fair price for 70% Canadian .455 HE 2nd issue?

[kpmtns]

I have seen several posts re the going rate for Canadian .455 HE's in the 95% range, but have not seen much to help me figure out a fair price for a 70% original finish Canadian .455 HE. It has the original, checkered, gold medallion grips in very good condition, a very good bore, some pitting on the backstrap and grip bottom, and some small spots of light surface rust. Mechanically sound. Only modification appears to be a lanyard-loop-ectomy, but I'm guessing that can be repaired. What a reasonable price to offer on it? Thanks!

 

[kpmtns]

I have seen several posts re the going rate for Canadian .455 HE's in the 95% range, but have not seen much to help me figure out a fair price for a 70% original finish Canadian .455 HE. It has the original, checkered, gold medallion grips in very good condition, a very good bore, some pitting on the backstrap and grip bottom, and some small spots of light surface rust. Mechanically sound. Only modification appears to be a lanyard-loop-ectomy, but I'm guessing that can be repaired. What a reasonable price to offer on it? Thanks!

 

[m-1911]

Not a bad looking gun. I would think it would sell in the $400-500 range. It is good that it is still in the original caliber and not altered to 45 acp or 45 Colt as many were. If you buy it and need a lanyard ring, I have them.

 

[geriatric woodscolt]

Gary's price range sounds about right; I recently saw a similar revolver priced at $425, but I think $400 would have taken it home.

 

[cgt4570]

I paid $350 for mine. It's been professionally reblued years ago and it's mechanically perfect with a perfect bore and grips.

Chris

 

[mikepriwer]

That gun is in mediocre to poor surface condition, and the grips are
not original. There is too much of a gap at the top of the grip, where
it meets the frame.

I would not want to put more than $300 into that gun. For $400 to $450
you ought to be able to find a nicer one.

Later, Mike Priwer

 

[Jack Flash]

I thought that M-1911 was a little low in his estimate, but then from the other posts I can see that I am in the minority on this one.

Could those grips be original that have just shrunk slightly over the course of 90+ years?

Replacing the butt swivel should not pose much of a problem. Good luck with getting a good deal on it.

 

[deadin]

I can see that I am in the minority on this one.

I don't know. I've been trying to remember the last time I saw a $300 N frame in any condition that I wouldn't be worried about shooting.

 

[mikepriwer]

Jack

There is way too much of a gap near the top. I don't think that is
shrinkage - they are not the original grips. If the factory did one thing
nicely, it was getting the grips to fit perfectly. Of course they did other
things nicely, as well ! Also, the grips don't fit well near the butt, and
one bottom edge is chewed up a bit.

Later, Mike Priwer

 

[Jack Flash]

Mike:

Ok, the gap does seem too big.

$500+ (my original estimate) does sound like too much for it now. Still, I would expect to pay at least $400 (plus or minus a little) to get this one.

 

[mikepriwer]

Jack

Now you've brought up the age-old conundrum, which is how much do you have to
pay to get the gun, vs what do some of us think it is worth !!

This is always a problem. You may look and look and look, and never see
another one in comparable condition. If you want this one bad enough to
need it, then you are going to have to pay whatever it takes to get it.

On the other hand, there are those among us who will go to a gunshow somewhere
tomorrow, and see a nicer one for, lets say, $375. Maybe the seller doesn't
know what he has - maybe its some walk-in kid wanting to get rid of a gun
his grandfather left him - whatever.

If you need this gun enough to pay whatever it takes to get it, and then
next year you find a much better one, you would probably want to sell this one.
And there is the rub - what will you be able to get for it ?

If dealers are putting a 50% markup on these, then they are only going to
offer you $250 !

The reason this is a problem is that this gun just doesn't have that much
going for it. It probably didn't go anyplace special, its got surface
condition issues , its just a shooter. This is why I would not want to
put a lot into it. Its just going to hard to get it back out when you go
to sell it.

Later, Mike Priwer

 

[kpmtns]

Thanks for all the input. I'm gonna pass on it. I can't get over the pitting. I'm ok with bluing wear, but I have my limits.

 

[Jack Flash]

Originally posted by kpmtns:
Thanks for all the input. I'm gonna pass on it. I can't get over the pitting. I'm ok with bluing wear, but I have my limits.

Pitting is often a deal-killer for me.

On these old war horses, I sometimes will make an exception, since they were exposed to such harsh conditions, corrosive ammo, etc. The pitting on this one doesn't seem too severe, and it's mechanically sound... I would be inclined to find out just how low the seller will go.

You are probably making the right choice. Mike's advice is very reasonable. Just remember that your chances of seeing another one any time soon are pretty slim.

 

[victorylarry]

Kevin,
I think you made a good decision. You should be able to find a good 90% gun in the $500 range. Even 95% original 455 second models are not too expensive (undervalued in my opinion). Have fun in your hunt.
Larry

 

[delta-419]

As an "aside" to this thread, is .455 ammo hard to find, and can you find the componets to reload for it?

 

[Sebago Son]

Delta, .455 MKII is prety easy to find now and the prices seem to be coming down over the past 10 years or so...... $35.00 a box, delivered, 3 box minimum:

Follow the links:

http://www.ammoman.com/index.htm

I remember when this stuff was $60 a box.

Drew

 

[Art Doc]

"I've been trying to remember the last time I saw a $300 N frame in any condition that I wouldn't be worried about shooting"

Here you go. One of the 455 TLs made for Britain and undelivered. Converted to 45 Colt. Paid $295 on GunBroker. Shoots just fine.

PS: I agree with mike on this one. To me it
s a $250-$300 shooter. More than that and I look for a better gun.

 

[arfmel]

SaxonPig,

I'll take it.