Based on what I have observed over the last several months, or at least in less than the past year, has the value or perhaps, the price at which a Triple Lock changes hands, increased substantially fairly recently? This hypothesis s based on what my observations are based on what I believe a Triple Lock should bring, and what I have observed it actually sell for, these two values being significantly different. Or, have I just noted a few recent "extreme outliers"?

Also, would you pay more for a one, two, or three digit Triple Lock serial number vs a 4 or 5 digit one? As for myself, I would pay a VERY, VERY hefty premium for serial number 1, a substantial premium for the remaining one digit Triple Locks, a significant premium for a 2 digit Triple Lock, but once 3 digits I think it becomes more of a curiosity. Maybe worth a few extra bucks or perhaps if offered two identical Triple Locks at identical prices, but one having a 3 digit serial number, and the other having a 4 or 5 digit one, I would pick the revolver with a 3 digit number.

Does anyone know where the Triple Lock with serial number 1 is these days?

Doc, Low digit T-Locks are an anomaly in that there are three possible guns with the same serial number. (1)Frames/Guns that were part of the very small number made up for the 1906 Army trials. Some may still be in the 45S&W Special Army trials caliber, (2) guns made in the commercial T-Lock series starting in 1908 in .44 S&W Spl. caliber, and (3) guns made up for the 1st British contract, which had their own serial number range, starting with # 1. Collectors have the challenge of getting together a triple play of three T-Locks with the same serial number,. Are you up for the challenge? One of the serial number 1 guns is in the collection of one of our members, in .44 Spl. caliber and with an extra cylinder in 44-40 caliber, all serial # 1. Serial # 2 in.45 S&W Special, a trials gun, is also in the collection of another member. I'm unaware of anyone who has successfully put together a triple play as yet, so go for it ! I once owned ser. # 9, in .45 S&W Spl. caliber and there are various "Club guns" with zero prefix low numbers.
Low serial number always bring a premium of some sort, as that's just the way collector's think and the market responds, whether it's guns or Shelby Mustangs. The collectable gun market for older guns is down somewhat overall, as reflected in the auction sales, due to two reason, I think. (1) Older collectors are selling off their collections, and (2) younger collectors are not going for the older guns, they are into post 1970s semi-autos, performance center guns and limited production issues., etc. In the case of T-Locks, a collection of over 100 T-Locks has come on the auction market in the last year, due to the demise of the collector, so the supply vs. demand effect will be seen in auction sales for a while. Ed.

Ed,

When I posted this thread, I had in mind the commercial model series; however, a Triple play Triple Lock collection would be a challenge! Even collecting a commercial Triple Lock and one in .455, or later converted, would be challenging, but not impossible, due to about 5,000 duplicate numbers.

The problem with collecting specific serial numbers is that, if you somehow locate a specific serial number of interest, it might not be of the quality desired. For example, I have a Winchester 1886 dating from 1895 and I noted that the gun next in sequence, or previous in sequence was being auctioned locally. Mine is a 90% gun. This other gun had a cut barrel and had been painted pink! So much for owning that one.

Interesting...I noted with some interest that a T.L. recently sold on this site that had an earlier number than mine but according to the information had a later ship date. I have #421 that according to Mr. Jinks was shipped February 17, 1908 and according to him was one of the first production units shipped. Odd that the numbers would be askew although I understand that can happen with later model N-frame of different caliber.

Ship dates & serial number sequence has never been a fact with S&Ws. In fact, a marketing ploy in the earlier times was to ship guns with high serial numbers much earlier than the lower numbers, to deceive competitors about sales volume., etc. " Last in, First out " has always been the factory's practice in shipping guns from the vault. ( The last Schofield was shipped in 1962 ! ) Ed.

For me, considering such as the low SN matter within another frame of reference. What trade-off for such? As a generalization, in context of any significant SN premium, better dedicate the same 'perk' funds to finding the nicest original specimen possible for those additional bucks. From an investment perspective, likely far greater Triplelock collector/investor base with my condition/originality bent. Such than the 'premium bucks into low/particular serial number' crowd. Both from personal perspective and investment potential, I'll stick with higher condition/originality for my premiums.

Underlying addendum. "Collecting reality point"; such where many of us have faced 'the moment'. Factually, needing to recognize our collection as an investment. Such as opposed to just 'fun stuff'. Issues as presented here, removed from happy whimsy. Balancing more abstract 'commodity dimensions' in relevance.

To recognize happy whimsy and not to burst any such bubbles...
Just my take

Low numbers aside, I agree that TL prices have continued to rise while some other vintage N frames have stagnated a bit. I've really noticed this in 'shooter' grade guns that a year or so ago might have changed hands in the $1K range are currently bringing near double that in some areas.

