How bad does factory refinishing affect value?

[Truckerjim]

Looking at a model 17-3 that has the stamp on the frame R-N. Looked to be in excellent shape. Refinished a year or two after manufactured
Thanks!
Jim

 

[CH4]

It shouldn't make much difference, especially if you put some honest wear on it.

 

[Lonestar57]

The only thing I can add is that if the finish was changed it can a negative impact on value. Say, Blue to Nickel. Regardless of if its factory done. A factory re-finish in the same original finish not so much in my opinion. Take care.

 

[Sevens]

Varies wildly depending on model and scarcity. They made tons of the 17-3. If you want the gun to shoot and love, factory refinish would be a fine one to own. If you are buying to invest then maybe not, but you would want high condition and original box and such.

 

[Truckerjim]

Thanks for the responses, was leaning towards it hurting the value in the long run as well

 

[usm1rifle]

I personally feel that given the very, very few number of original factory Model 17s in nickel makes a S&W factory refinish worth more than a blue one if the nickel is in high condition. My opinion - I love nickel guns!

This only applies to Model 17s, not guns that were readily available in nickel...

 

[rct269]

I guess I must start off by questioning the validity of the premise that a 17-3 could be considered a collectible at any point in our lifetime----or the lifetime of our children---or their children. Accordingly, I must presume there was no intent to define/consider it a collectible. Therefore one must again presume it was damaged/worn to the point to where it was just plain ugly---and in dire need of cosmetic improvement----and a coat of paint was out of the question.

All that said, I must suppose a factory refinish improved the appearance of the item in question-----and enhanced the value as well.

Now, if any/all of this strikes anyone as nonsense, then perhaps some/all of it is.

Ralph Tremaine

As an aside, and as a generally accepted rule of thumb, a good quality refinish impacts the value of a collectible negatively by 50%--------a factory refinish impacts value negatively by 40%. And of course it all depends on whether you're buying or selling!!

 

[Sevens]

I guess I must start off by questioning the validity of the premise that a 17-3 could be considered a collectible at any point in our lifetime----or the lifetime of our children---or their children. Accordingly, I must presume there was no intent to define/consider it a collectible.

I don't specifically intend disrespect... but this is...

Nobody is trying to argue that a 17-3 is on par with a Triple Lock, but any Smith & Wesson revolver from the mid-1960's to the mid-1970's is certainly "collectible" in this day and age in ANY way we might wish to define "collectible."

To suggest otherwise is, well, ludicrous.

 

[ms]

I've seen factory refinishes that are obvious. I've seen some that I would have confidently said were original. I've seen the same spectrum with Ford. The bad ones are shooters, the really good ones retain much of their value, IMHO.

 

[bdGreen]

"I guess I must start off by questioning the validity of the premise that a 17-3 could be considered a collectible at any point in our lifetime----or the lifetime of our children---or their children."

C'mon Ralph. That's poop and you know it.

Bite your tongue. Real hard.

This is legit...
This is collectible.

Two of these sold a few years back for well over five figures. And, that was on two separate auctions.

Yes, a Smith and Wesson Model 17-3 can truly be a collectible.

Yep.

In NICKEL too.

Enjoy,

bdGreen

Tap on image to enlarge.

 

[bdGreen]

Looking at a model 17-3 that has the stamp on the frame R-N. Looked to be in excellent shape. Refinished a year or two after manufactured
Thanks!
Jim

Jim,
I would take a look at the serial number list that I posted above and see if you gun is on that list.

If it is then it is possible that it was sent back for a refinish.

I suspect though it was to someone's liking to have a nice NICKEL K22 and had it done.

If it is in excellent condition then the refinish should not be a detriment to the value of the gun as a high quality shooter.

bdGreen