Bicycle Gun MARKET VALUE?

BMur · Dec 26, 2023

I finally purchased a S&W Bicycle gun. On its way soon. I was researching values on these. I’m absolutely astonished at what the high quality examples are going for? Sure seems a bit inflated to me. Ok, way inflated!!
I agree that they are historically significant and represent a very dangerous time when the more dependable bicycles were being sold to the general public beginning in the 1890 time frame and venturing outside of city limits often was dangerous due to packs of wild dogs attacking people on bikes.
I have researched that subject and it was a very real danger!

However, they did make a significant number of them, often listed as scarce? I’m not sure I agree with that title. Uncommon? Ok I’d buy that but are they really worth this much?

Murph

gmborkovic · Dec 26, 2023

Hello Murph, have to agree with you. I know a lot of people watching them. You have to admit they are darn cute and in NIB, gorgeous little gems with MOPs. I guess the survival rate is low and demand is high.
And, high end guns are a business, not a hobby. With lots of new money in the game. Just my analysis. Dont care, all ready got mine.

mrcvs · Dec 26, 2023

The examples you provided are all Rock Island Auction sales results, theee often being the extreme outliers. All have extreme condition and one even comes with its super rare box.

In more normal venues, these would sell for not nearly as much, especially if they show honest wear. However, a Bicycle Gun, although not pristine, but with minor honest wear, is still easily a $2000 revolver these days.

You don’t even see many well worn examples these days, which is curious, as a fair number should have seen heavy use. Perhaps these might still be 3 figure revolvers these days?

weatherby · Dec 26, 2023

I'm not up on these at all but have one and will hopefully get a better idea on mine.

MrOverlay · Dec 26, 2023

Bicycle gun

All this makes me wonder how much I want mine.

gmborkovic · Dec 26, 2023

I have had customers bring in old, well worn 2" SH guns. Usually not functioning. And want out landish prices. A polite nod, and no thank you, No profit here. Most were cut barrels, and poorly done. Had enough old **** under the counter from trade ins.

DETROIT · Dec 26, 2023

RIA is the berrett-jackson of gun auctions, guns are typically well researched and the bidders tend to spend more. There are some other good auction houses where you can find deals!

Boulder350 · Dec 26, 2023

I started to track the short barreled models too. I do this to learn more about the model and the frequency of it since I don't have access to factory production records.

The 2" 32 safety hammerless is a lot easier to verify its a real factory production gun with the markings on the side of the barrel. With the 38 it's a lot harder because there are no distinguishing characteristics you can see and say, yup that's a factory 2" 38 safety hammerless.

I'm away from my notes so going off memory. There are a lot of 2" 32's out there. I'm surprised at the wide range of serial numbers that were made from the mid 80,000's to the end of production.

For the 2" 38 safety hammerless a lot less were made. I have seen quite a few in the 257,000 range to the end of production. Not very many are seen before then, but that's hard to verify with no clear markings for a factory 2".

For the 1 1/2" barreled models I have seen more 38's than 32's. Will need to look at my notes to verify how many.

gmborkovic · Dec 26, 2023

that car auction outfit also has an open bar and buffet for the big spenders. Big money to get that pass into the VIP tent.

BMur · Dec 26, 2023

Historically Accurate

I have a pretty extensive file on Bicycle guns. However, my research on the Smith & Wesson examples is limited due to the fact that their first examples were actually introduced in 1898. 2” barrels were not available prior to 1898 as part of standard production.
Other competitors like Iver Johnson, Harrington & Richardson, Hopkins & Allen, Forehand Arms Co, etc. were already producing Bicycle guns in significant numbers several years prior to 1898.

Also, according to Dr. Jinks the 2” barrel was available from 1898-1940. That’s 42 years of production.

The “Bicycle Gun Era” actually ended by the very early 1920’s and that’s kinda stretching it. What remained or transitioned was the Snub nosed revolver primarily used as a law enforcement back up or easily carried and concealed revolver. Using the title BICYCLE GUN for a gun shipped after the very early 1920’s is not historically accurate.

That being said only the earliest production Smith & Wesson examples actually qualify and were actually titled BICYCLE GUNS.

Murph

mrcvs · Dec 26, 2023

BMur said:
I have a pretty extensive file on Bicycle guns. However, my research on the Smith & Wesson examples is limited due to the fact that their first examples were actually introduced in 1898. 2” barrels were not available prior to 1898 as part of standard production.
Other competitors like Iver Johnson, Harrington & Richardson, Hopkins & Allen, Forehand Arms Co, etc. were already producing Bicycle guns in significant numbers several years prior to 1898.

Also, according to Dr. Jinks the 2” barrel was available from 1898-1940. That’s 42 years of production.

The “Bicycle Gun Era” actually ended by the very early 1920’s and that’s kinda stretching it. What remained or transitioned was the Snub nosed revolver primarily used as a law enforcement back up or easily carried and concealed revolver. Using the title BICYCLE GUN for a gun shipped after the very early 1920’s is not historically accurate.

That being said only the earliest production Smith & Wesson examples actually qualify and were actually titled BICYCLE GUNS.

Murph

That makes sense. As the 1920s is when the automobile really took off. Many railway lines were abandoned in the 1920s because folks had automobiles by then. Stands to reason that bicycle use declined then. The number of horses plummeted in the 1920s. Lastly, by 1925, there were enough cars such that everyone in the United States could sit in a car all at once as there was enough seating in automobiles to accommodate all.

Bicycle Gun MARKET VALUE?

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