Comemorative 686 Questions

[Kent J]

Hi All, Went to a gun show Saturday and saw a 686 comemorative for the Evansville Indiana police dept. It had the police badge stamped on the sideplate and Evansville Police Dept. stamped on the barrel. It wasn't in the best condition being scuffed up and the lockup was a wee bit loose. He was asking $900 which I thought was high due to condition. My questions are How common are these local PD types and were they done at the factory or just stamped later by someone else. What kind of price do you guys think would be reasonable. 686 pre lock 6".

Thanks

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

Factory commemoratives are normally Statewide or Federal agencies. Sometimes you'll see one for a mega-department. Like the LAPD. I'd be inclined to say it was not factory, but I don't know that for a fact. I'd put the onus on the seller. To bad there's no box, because that would tell the tale. Who doesn't keep a box for a commemorative gun? Makes you wonder.

In general commemorative guns will sell for about the same or a little LESS than an otherwise identical but unadorned model. A buyer who specialize in LEO guns or has a personal connection to the EPD might pay a premium. At $900 it's priced like a unfired gun, with all original shipping boxes, sleeves, and docs, sitting in a fancy display case. But it's not. It's been shot, there's nothing but the gun, and it's a little loose. 6-inch pre-lock M686, I'd say it's a $500 to $650 gun tops.

 

[armorer951]

EPD Commemoratives - Model 686

The Evansville Police Department Commemoratives were delivered in the spring of 1985. The run of 103 no dash 686's were conceived and designed by me, and were to mark the 100th anniversary of EPD, which was recognized by the State of Indiana in 1883. The serial number series begins with the revolver in the photo, AHE 1881.

Markings include the department's badge shape with an inserted city logo on the sideplate, and the words "Evansville Police Commemorative" and "1883 - 1983" on the right side of the four inch barrel.

The revolvers were available with or without a wood case. The cases were a $46.00 option. The wood case has the City of Evansville logo burned into the top of the lid. A total of 97 cases were made.

 

[Kent J]

So armorer951 did I screw up by not paying $900? I have a EPD Sig p226 , A model 19 carried by a bailiff in the Vanderburgh County courts for 25 years and a Vanderburgh County sheriffs P220. This would make a great addition. Thank You so much for sharing your info on this weapon.

 

[armorer951]

I would agree with Kernel K concerning the gun's value. EPD officers and family members would be more likely to place a higher value on these revolvers. To someone with no connection to the agency, the markings would be meaningless, or might even be considered undesirable.

The price you quoted would perhaps be considered reasonable for an unfired example, including the case and shipping box, especially to a collector of commemorative models, an officer who has served (or is serving) with EPD, or to someone who has a strong historical or family connection to the agency.

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

The Evansville Police Department Commemoratives were delivered in the spring of 1985. The run of 103 no dash 686's were conceived and designed by me....

They were a "factory gun", then? Do you know the product code? As commemorative go, it's a very tastefully done. I like the understated ones the best. A cool shield, some script on the barrel, smooth targets, it's a nice look.

 

[armorer951]

They are "factory" commemoratives, yes. I have included a photo of the label showing the codes. Looks like this one is having a birthday next week......March 30, 1985.

Thanks for your kind comments about their appearance. They were a lot of work. Well worth the effort I think.