How to value "collectibles?"

[tomhenry]

First off, I'm concerned about selling guns in a slow period. A pro gun POTUS. Cash seems to be short because of inflation via the former potus (lower case letters intentional). Etc.

1. Does a slow economy affect collectible S&W revolvers?
2. How does one determine the value of rare/semi rare revolvers. For example, one of them is a 25-2 in about 96% shape. No rust, etc. However, instead of the customary "Model of 1955" on the barrel, mine came from the lot where they had misstamped a lot of barrels with "Model of 1950." Let the gunbroker free market decide? I'd hate to list it no reserve no minimum first bid, not knowing what it's worth.

Another gun with an aftermarket "variation" is a 27-2 3 1/2" barrel, ~98% shape, except it has Grashorn stag grips. Non factory grips always decrease the price? What's a fair ballpark on that?

Here's a bad shot of the 357s. The 3 1/2, a 5" and a pre 27 6 inch.



I'm just getting ready for the day when I do all this. I just got a light box (still in the box) for taking quality macro photographs. I asked some pertinent questions here: https://smith-wessonforum.com/threa...-some-guns-from-my-private-collection.746222/

My FFL charges $50 plus shipping, but I don't know any other way to ship. I shipped a handgun myself at a UPS shipping center and it was ~$140. So whether gunbroker, S&W, whatever venue they're sold on, it's always going to be the same shipping.

Any advice is appreciated.

My alternative is to rent a table at Wannamacher but that seems to be a monumental headache.

 

[Sevens]

Your best bet is a well known, top tier Gunbroker consignment seller.

Yes, they will take something on the order of 18% off the hammer price, but the truth is that you get a LOT of value for that percentage.

If you are interested in what that percentage buys you, we can talk about it. It's worth it.

 

[bigggbbruce]

Are you looking to make a profit or just get your money back.

List with starting prices your cost. See where they go from there.

 

[THE PILGRIM]

What you are trying to determine is Fair Market Selling Prices in your location.
You can usually only sell at local Fair Market, makes no difference what your cost is.
The online Brokers appear to distort this and create a National Value which may exceed what you can get locally.

 

[4T5GUY]

In the last few months I've sold a eight collectible, rare and or interesting firearms. The majority were S&W. I personally do not think that there currently is a "slow economy" when it comes to firearms. Higher end firearms anyway.

I offered most here first. If they didn't sell within a week they went off to either a top 10 consigner on Gunbroker or Jack the Dog. Although I had an idea what things were worth, a quick online search of sold prices helped confirm. I received asking prices on ones that I sold here and didn't have to pay consignment fees. Ironically I received higher than wanted/expected prices on ones I consigned even AFTER the Gunbroker 17% consignment fees and more than I was asking here. I got over $1,000 more than expected/wanted on one example and a bidding war went on for over two hours so there's that.

For me selling here on the Forum was more work and stress than just having someone else be responsible for everything involved.

Jim

 

[Xfuzz]

Not sure what part of the country your in
but, I would consider getting a table at a local or close by
gun show.
YOU control the price and make the decisions on sales.

 

[Truckman]

YOU control the price and make the decisions on sales.

You're just getting more power hungry in your old age, Howie......Ben

 

[bobsguns]

My FFL buddy has a good quote: People with money ALWAYS have money. (Exceptions to this, of course.)

But his upper end guns still sell just like they always have. He might be right...............

 

[03hemi]

I'll give you $400 for the 27-2 3.5 bbl right now AND pay your FFL transfer fee seeing how it has those stag grips and not the originals?

 

[Muley Gil]

I'll give you $400 for the 27-2 3.5 bbl right now AND pay your FFL transfer fee seeing how it has those stag grips and not the originals?

Ain't you a swell guy!

 

[03hemi]

Ain't you a swell guy!

Hey, it's worth a try?

 

[HuntFish918]

First off, I'm concerned about selling guns in a slow period. A pro gun POTUS. Cash seems to be short because of inflation via the former potus (lower case letters intentional). Etc.

1. Does a slow economy affect collectible S&W revolvers?
2. How does one determine the value of rare/semi rare revolvers. For example, one of them is a 25-2 in about 96% shape. No rust, etc. However, instead of the customary "Model of 1955" on the barrel, mine came from the lot where they had misstamped a lot of barrels with "Model of 1950." Let the gunbroker free market decide? I'd hate to list it no reserve no minimum first bid, not knowing what it's worth.

