if you end up paying above $3k it’ll be more for love of the gun/sentiment than expecting to get that monetary value back anytime soon. If you’ve got plenty of cash in the bank, just buy it no matter the price and sleep better at night, and with lesson learned. Good luck!
Click to expand...

Well my experience with "Decent Humans" in any trading selling market, is that if you let them know how special something is to you, the price stays firm or goes up.... but you can try.
 
We all have sold guns to pay a bill or obtain another - kinda like trading up. You cant agonize about value now as you were satisfied with what you got at that time. Wish I had some of my 65-70 Mustangs back at the price I sold them for… As far as the story behind your gun, you know it was your dad’s but without provenance beyond that, anything connected to a famous person or incident has no value.
 
If the reason you want that gun back has anything to do with correcting a bad decision many years ago, let it go. Correcting bad decisions are steps most all have taken, but how to correct all of them?

Held an Old nickel SAA decades ago for about 20 minutes, put it down, came back and held it another ten or fifteen minutes, and walked away from it. Had a lot of responsibilities at the time and didn't want to further burden my credit card. It was as mint as perfect. Hate myself for letting that one get away. Let a beautiful young lady get away many years ago.
How I hate bad decisions, but many live on with us.

I'd go by my Dad's grave for a little while for a reality check and a talk. I'm sure he would tell you not to worry about it.
 
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