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Randy
Provenance nerd

An older collector/dealer once told me that there are 4 things to consider about collecting, in descending order of importance:
1. Condition
2. Condition
3. Condition
4. Rarity

It seems to have been good advice. Unless the gun has really historical
provenance, I buy condition rather than rarity.

For me:

1. Status as an iconic classic
2. Original configuration
3. Original finish
4. Condition

__________________
Buy American
Vote Responsibly

Rave on Bushmaster! There is a wide variety of collectors, accumulators, and hoarders gathered here. Some won' t buy anything not LNIB. Others (like me) might buy a shortened, refinished Registered Magnum just so they could own one jor a battered M&P because it walked a beat in Detraoit. Actually, I find this divide to be a fortunate situation as it means there are homes available for all the old Smiths out there. JMHO

__________________
Randy
Provenance nerd

What he said /\ /\

Sent from my SM-S975L using Tapatalk

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Regards,
Bruce

I bought this Triple Lock because of what it is. It has been refinished, it likely had a pretty hard life. The letter from Roy Jinks says that it is original configuration, minus the stocks, they are a whole other story. Here is my 4" nickel triple lock.



I do have the proper stocks and an unused hammer & trigger set for it should I decide to make it more whole again.

Attached Images

DSCF0420_zpsoum3tinn.jpg (243.6 KB, 581 views)

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On the Oak Savannah

I don't look at any guns as investments. You are gambling more than you are investing.

I still have a nagging curiosity of what the "vintage" revolver market will be like in 30-40yrs when I am as old as the majority is now. Going to be a very different demographic down the road.

I see the $11,000 Triple-lock Target on GB hasn't sold yet, so prices must still be fairly reasonable?? It does have very fine non-medallion grips!

There are some dreamers on the auction sites.

Is it a S&W .44?
Is it a pre-war TL, 2nd, or 3rd Model, post-war Transitional, 1950 model, or later?
If later, is it a S-prefix serial number?
Original configuration (not mechanically altered)?
Original finish?
Matching stocks?
Barrel length?

Based on the criteria above I think about how it fits into my accumulation of old iron. I tend to accumulate "experienced" shooters with varying degrees of wear but original configuration and finish is the starting criteria. I can find a set of period stocks, but a pre-war or Transitional barrel or cylinder might be a problem.

When it comes to TL's, well, I just buy them when I can with the understanding that they may not be original finish and may have been altered in some way. I have three: A Target, a .455, and a Military. The Target has a custom front sight, altered rear sight, and may have gone back to the factory in the 1950's for a new finish and a new trigger. The .455 was nicely refinished with nickel plating many years ago and the stocks repaired by DWFAN last year. The Military has little original finish remaining and non-matching stocks. All are "shooters". All are decent examples that 'fit' my collection and acquired when finances allowed.

I suppose my answer to the OP would be, yes prices are increasing; yes, a very low serial number may be more desirable. However originality and condition are still paramount. I _almost_ pulled the trigger on the three-digit TL, but chose to enjoy my modest TL collection for what it is. One day soon, hopefully, a fair but original condition 5" blue TL will present itself. I'll save for that one instead!

Attached Images

	1911_1st Model .44 HE Target 7133.JPG (158.1 KB, 73 views)
	1913_ 1st Model .455 HE Military 12742.jpg (62.3 KB, 69 views)
	1916_ 1st Model .44 HE Military 13823.jpg (71.4 KB, 473 views)

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Tom in AZ
Respect the Dingbat

Tom; all nice revolvers. I'd be proud to own each.

Why do you say the Military has little original finish remaining? Isn’t that the way cylinders and barrels are supposed to look?

__________________
Buy American
Vote Responsibly

My well used Triplelock Target #902 shipped in July 1908. I wonder what it might sell for these days?
Although I'm not inclined to sell.
Shown with carved El Paso holster and at the range with butt swivel removed and Sanderson target grips.

Attached Images

	Triplelock ElPaso Chinlie-.jpg (96.8 KB, 51 views)
	T Lock with target -.jpg (236.9 KB, 62 views)
	Right FL-.jpg (271.6 KB, 53 views)

Probably my best TL, factory refinished in the '60s, like a new gun, no indication of prep work for renickel but has stamping on grip frame & 60s stamping on right frame --

First TL I traded for 30 years ago -- dealer had it priced at $1300 for weeks. Perfect function,
bore, grips but failing nickel mostly on both sides of barrel --


I had a cute little Pocket Positive I had engraved, LGS offered me $600 for. TL dealer took it &
$300 for the TL & I restored the nickel to about 90% ----->

This is my Triple Lock, serial number 088. I wonder what I could get for it. It letters as being the first of the 12 Zero Numbers shipped in 1906, sn's 088 to 096.

Attached Images

Club Gun Triple lock.jpg (29.4 KB, 42 views)

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Don Mundell

This is my only TL, serial number 421...its a pity somebody needed to file on the front site, I see where that happens from time to time.