Antique Prices - I'm Confused

[Dosgatos]

I read this forum regularly, and keep hearing that prices for older S&Ws have dropped in recent years, perhaps below those cited in SWSC 3rd Edition. Yesterday a number of guns from the Charles Duffy Collection completed on Gunbroker and the realized prices belied that - here are some samples:

.32 Safety in box $704 (224849918)
.32 Safety Bicycle in wrong box $905 (224842005)
2nd Single Shot $821 (224839895)
.38 DA $656 (224856894)
.32 Safety in box $508 (224854080)
.38 DA Perfected $610 (224858273)

There was an auction of a collection of S&Ws on Gunbroker which was held by Lee Jarrett in March of 2010, and similar guns sold for 20-25% less than this auction.

The prize of this auction was an engraved Number One in box that went for $1,801 (224830187)

 

[opoefc]

I think the GunBroker prices are probably reflective of the current market. Antique gun prices are down from 3 to 4 yrs ago by probably an overall 25%, or so, in my opinion. Mostly due to the economy and partly due to the fact that newer collectors are not as intertested in antiques as they are in the more modern firearms. You see this, not only in S&Ws, but other
antiques guns,as well, unless the gun is really a milestone specimen.
The items you listed sold in the ballpark range I would have estimated. The phoney description of the engraved No. One, 3rd Model, didn't fool the bidders apparently, as it is no more "factory engraved by Gustave Young," than I am!" Ed.

 

[Masterpiece]

Peter,

I'm going to have to go along with Ed!! I think the prices these brought were right in line and some even sold for much less then they should have!! Especially the Blued Safety Revolvers,in particular,which are hard to find in this condition!! Overall,all of these firearms were either in Fairly High Condition for their age or Hard to Find in the conditions they were offered in!! Even the 3rd Model Engraved #1 brought what I thought to be a more than fair price when you broke down everything that came along with it!! Even though I don't believe it was Young Engraved either as Ed mentioned!! The Case & the Early 100 Round Box of Remington Rimfire Ammo alone are worth more than you might think!! And lastly,you also have to remember these came from the collection of a well-known member of the S&W Collecting Community as well & possibly had some bearing on what they brought!!

 

[Dosgatos]

I agree with both of you that the prices were fair - the fact that there were people to pay the prices on an auction speaks for itself. I was one of them, buying the .38 Double Action Perfected! There were two bidders who bought a lot of this collection, who played a large part in bringing up the prices. I'm not critical of them, I was just surprised that these prices were achieved in what is supposedly a "soft market". You're also correct in noting that there were several exceptional .32 Safeties, but similar guns brought $200 less at another Gunbroker auction a year ago.

 

[Masterpiece]

Peter,

I have nothing to do with the Seller of these items whatsoever,but in his defense,his Auctions always seem to bring higher prices than most!! He presents all of his Firearms in a way every Seller "Should" with High Quality Close-Up Photos & most often with a Detailed Correct Description!! I think this also is a factor with their fetching higher than average pricing!! If you go back through his Selling History you will see what I mean!!

Take Care!!

 

[Camster]

The interest in antiques in general,has slid.The economy has something to do with it.Other factors are that younger generations don't have the interest in old stuff,or clutter.It's about having less stuff,usuable modern things.

 

[blackpowder30]

I know nothing about the Charles Duffy Collection. I do agree with everything else stated above. But the most impacting item to the prices of antiques and collectibles has been the internet availability. I had a good hobby/business in antiques and collectibles for 30 years. It was fun to find a collector or dealer who was excited about what I had to sell them. I let my license expire 6 years ago because the enjoyment and profit went away.

 

[SDH]

One seller having a large number of quality guns attracts a large number of quality buyers.

 

[desi2358]

Prices of older guns fluctuate with demand like any other commodity. All firearms have been a volatile market over the last few years. Quality items have held their value better than lesser grade ones. I still believe that any item is only worth what you can get someone to pay you for it, this is why the best quality item is the best investment (if that's what you're looking at it for). More people will be interested in an extra fine item and this will result in higher bids.