Obviously, boxes, papers and tools add some collector value to a classic S&W. My question is: How important are those items to you when shopping?
How important are boxes and papers to you
- Thread starter MN2944
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
Jack Flash
Member
I would have liked it better if the second choice was
"Nice to have but I would not pay MUCH extra for them"
"Nice to have but I would not pay MUCH extra for them"
Gryff
Member
Only reason I care about them is for resale value. Have no practical or collector interest in them otherwise. Just more junk to take up space in the garage.
Comrad
Member
I have purchased both ways with and without box and papers. I like to have them but the fist thing I do is take the gun out and put the empty box away never to be seen again. Unless and if I ever sell. I'll never sell so the box is useless but I still like to have it. Yeah, I've got a screw loose.
Ya missed one....nice to have, would pay extra but it's not a deal killer.....
They are a plus for sure and nice to make things complete. When I have looked at the Smiths I've bought, it came down to, was it(revolver) priced right on its own minus the box/papers etc. I've always judged the gun itself for the price. I know this doesn't work for folks who only buy complete/boxed packages.
It depends on how much value the seller believes it adds to the deal.So,being a skinflint,I only have a few 
Last edited:
- Joined
- Aug 21, 2005
- Messages
- 8,020
- Reaction score
- 7,100
Even though I shoot everything, I still like to have boxes and papers. There are exceptions, of course. Generally, given equal condition, I would prefer to buy the one with box and papers.
stumper
US Veteran
I'll pay extra (within reason) for a correct box / contents - and if I buy a keeper without a box I will look to buy a correct box for it afterwards. I store them separately and most will never sit in their box again unless I display them but it's part of the collecting game for me.
dlbx2
Member
Here is my problem. If you don't trust the individual, or better you don't know the individual, how can you be sure that the label on the paper box wasn't bought on e___, or that the tools or paperwork weren't bought there as well? You can ask all the questions that you want, but if you don't know the individual, or have some way of checking their background, then how do you know what is real and what isn't. I have seen guns advertised as having all the items that would have been part of the sale, and the case looks about worn out, and the gun looked pristine. How does a presentation case get worn out, while the gun stays nice? I don't have the funds to do a lot of "high end" collecting. I try as much as someone with a limited knowledge of what was made when, to buy authentic when I do buy a complete S&W revolver. I am always a little nervous until it is in hand. I just bought a 629-1 from a forum member as a shooter. It is as tight as a new one, but has been shot and shows a little handling, but you know what? It was one of the most relaxed, enjoyable S&W purchases in quite a while, and I look forward to giving it a spin asap!
DLB
DLB
Last edited:
b.guggenmos
Member
- Joined
- Dec 15, 2007
- Messages
- 336
- Reaction score
- 275
I would like a choice between the second and third option. Not a deal killer but really nice to have on older guns. If two guns were identical condition and one had box and docs I would pay more for the box and docs. How much more is unknown but more. Brian
Box & all things that were included when new
I am really interested in the boxes and all paperwork & accessories that came with a new REVOLVER or pistol. Having made that statement I am from the generation that threw the boxes away or put them somewhere and forgot where they were. I have learned from you guys that the OTHER things that were included are also very valuable in their own right so have been taught the error of my ways, so to speak. Most everything I own was purchased without any of the things that came with the revolver so its been a fun learning experience for me just knowing there is/was more than the revolver or pistol that is of value.
The lack of a box or accessories has not played into whether or not I decided to make the purchase although I wish I had been better educated during the years things were more reasonable, things would have been very different.
I am really interested in the boxes and all paperwork & accessories that came with a new REVOLVER or pistol. Having made that statement I am from the generation that threw the boxes away or put them somewhere and forgot where they were. I have learned from you guys that the OTHER things that were included are also very valuable in their own right so have been taught the error of my ways, so to speak. Most everything I own was purchased without any of the things that came with the revolver so its been a fun learning experience for me just knowing there is/was more than the revolver or pistol that is of value.
The lack of a box or accessories has not played into whether or not I decided to make the purchase although I wish I had been better educated during the years things were more reasonable, things would have been very different.