Another gun with an aftermarket "variation" is a 27-2 3 1/2" barrel, ~98% shape, except it has Grashorn stag grips. Non factory grips always decrease the price? What's a fair ballpark on that?

Here's a bad shot of the 357s. The 3 1/2, a 5" and a pre 27 6 inch.

View attachment 785097

I'm just getting ready for the day when I do all this. I just got a light box (still in the box) for taking quality macro photographs. I asked some pertinent questions here: https://smith-wessonforum.com/threa...-some-guns-from-my-private-collection.746222/

My FFL charges $50 plus shipping, but I don't know any other way to ship. I shipped a handgun myself at a UPS shipping center and it was ~$140. So whether gunbroker, S&W, whatever venue they're sold on, it's always going to be the same shipping.

Any advice is appreciated.

My alternative is to rent a table at Wannamacher but that seems to be a monumental headache.

Wanenmacher is not a headache, just give their office a call and they will set you up with a table. We look forward to the experience twice a year. C'mon to Tulsa!

 

[ken158]

Sought after models in high condition will always bring a premium regardless of the economy, etc. So don't let a slick talker tell you otherwise. Do some gunbroker SOLD searches and see what the market has been offering for similar guns. You can set a reasonable reserve and good if you get it or when it times out you can lower your reserve for the following week. Now - you may get some contacts that ask you to contact them after your non selling auction ends and before you re-list. GB may not like it, but it happens frequently… Ship My Gun is a great place for discount shipping prices and it is owned by Bud's Guns who has a good reputation.

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

Any advice is appreciated.

My alternative is to rent a table at Wannamacher but that seems to be a monumental headache.

In Idaho the local Newspaper has a Guns Section in the Classified Ads. One week was $5.

You can ask for what it is worth. You can go $1000 / FIRM or $1000 OR BEST OFFER.

I don't like the table idea because at Gun Shows you get too many lookeyloos.

 

[YeshuaIsa53]

Watched a guy drop a collectible S&W onto a cement floor at a gun show years ago. The seller was quite the man and asked him to buy it, which he would not do. He did get $50 from the guy, though. Wasn't enough for me, because I then would not have bought it.

Dry firing, slamming cylinders shut, sitting them down on the muzzle, it goes on and on. More power to the sellers from me, as I wouldn't do it unless I was hurting. I have bought a good bit at gun shows, but handle them with great care like they are my own. Meeting people and talking to old friends is fun, too. Good luck.

A gun is worth what someone is willing to pay for it, or it goes back in inventory.

 

[toroflow1]

First off, find an FFL dealer that doesn't need to make ALL his daily money from you by charging $50 for an FFL transfer! An easy way to find an FFL in your area is to log onto Gunbroker. They have a search feature which lists all the FFLs in your certain zip code, and what they charge for a transfer. My FFL charges $20. Having your guns consigned is a great and painless way to go. I used "Lock, Stock, & Barrel", who sells on Gunbroker. The 20% they charge is tough, but you have to do NOTHING. I sold off 55 guns through them a couple years ago. It was a good experience but for the 20%!

 

[larstusor]

I like to first give forum members a shot at what I'm selling. Listing on the Marketplace is free and you have an audience of interested persons. Since there is no fee, you can set a reasonable price that would attract more buyers. Taking pics can be a pain but it's not all that difficult. Yes, a Gunbroker consignee will likely make better pics, but I offer the customary 3 day, non-shooting or disassembly return privilege if the gun is not what I represented and I've never had one come back. Shipping is also not that big a deal. I have found that most buyers can find an FFL that will accept delivery from an individual with a photo copy of a current and valid driver's license. Just my experience, your mileage may vary,

 

[tomhenry]

Watched a guy drop a collectible S&W onto a cement floor at a gun show years ago. The seller was quite the man and asked him to buy it, which he would not do. He did get $50 from the guy, though. Wasn't enough for me, because I then would not have bought it.

Dry firing, slamming cylinders shut, sitting them down on the muzzle, it goes on and on. More power to the sellers from me, as I wouldn't do it unless I was hurting. I have bought a good bit at gun shows, but handle them with great care like they are my own. Meeting people and talking to old friends is fun, too. Good luck.

A gun is worth what someone is willing to pay for it, or it goes back in inventory.

And there it is. Add to the above the fact that guns get stolen at Wannamacher, too. Too much hassle.

 

[Model29-26.5]

Your best bet is to try selling here on the forum first and see if you get any bites.
If it's been up for a month with no bites, then you can see what you can get by consigning with either a red or blue velvet background.
Good photographs make a huge difference, from what I have seen.