Any added value for Ltd. Ed. S&W 2 digit serial numbers?

[weaselmeatgravy]

I'm mostly a Ruger guy and Ruger collectors put a significant premium on low serial number. I'm wondering if the same applies to S&W limited edition/commemorative revolvers?

Specifically interested for these two revolvers:

1. Boxed Texas Rangers model 19 with the accompanying S&W Bowie knife, serial number TRxx.

2. Boxed 125th anniversary model 25-3 .45 Colt with the commemorative coin, serial number S&W000xx.

 

[Breakaway500]

Not for me...not even a tiny premium for a low serial number.I have a few of the TR commemoratives, as I really like them..but could not tell you what any of the serial numbers are.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

I consider myself a serial number geek, but I don't chase commemorative revolvers. I don't own one.

A low or "special" serial number of any model I'm interested in gets my attention. That doesn't necessarily mean I'd pay a premium for it.

I suppose a commemorative with serial number 1 would raise my brow. Beyond that it's just another serial number.

 

[shown50]

I agree with the above replies. I own a TR set NIB and from what I’ve seen locally they don’t carry much of a premium over a regular model in the same condition. To me a low serial number on a commemorative model is meaningless unless it’s number 1,2, or 3. You may find someone who worked with or in the department the commemorative is issued for that might care more about low serial numbers than the average Joe does.

 

[weaselmeatgravy]

Thanks for the inputs. I bought the two guns together some years ago because I collect the 1970's S&W Blackie Collins knives and the TR M19 w/knife was about the last knife "package" combo that I needed to round out my collection. The 25-3 was part of the deal and I'm now thinking about selling it. So I was hoping there was a premium for 2 digit guns. Oh well.

 

[Model19man]

I bought a Model 25-3 because they are great shooters. Apparently there were a lot made because you see a lot for sale and prices are therefore low even for New In the Box condition.

 

[22hipower]

Some serial numbers are interesting and some might draw a premium although I agree with the comments above that for the two in question unless they're the first one no premium, and not much even for the first ones. Now, SN for the first 44 Magnum produced, the first Registered Magnum, etc. would definitely draw a premium. . .and maybe for the last SN produced as well.

Two S&Ws which don't seem to get much respect (from a price appreciation perspective anyway) are the 25-3 and the 544. Neither of which seems to sell particularly well nor for very high prices relative to other S&W N frames from the same period. Seems odd that a five inch 44 slightly used can still be bought these days for under $1k and that a 25-3 NIB complete package (blue box, presentation box, book, paperwork, outer shipping carton) can be bought for $1200-$1300, sometimes less.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

Everybody would pay a HUGE premium for Registered Magnum #1. That was given to J. Edger Hoover. It has been unaccounted for since his death!
And with the rest of the RM's, nobody pays any attention to the Serial Number, it is the Registration Number that counts.

Ivan

 

[Hawg Rider]

As you can probably tell by now, a lot of Forum members are not big fans of buying and collecting S&W commemorative revolvers. I do own a Texas Ranger commemorative set (with matching bowie knife and sheath) like yours, s/n TR6362...but I bought it to shoot, not collect. I think that the TR Model 19-3 is one of the finest K-frame revolvers that S&W ever manufactured. Fit and finish is excellent, the smooth target stocks are superb and fit me perfectly, and the trimmed trigger guard is cool. I paid $800 for the set about 5 years ago. Would I pay more for a low s/n...no. Not then, not now. Most commemoratives are only manufactured for 1 year, so early s/n vs. later s/n doesn't make much difference.