4516 U.S. Marshall bicentennial value

[kff41]

Hi to All I have run across a S&W4516 U.S. Marshall bicentennial appears to be unfired with the fold over box and papers etc.. According to the 4th std. catalog it came with a display case and certificate. They both seem to be missing. My question to the group is [1] what is its value ? premium? for 1 of 500 made in 1993 [2] what did the display case look like?? Glass front wall hanger like the 1911's or the presentation cases? [3] what was the certificate. Hope some one has some answers as this is driving me crazy on whether to buy for the safe or pass as I already have one that I can shoot thanks in advance to ALL

 

[ken158]

Commeratives usually are not a good buy... you can find an interested prospect if they have an attachment to the agency but values are hurt when they have been fired or do not include everything that came when it was new. I thought a federal agency commerative would be a valued piece but had a FBI commerative 5" 27 that took me forever to move and it finally went to a new agent that thought it would be a nice keepsake. I did not make a dime on that sale - just glad to move it.

 

[colt_saa]

I have never seen the display case or certificate for this firearm, but I do own one of the pistols

The display case would not have been a wall hanger. Most Smith and Wesson display cases are glass top presentation cases that can be placed on a desk, credenza, etc.

Here is what the Texas Hold'em cased set looks like for reference (only photo I could find).

With a low quantity of firearms like this, not enough transactions get to the secondary market for a pricing trend to be established. I bought mine fairly cheap.

I find simple commemorative firearms like this one to often be a very good buy. Usually LNIB or EX+ condition firearms can be purchased for less than what a visibly used version of the same firearm sells for on the current market. Or the owners think there is an astronomical premium on their commemorative and they have it for sale for years.

The more highly embellished commemoratives carry values reflected by their embellishment. For example engraved pieces, or genuine African Ivory grips, gold wire line work, etc. will add to the value if you like the design. This is one of the more unusual display cases

I never purchase a firearm with the express intent to make a profit with it. I buy what I like. If you keep your firearms for 10-20-30 or more years (like I do), you will ALWAYS be able to sell them for more than you paid.

So the question is . . . What is it worth to you?

 

[P71]

If I recall correctly, in that time frame the issued USMS gun was the Ruger GP-100 with the option of personal purchase of various approved handguns, before being replaced by Glocks around 2000 (yes, really that late). Therefore, the 4516 has no official historical connection to the agency, and I don't see what premium the engraving/case/certificate would bring.

 

[sodacan]

Pass on it. The vast majority of collectors have little interest and place no premium on guns manufactured as limited edition or commemoratives. They're mostly trumped up marketing gimmicks.

 

[kff41]

Thanks to all who replied. I knew that there were members with way more knowledge than I on this firearm It looks so nice but at least $150. more than gun brokers' auctions I really appreciate the replies and photos that were posted. going to pass on it as I have enough safe queens Best to all

 

[mrchuck]

Ahem,,,please notice that the "correct" spelling is Marshal.
Only 1 "l". Not 2.
To help you remember, It is spelled on the slide of your firearm.
I only point this out as I am a "retired" one.
Beautiful pistol you have there.

 

[kff41]

Thank you mrchuck I sit corrected. I did how ever, copy spelling out of std. catalog S&W #4 page 378 and it is spelled with 2 Ls' LOL