I have always felt like having the correct boxes and literature and possible tool kits were a plus when purchasing a gun but not a requirement. Lots of people spend big bucks for the boxes and they are not even numbered to the gun.
gutterman
Member
They may be of value to some but don't think for one minute that any gunshop will pay you extra. They however nail the next poor sap for extra just because they " have the box and papers". For me I could really care less. I sorry--do I sound bitter?
Pay a little extra. Will not buy a box that isn't the original...yet. If it has the box and goodies fine, but it's got to be the real mccoy. I like the sales reciept from first buyer too.
How important are boxes and papers to you?
I believe that my strategy is somewhat close to the one from "stumper", although it is a little different.
My entire collection is grouped in to either "shooters" or "collectors" but I'm still in the fine tuning stage of setting my parameters. Ideally, they would all be "shooters" as that's how S&Ws should be used!! While all firearms are potential "shooters", in order for the presentation box, tools, papers etc to have value to me the firearm needs to be in near pristine condition, i.e. at least 98% + or better (which is usually an overstatement of fact by the seller).
If I decide to buy it, from that point in time it will probably become a "safe queen" and be safely stored away separately from the boxes and papers.
If the lining of the case is cracked or in poor condition it's time to allow Joe Cebull some time to work his "magic" on them. I'll also invest more money in it for a "S&W Letter of Authenticity" from Roy Jinks, have it appraised, etc.
They all continuously receive great care and cleaning.
Others from this forum may disagree with me, but it's just one collector's humble opinion. That's what makes what we all do so special.
I believe that my strategy is somewhat close to the one from "stumper", although it is a little different.
My entire collection is grouped in to either "shooters" or "collectors" but I'm still in the fine tuning stage of setting my parameters. Ideally, they would all be "shooters" as that's how S&Ws should be used!! While all firearms are potential "shooters", in order for the presentation box, tools, papers etc to have value to me the firearm needs to be in near pristine condition, i.e. at least 98% + or better (which is usually an overstatement of fact by the seller).
If I decide to buy it, from that point in time it will probably become a "safe queen" and be safely stored away separately from the boxes and papers.
If the lining of the case is cracked or in poor condition it's time to allow Joe Cebull some time to work his "magic" on them. I'll also invest more money in it for a "S&W Letter of Authenticity" from Roy Jinks, have it appraised, etc.
They all continuously receive great care and cleaning.
Others from this forum may disagree with me, but it's just one collector's humble opinion. That's what makes what we all do so special.
TexasRider
Member
In my earlier days I did not care too much about the box and papers.
Today for S&Ws that are higher in price or more rare then I prefer the box and papers . Generally they are found in that condition and preferred by others too.
For ones that I know will be shooting more, it is nice to have but not a requirement.
When you look at a Julias Auction or something like that you see both. For the older presentation Colts and Patersons quite a number of those are complete with their boxes . Their history and provenance is known and they sell for stratospheric prices from $250,000 to $1,000,000. On the other hand if you had Custers revolver or Pattons Colt or S&W Reg Magnum you wouldnt care if had its box or not. Those are extreme examples, and not many of the ones we are talking about are in these catefories, but it illustrates the point.
Today for S&Ws that are higher in price or more rare then I prefer the box and papers . Generally they are found in that condition and preferred by others too.
For ones that I know will be shooting more, it is nice to have but not a requirement.
When you look at a Julias Auction or something like that you see both. For the older presentation Colts and Patersons quite a number of those are complete with their boxes . Their history and provenance is known and they sell for stratospheric prices from $250,000 to $1,000,000. On the other hand if you had Custers revolver or Pattons Colt or S&W Reg Magnum you wouldnt care if had its box or not. Those are extreme examples, and not many of the ones we are talking about are in these catefories, but it illustrates the point.
rck281
Member
I would imaging that in 1935 many decided to throw away the box to their Registered Magnum and the little good for nothing screwdriver. Now the boxes go for $1000++ and the pre-war sight adjusting tool for around $800 - if you can fine one. Will today's boxes and paper add significant value to future collectors? Who knows? Unfortunately, I won't be here to find out.
+1 for me also and will pay additional for complete package
