Haha, in three posts you have been given three totally different ranges of money. None of these are bad estimates.
The last one with "9mm top end and $2,700+" is neat... and wholly irrelevant. A 9mm top end on a 52 is some inside guy's side project and practically a "one off" and can't realistically be valued as too few exist... and it's not any manner of a gauge for the pistol in question.
The first estimate for $1200-$1400 is what I would expect it to
actually sell at at a gun show, if the seller wanted to move the pistol.
The very best way to get
TOP money for a S&W Model 52 is Gunbroker. And that's where the detailed second post comes in with good info, but also be forewarned -- a Gunbroker auction can have many things going for it or going against it which will have huge effect on the price outcome.
To realize absolute top dollar on Gunbroker, it is most likely to happen when the seller has a high rating and has established a reputation for high grade guns. Fugate, Woodlawn Boys, other long-established dealers that piece out
known collections get that kind of money. The average 15-feedback rated seller is only lucky to realize the kind of ending prices that fill out the far end of the "value" scale.
If you or another guy is looking to purchase from a friend and you want a genuine "market" value to put down where you can then open up discussion... I say that $1250 is the low end and $1500 is the high end but SN range, condition of box, etc etc... these things absolutely do matter.
Sorry for the long reply, but this is a fantastic pistol and I have paid very close attention to the market for these for more than a year. I love 'em very much.
