At the recent antique arms show, a gentleman came in with a 4th Model Military .44. The gun had a 4” barrel, was a five screw, only a light turn line, perfect fitting Magna stocks (I assume numbered) in a numbered gold box printed “Model of 1926” with a narrow gold label over the top that said “Model of 1950”. The box was very nice, it included vapor paper and the hints brochure. He was asking 2K and I passed. I’ve been thinking about that gun ever since. I don’t know if he sold it and I’m hoping he’ll be back with it in two months at the next show (I can always hope and pray).

This is the first one I can remember seeing for sale. SCSW #3 lists ANIB at $4500, which I saw when I got home.

How bad did I screw up?

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"I also cook."

I would expect to see that package priced at $4000-$4500 by a reputable dealer.

Kind of nuts, IMHO. I had a 5" when I was in my mid-20s, and although I was foolish enough to let it go, it was still only a gun...

Eventually the nicest and most collectible guns are going to belong to someone we probably won't know and never knew us anyway. I'm just glad that I occasionally get so see, perhaps fondle, good pieces now and then and move along having enjoyed them for a short while.

Maybe I don't understand the metaphysics of it all yet.

What I find interesting is that there must have been at least a few knowledgeable dealers/collectors at the show that would have jumped on buying a gun for 2k that they could get 4000-4500 in resale.

While the package described sounds nice, why would someone balk at making 2k? Is it because to maximize return one would have to sit on it a while, thus tying up the 2k they paid for it?

I used to attend the Michigan Antique Arms show years ago and saw largely pre 1900 weapons and accessories. Every so often I'd see a triplelock or a heavy duty but rarely. I guess the "antique" definition has moved up a bit to include more current firearms.

Well, as I said in another post comparing guns to classic cars; What's "hot" is largely defined by 50 to 60 year olds with money looking back to items they were fond of growing up.

Model As and model Ts aren't hot anymore because those hotly interested in them, well, aren't around anymore.

Back on point, interesting a dealer wouldn't want to make 2 k or even 1500 or heck even a quick 1000.

Dave

Books don't buy guns.

I balked at spending 2K because I'm stupid and didn't know better (if they're really worth 4K+). I'm not a dealer, but I do exhibit at the shows and I try to accumulate good guns. The dealers there didn’t seem to be spending a lot of money. There were a lot of nice guns walking the isles and I didn't have very long to make a decision on this one. It appears I made the wrong decision. I suspect it's already sold, but I can still hope to see it again.

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"I also cook."

REAL bad.

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Regards,
Lee Jarrett

Thanks Lee. [img]http://www****nemasterstudios.com/graemlins/images/banghead.gif[/img]

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"I also cook."

I ran across a fairly good (not perfect) G&B box for one of those 44 spl Military's (just a box...sigh) last week. Hemmed & hawed about buying it; offered $100; seller is undecided. If he succumbs to my apparently ludicrous offer, I will try to flip it for a minor profit since I don't presently own one of those hog-legs. Any opinions as to what just a box may really be worth? -S2

s&wchad, the problem is it's one in a thousand that a guy is going to walk into a gunshow with $4500 in his pocket on the off chance of finding a "once in a lifetime" gun. I carry a lot of big bills when I go to a show, but not quite that kinda dough. If you got it you would probably have to bring it here or to an auction.

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Dick

Speedo2

Let me know if you decide to make that "minor profit" on the box if you get it.

Bob

Dave,

Unlike with cars, the classification of "antique" related to guns isn't a moving target. With an automobile, I believe it relates to the number of years since its production. With guns it is established by Federal law. To be an "antique" gun, it must have been produced prior to 1898. What IS a moving target with guns is the classification of "curio or relic". In most cases, that means a gun which was produced 50 or more years ago.

Regarding your question as to why someone wouldn't buy a gun that they knew they could make an immediate $2000+ profit on, I will only say that there are many of us who don't buy those guns to immediately resell them. If I wanted a gun that I knew would normally sell for $4000-4500 and I saw it for half of that, I would certainly buy it if I had the cash. But, because I wanted it...not because I could resell it. In other words, some of us are collectors...some of us are traders. That doesn't mean that either philosophy is bad, only different motivations.

Bob

Need more snapshots? It's sitting right here in front of me....

Drew
1802

Bettis,
Good points. In my post I was thinking strictly from a dealer sitting at a table buying and selling. From a collector's standpoint, that gun is likely a keeper. Although I would be tempted to shoot it.

Dealers are collectors as well, but possible 2K profit is a stong motivator.

My comment about car collecting was really realted to another thread where a couple of posters said; a like new model 10 will always go up in value. Another said a 1970 barracuda will always increase in value.

I believe both statements are wrong.As generations shift and "new" older people with $ start remembering their past, what's hot will change.

On the other hand Sebago Son's gun pictured here.....well there are always exceptions.

But model A and model T fords aren't top end anymore because those who were hot for them are well, passed on.

Dave

Dave,

Not ALL of us have "passed on" just yet. My first car was a 1924 Model T Touring Car. (And before some of the comedians chime in; NO, I didn't buy it new!!) Sure wish I still had it

Bob

Drew,

That is an outstanding gun! Too bad that Roy couldn't give you some idea about the % that were nickel. In any event, with only 1200 total made, the shiny ones have got to be very, very scarce. My gun was shipped less than a month after yours and also went to New York. (Rex Firearms Co.)

Bob

Bob,

Subsequent to this letter, Mr. Jinks informed the previous owner of this revolver that there were only 2 4" Nickle Pre-21s made.

The other example is owned by a fellow forum member and I understand it has been refinished, albeit to nickle.

I feel quite privileged to be this gun's current caretaker and I owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to the friends I have made on this forum for their generosity not only in sharing many fine S&W goodies and guns with me, but also their fellowship, camaraderie and knowledge.

Your name is also on that list for ALL the reasons noted above.

The fellow that passed this Pre-21 to me was one of the first to welcome me to this forum nearly 10 years ago now, and has become like family.

Drew
1802

Drew,

Only two made in that finish...and yours is the only one still sporting the original factory finish...that puts its rarity well up in the stratosphere!

Congratulations!! If Roy would up date your letter, that would make a great "One Gun Display" at the next SWCA show.

Bob

You gentlemen aren't making me feel any better. Awesome gun Drew.

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"I also cook."

Since we are piling on (sorry, s&wchad ), this is the only example I own. I bought it from gun writer Mike Venturino. I'd pay $2000 for similar ones until my bank account dropped below $2000...haha.

Thank You Sir!

Ummmm. You are probably too much of a gentleman to ask, but I will volunteer that I paid more than twice the figure you discussed nearly 8 years ago for this Pre-21 1950 .44 Special.

What it's worth today is anyone's guess...

Drew

I have the revolver for your box if you are intersted in making a small profit. ...if you are selling. <vbg>
Charlie