I have a New Model #3, in 44-40 with a 3 digit serial number. Correct black bakelight? grips, and correct S&W target sights. Letter from Roy Jenks too. Stone cold mint condition as restored by David Chicoine. I said restored, not reblued. This gun is incredable beautiful !!! Everyone hates these questions, but what's it worth, as I have an offer of $3500 and might let it go.
3 digit New Model #3 44-40
- Thread starter Sharper
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I have a New Model #3, in 44-40 with a 3 digit serial number. Correct black bakelight? grips, and correct S&W target sights. Letter from Roy Jenks too. Stone cold mint condition as restored by David Chicoine. I said restored, not reblued. This gun is incredable beautiful !!! Everyone hates these questions, but what's it worth, as I have an offer of $3500 and might let it go.
JohnHenryD
Member
Sorry, it's not mint.
I hate to tell you, but if it was restored, it was reblued. Still Dave's work is among the best.
Suprica's book shows them in 32-44 and 38-44, no 44-40s. So maybe yours was "special order"?
Suprica's book shows them in 32-44 and 38-44, no 44-40s. So maybe yours was "special order"?
batex
Member
I think he understands that a reblue was part of the restoration, but a professional restoration is much, much more than a simple reblue. I have no idea what it is worth, but I'd love to see pictures!
deadin
US Veteran
Check page 108 for "New Model Number Three Frontier". 2,072 made with 786 later converted to 44 Russian.
I have to agree that it is still a "refinished" gun, but about the finest refinish that can be had. I would imagine that the value would be around that of a Fair to Good gun plus the cost of the restoration.
opoefc
US Veteran
Sharper, The gun is worth what you can get a buyer to pay you for it. There's too many variables involved in a restored gun to have a direct influence on price or value ( The two are not the same) 1. What did it cost to restore? 2. what did the gun cost before restoration? What is the quality of the restoration, insofar as duplicating the gun's new condition when 1st shipped. What would it cost to restore a similar gun today?, etc. etc. All these factors put their impact on what price the gun can command in the market place, plus the willing seller-willing buyer must have a meeting of the minds on what the sales price will be to sell/buy the gun. My guess, without seeing the gun, is that $3500 is in the ball park. In fact, unless the gun had mucho damage, it was probably worth that with out the restoration. A lettered 44-40 Target Model is a rare bird.
Of course I know a restoration is reblued, but as some of the more experieced collectors know, it is not the same and certainly not the same value. This level of restoration is in it's own class. I cannot post pics but I can email them to those that understand. Thanks.
