Centennial question

[ISCS Yoda]

So, a dilemma.

My FFL has a Centennial that appears to be a first run because it has a 3-digit serial number. It is in very nice shape and will make a great carry gun. It's not pristine but someone took great care of it.

So, the dilemma is:

What's it worth?

Should I buy it? (I sold all but two of my snubbies after the 2018 fire.)

Should I sell it for him here on the Forum (is that even allowed?)?

Comments and opinions solicited.

 

[Inusuit]

The Standard Catalog gives values of the original Centennial: ANIB-$1300 Excellent-$700 Very Good-$450 Good-$325.

The one in question appears to be between Good and Very Good. Looks like it might clean up nicely with some TLC. Light buff with Flitz and some Ren Wax.

I know values vary by geographic area. I'd be all in at $325 and sorely tempted at $450.

Good luck, it's a neat pistol.

 

[RSinOR]

Up here in the rainy Pacific Northwest that gun would go for $450-$500 all day long. You just don't see them for sale very often. My Centennial is also a first year manufacturer but with a 4 digit serial number.

I've got a 1961 Model 40 that I rotate in and out of EDC. The Centennial doesn't get shot much because of its very nice condition.

 

[bruce5781]

I would try to keep it under 500. I gave 450 for mine, but it has the wrong stocks.

Regards,
Bruce

 

[s&wchad]

Hard to tell the condition from the photo. If it’s as nice as it seems and will clean up, II’d be tempted at $600-$650. I don’t know what they’re going for, but I rarely see them and the 3 digit serial number is a plus. Does it have the lock-out pin?

It’s not a good idea to sell a gun here for someone else. You’d be responsible for the sale and it’s your reputation on the line. You would be the intermediary for any questions/offers and the delayed response could create issues.

If your dealer wants to sell here, he can sign up, support the board at the Silver level and post it himself.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

Thanks, y'all. I will pass along the advice and the Silver level concept.

 

[VM]

If by chance the three digit serial is 317, I’d love the opportunity to buy it ISCS Yoda

 

[robertrwalsh]

If I were to see that on the shelf for $500 I would be on it like a rat on a cheeto. And I am not even all that fond of J-frames.

 

[beagleye]

Mine is a model marked 40, the serial range is 21 thousand, it has the flat latch and high horn grips. When I bought it was like new but not anymore! I bought to be my regular carry gun and it is. In retrospect, I got no complaints about $500.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

I'll get more information for everyone.

 

[29aholic]

IIRC Centennials had their own block of serial numbers outside of the rest of the J-frames.

Bruce, your grips may not match serial number wise, but they ARE Centennial grips. Only Centennial grips will fit. Other J-frame grips will not.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

If by chance the three digit serial is 317, I’d love the opportunity to buy it ISCS Yoda

You must have a March birthday!!

It is 7xx however.......sorry!!!

 

[Hondo44]

IIRC Centennials had their own block of serial numbers outside of the rest of the J-frames.

Bruce, your grips may not match serial number wise, but they ARE Centennial grips. Only Centennial grips will fit. Other J-frame grips will not.

Correct, because of the grip frame circle size at the top, just much newer vintage.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Please keep us posted.

I'd love to have it, because I'm a '52 baby, but I'd guess 7xx shipped in late '53 at the earliest. My 4-digit (59xx) shipped in '55.

I'd say $500 wouldn't be out of line.

Cheers,

Bob

 

[SDH]

Three digit~~ 171 ~~ Shipped July 17, 1973 ~

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Ah, ha.

Well, only Roy knows.

 

[jcelect]

Centennials

Are you folks saying "first year production" is 1952 or 1953?

First sales 21-Nov-52 Cent Airweight
Production 1-Dec-52 Centennial
Full Production 26-Aug-53 serial numbers started @ #104 which is the only steel frame shipped in 1952

I like Centennials!

And a couple more have been added since this picture!
jcelect