How to value "collectibles?"

[tomhenry]

First off, I'm concerned about selling guns in a slow period. A pro gun POTUS. Cash seems to be short because of inflation via the former potus (lower case letters intentional). Etc.

1. Does a slow economy affect collectible S&W revolvers?
2. How does one determine the value of rare/semi rare revolvers. For example, one of them is a 25-2 in about 96% shape. No rust, etc. However, instead of the customary "Model of 1955" on the barrel, mine came from the lot where they had misstamped a lot of barrels with "Model of 1950." Let the gunbroker free market decide? I'd hate to list it no reserve no minimum first bid, not knowing what it's worth.

Another gun with an aftermarket "variation" is a 27-2 3 1/2" barrel, ~98% shape, except it has Grashorn stag grips. Non factory grips always decrease the price? What's a fair ballpark on that?

Here's a bad shot of the 357s. The 3 1/2, a 5" and a pre 27 6 inch.



I'm just getting ready for the day when I do all this. I just got a light box (still in the box) for taking quality macro photographs. I asked some pertinent questions here: https://smith-wessonforum.com/threa...-some-guns-from-my-private-collection.746222/

My FFL charges $50 plus shipping, but I don't know any other way to ship. I shipped a handgun myself at a UPS shipping center and it was ~$140. So whether gunbroker, S&W, whatever venue they're sold on, it's always going to be the same shipping.

Any advice is appreciated.

My alternative is to rent a table at Wannamacher but that seems to be a monumental headache.

 

[Sevens]

Your best bet is a well known, top tier Gunbroker consignment seller.

Yes, they will take something on the order of 18% off the hammer price, but the truth is that you get a LOT of value for that percentage.

If you are interested in what that percentage buys you, we can talk about it. It's worth it.

 

[bigggbbruce]

Are you looking to make a profit or just get your money back.

List with starting prices your cost. See where they go from there.

 

[THE PILGRIM]

What you are trying to determine is Fair Market Selling Prices in your location.
You can usually only sell at local Fair Market, makes no difference what your cost is.
The online Brokers appear to distort this and create a National Value which may exceed what you can get locally.

 

[4T5GUY]

In the last few months I've sold a eight collectible, rare and or interesting firearms. The majority were S&W. I personally do not think that there currently is a "slow economy" when it comes to firearms. Higher end firearms anyway.

I offered most here first. If they didn't sell within a week they went off to either a top 10 consigner on Gunbroker or Jack the Dog. Although I had an idea what things were worth, a quick online search of sold prices helped confirm. I received asking prices on ones that I sold here and didn't have to pay consignment fees. Ironically I received higher than wanted/expected prices on ones I consigned even AFTER the Gunbroker 17% consignment fees and more than I was asking here. I got over $1,000 more than expected/wanted on one example and a bidding war went on for over two hours so there's that.

For me selling here on the Forum was more work and stress than just having someone else be responsible for everything involved.

Jim

 

[Xfuzz]

Not sure what part of the country your in
but, I would consider getting a table at a local or close by
gun show.
YOU control the price and make the decisions on sales.