fat tom
Absent Comrade
First and foremost,I buy the GUN! As to boxes,the only ones I've bought are black, gold,red,or maroon.
f.t.
f.t.
How important are boxes and papers to you
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smithfan4152
Member
Boxes
some of the Early boxes had no labels and the serial number was written in grease pencil on the bottom. Also some of these same boxes were embossed with the model and barrel length.
When buying some of these guns it is easy to tell if the right box or series box is included, or should I say Period Correct box.
I buy according to Condition of the gun, and pay accordingly whether it has a box or not, you can always find a period correct box in some instances, and most are not as picky if it is numbered to the gun or not.
IT maybe a deal breaker for some, but not for many IMHO.
some of the Early boxes had no labels and the serial number was written in grease pencil on the bottom. Also some of these same boxes were embossed with the model and barrel length.
When buying some of these guns it is easy to tell if the right box or series box is included, or should I say Period Correct box.
I buy according to Condition of the gun, and pay accordingly whether it has a box or not, you can always find a period correct box in some instances, and most are not as picky if it is numbered to the gun or not.
IT maybe a deal breaker for some, but not for many IMHO.
This 8 3/8" 4-Screw Model 17 with rep ramp front sight came to me without a box but after a little time I found a period correct box for an 8 3/8" Model 17 with a SN close to my gun. I added the vapor paper, manual, and tool kit also.
This 5-screw Highway Patrolman came with the original, serial numbered box and the helpful hints pamphlet. I again added the tool kit.
I would prefer a gun with the complete package (box, docs, tools) but they are few and far between. I will NEVER pass up a nice gun only because the box is missing....
This 5-screw Highway Patrolman came with the original, serial numbered box and the helpful hints pamphlet. I again added the tool kit.
I would prefer a gun with the complete package (box, docs, tools) but they are few and far between. I will NEVER pass up a nice gun only because the box is missing....
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For a "shooter", don't care; for a "collectable", correct box/paper/tools.
What? No wood ones? C'mon Tom
nachogrande
Member
BOX AND PAPERS
each gun deal is gonna be different. I would always rather have them than not, but would not always pay more for them. sometimes the box and papers could be worth more than the gun. say like some of the Winchester lever commemoratives. especially if it was sold, or belonged to someone famous that could be documented.
each gun deal is gonna be different. I would always rather have them than not, but would not always pay more for them. sometimes the box and papers could be worth more than the gun. say like some of the Winchester lever commemoratives. especially if it was sold, or belonged to someone famous that could be documented.
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S&WIowegan
US Veteran
For me box, papers and tools are only important if it's a high condition collectable. If not high condition, it's a shooter. This is where I have trouble with pricing. People with lower quality guns think box and papers should get them a high price. Not from me!!!
I have never in my entire life thrown a box and papers away......help me I need more space.
I have never in my entire life thrown a box and papers away......help me I need more space.
fat tom
Absent Comrade
What? No wood ones? C'mon Tom
Nope. Never bought a presentation case that I can recall. I bought quite a few guns that came with them. Sold some of the guns,but kept most of the cases. Used some of those for other guns that I bought that didn't have them. I actually have a surplus of cases at the moment.
f.t..
Arik
Member
Unless its some ultra rare and valuable handgun such as the 45acp Luger, a gun owned by a president or another famous historical person (Patton, Bonnie & Clyde, Al Capone, Napoleon) i couldn't care less about boxes, papers or presentation boxes
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44wheelman
Member
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I evaluate case by case. (pun intended) I would pay more for a gun with a box... but it's a sliding scale. I expect unfired guns to have boxes; NIB vs new? Guns made in the last 20-30 years don't get alot of value added for their boxes, especially plastic boxes. Presentation cases don't do much for me either; they're bulky & the flocking turns into a mess. Prewar, 50's & 60's guns with boxes...now that's cool.
Comrad
Member
I don't think today's anything will be worth what the older stuff is worth. Too many people are saving everything now in the hope it will be worth something someday.
I always prefer the gun with original box and goodies. It is never a deal killer though. I make a hobby of finding the period correct box, paper, tools for collectable guns I buy.
I also have a separate group of guns that are only shooters and box/ tools are never a consideration. If it comes with it so be it but the shooter is my only consideration. Most of these are semi autos but a few are revolvers..like a Buds special model 10 shooter or a an old K22 I picked up for $200 or my model 66. These are pure shooters. The box is meaningless.
