Best place to sell fine S&W Model 3 American First Model U.S Contract?

[rickschreiber]

I am considering selling a very fine nickel plated S&W Model 3 American First Model, U.S. government contract with a factory letter. This gun was previously part of Robert Howard's well known collection and may well be one of the better existing S & W's of its type. Over the years I have bought a number of antique guns but sold very few, and I would appreciate suggestions as to the best venue for selling.

In contacting various auction houses (Julia, Poulin, Rock Island and Cowans) I have encountered sale terms for this gun ranging from a 15% seller's premium to a 0% seller's premium and the return of 5% of the buyer's premium. Clearly, the auction house wanting to charge a 15% seller's premium would have to be in a position to sell for considerably more than the house charging no seller's premium and offering to pay me 5% of the buyer's premium.

Which of the auction houses do you think would be in the best position to bring the highest sales price for this gun? Put differently, should a high quality rare S&W such as this one sell itself regardless of which of the above houses markets it?

Any suggestions re selling other than thru a major auction house?

Thank you.


Rick Schreiber

 

[mrcvs]

Offer it in the "Guns For Sale or Trade" section of this forum, and see what happens.

 

[Camster]

Unless you really know what you want for it,I'd place it with a major auction house and let the market dictate it's value.Prime stuff should do well.

 

[murphydog]

If you know how much it is worth, or what you want to get for it, the Forum classified section is a good place to sell. Even if you decide to sell it via one of the major auction houses, you will still need to know how much it is worth to you, in case you want to set a reserve price. Searching online for recent comparable sales (if any) may give some insight here.

The members here (some of whom are very senior antique collectors) are very generous with their knowledge; if you are able to post photos of the gun in question, they will probably give you an opinion as to its current value. Hope this is helpful.

 

[rct269]

On the other hand, both David Carroll and Lee Jarrett KNOW the market for such guns----and KNOW the buyers for such guns---and will almost certainly return a hassle free and greater net to you than will ANY brick and mortar auction house.

Ralph Tremaine

 

[opoefc]

Rick, Pls. see PM. Ed.

 

[rickschreiber]

Thanks!

Thanks for your suggestions>

Rick