The poll was not extensive enough. It only had 3 answers... none of which apply to my "strategy"/hobby)
I also have a separate group of guns that are only shooters and box/ tools are never a consideration. If it comes with it so be it but the shooter is my only consideration. Most of these are semi autos but a few are revolvers..like a Buds special model 10 shooter or a an old K22 I picked up for $200 or my model 66. These are pure shooters. The box is meaningless.
The poll was not extensive enough. It only had 3 answers... none of which apply to my "strategy"/hobby)
BJoe
Member
I think it depends on what level of collector, if any, you are.
ibewbull
US Veteran
I do ask if there is a box. Only so as to prevent the seller from forgetting it. This has happened a couple of times. If he or she lacks the box it is no big deal. It gives me a chance to offer less because of it. If I can get a better deal this is just fine.
Recently with the advent of counterfeit parts, boxes and grips I learned to be cautious and calm in dealings. My most recent acquisition was an S series 58 from 67-68 in nickle with box and all papers. I wasn't aware of the value until I got home and did some research. I did know it was more than the asking price. The seller made a quick profit on it too. It will be a keeper and a great 41st birthday to my lovely wife. Luckily for me she likes shiny things that make a lot of noise. The 40th was a .40 FN High Power. 42nd will be a problem I guess.nd
Recently with the advent of counterfeit parts, boxes and grips I learned to be cautious and calm in dealings. My most recent acquisition was an S series 58 from 67-68 in nickle with box and all papers. I wasn't aware of the value until I got home and did some research. I did know it was more than the asking price. The seller made a quick profit on it too. It will be a keeper and a great 41st birthday to my lovely wife. Luckily for me she likes shiny things that make a lot of noise. The 40th was a .40 FN High Power. 42nd will be a problem I guess.nd
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sqhead
US Veteran
i prefer the whole package,but like many here not a deal killer........i will buy boxes,grips,tools,papers etc but i've toned it down abit and try to keep it at 20 bucks or less.Of course stag grips,etc. ya gotta pay more........
hotrod150
Member
I agree with the first comment. A beater gun with box etc is still a beater gun. A pristine gun however is a whole 'nother story.
I hate to admit it here, but I've bought two new S&W's in my life, a 1981-ish model 19 & 1986-ish model 25-5-- both guns are long gone now and I can't remember for sure, but the factory boxes probably got chucked straight into the trash can.
Who woulda thunk they'd be worth money later?
operator18
Member
+1 I agree. There are far to many fake boxes out there.
I only buy a box or assume a box, if bought separately, is the correct box for the age/ vintage. I never assume the box I buy is the exact box the gun shipped with. But I also don't really care. I am trying as a collector to assemble the box set as it would have shipped. The embossed end labeled that state the barrel size, caliber, model and finish are all I care about. And the box is correct for the period.
If I get one with the hand written end label or SN on the bottom of the box I take them at face value and assume they are original unless they look suspicious. Either way I don't really care whether the SN is correct.
If I get one with the hand written end label or SN on the bottom of the box I take them at face value and assume they are original unless they look suspicious. Either way I don't really care whether the SN is correct.
Bill Bates
Member
I'm more an accumulator than a collector; so, put me down in the boxes are nice but I wouldn't often pay more to get one.
Without question some guns value are effected by having the box included. The higher the condition of the firearm and the higher the desirability of the firearm the more the box matters. For some firearms like the various commemoratives boxes are mandatory to collectors and the condition of the box may affect the overall value.
Here are a couple of examples for me. My pre-18 has a box but it is just a nice shooter grade gun. Does the box add value; maybe a little.
Then there is my, Model 19, in near new condition. The value is likely improved by the box and accompanying stuff. I've not tested the market for this revolver but I would bet the Evaluators Ltd. sticker may increase its desirability for someone. For a collector the box for this one matters.
So, as with every question; the most correct answer is it depends.
Without question some guns value are effected by having the box included. The higher the condition of the firearm and the higher the desirability of the firearm the more the box matters. For some firearms like the various commemoratives boxes are mandatory to collectors and the condition of the box may affect the overall value.
Here are a couple of examples for me. My pre-18 has a box but it is just a nice shooter grade gun. Does the box add value; maybe a little.
Then there is my, Model 19, in near new condition. The value is likely improved by the box and accompanying stuff. I've not tested the market for this revolver but I would bet the Evaluators Ltd. sticker may increase its desirability for someone. For a collector the box for this one matters.
So, as with every question; the most correct answer is it depends.
