Include letter with gun sale?

[rct269]

An interesting comment from a post up above: "The letter just validates the gun at time of original shipment."

I say interesting, probably should have said puzzling; because I'm not sure I know what it means. The letter most certainly confirms the configuration of the gun as it was shipped---------and I think that's what it means---and it's entirely correct---all except for that word "just".

I lettered every single gun in my collection---more to see who it was shipped to. Now my collection was target guns, and at least 60% of those were pre-war---and a good third or more of those were shipped to individuals---mostly folks I never heard of---and was only occasionally able to find anything about them------------all but one. I'd heard of him.

It was shipped to Philip B. Sharpe as a gift----he who S&W credits with the development of the 357 Magnum cartridge-----and he to whom they gave Registered Magnum #2---among others along the way. The letter noted "This is a very important revolver." Mine was his 22/40.

Something like that makes it all worthwhile---and there are more guns like that out there-----more than a few!

Ralph Tremaine

An unfortunate and even sad note: The fellow I bought that gun from had owned it for ten years---------and never lettered it.

 

[SmithNut]

Agreed that the letter goes with the gun.
Having said that, if you - for whatever reason - need to reference a gun that you "used to have", just make a copy of the letter for your files and send the original with the gun.
I've referred to info on past owned guns that I've lettered, it comes in handy on occasion.
On the other hand, I have received letters on guns I've purchased and have really appreciated having the documentation, and it reminds me who I purchased the gun from (my memory being what it is, this really helps... )

 

[Jack Flash]

Is there any reason that a copy of the letter going with the gun would not be just as good? The buyer didn't have to pay for it and he's getting all the information, so why should he kick?

I've had sellers send me a copy with their names and addresses redacted. I assume they don't know what I will do with the letter and don't want that information on the web or being passed on to unknown individuals in orther ways. Having their names and addresses redacted never bothered me.

 

[TheTinMan]

Yes the letter goes with the firearm. Keep a copy for yourself if you feel like it.

The more important question to me is value. A box with matching serial number is good enough to confirm how a 1970=> Smith & Wesson shipped. (I'm not sure when S&W started printing full info on the boxes.) In that case a letter doesn't add much. For example, would a letter stating that my 624 with a 3" barrel was part of a Lew Horton shipment add any value? Eh… It would still be nice to include in the "package" of stuff with the gun.

On the other hand, I believe that a letter adds some value to any 1960 or older revolver. The older it gets, the more valuable the letter seems to me even if there's nothing special about the gun or the letter. And there may be something a buyer likes that doesn't even occur to you. I recently bought a Colt Officers Model 38 shipped in 1915 to Portland, Maine. The fact that I was bringing the gun home meant something to me - however ridiculous that might sound. (The letter also confirmed that it shipped with the custom 7-1/2" barrel so there's that too…)

 

[Slufstuff]

I would include the letter with the firearm. As others have stated, make a copy if you want it for your records.

As far as value, I think it does add something. I know personally I like to see a letter included with a perspective S&W on an auction site or other for sale listing. I do not know what dollar value it exactly adds, but it does encourage higher bids from me in an auction situation.

 

[luvsmiths]

Curious if anyone has a reason why you would not?

The only thought *I* have on your question, which would not affect me, in fact I might like the fact---( we live on that way!)

is that they don't want their names/identities out there?

 

[luvsmiths]

Is there any reason that a copy of the letter going with the gun would not be just as good? The buyer didn't have to pay for it and he's getting all the information, so why should he kick?

I've had sellers send me a copy with their names and addresses redacted. I assume they don't know what I will do with the letter and don't want that information on the web or being passed on to unknown individuals in orther ways. Having their names and addresses redacted never bothered me.

A copy can be manipulated.

 

[Camster]

I'm hard pressed to figure out why someone would sell the gun and keep a letter. If they want to keep the letter just make a copy. Without the gun it's useless.

Some might get wrapped up in some crazy notion that they're giving away a hundred dollars, or whatever they paid for the letter, and they can't live with that.
I don't see it like that. I've only lettered two guns. The letter went with each one. Some interesting info, but it didn't really add value to the gun.

 

[paplinker]

Yes the letter goes with the firearm. Keep a copy for yourself if you feel like it.



On the other hand, I believe that a letter adds some value to any 1960 or older revolver. The older it gets, the more valuable the letter seems to me even if there's nothing special about the gun or the letter. And there may be something a buyer likes that doesn't even occur to you. )

I agree

Including the factory letter attracts buyers on average guns at times.

Sold one as a birth year-month gun.
Sold another as it shipped to a hometown city.
Sold another as the letter confirmed all target features.

None of these guns were rare or unique, but in my opinion the letter allowed me to sell at my asking prices.

I may consider to start clipping out my name and address as who knows how many times these guns will sell and I prefer not to see my info on GB or such.

 

[Jack Flash]

Is there any reason that a copy of the letter going with the gun would not be just as good? The buyer didn't have to pay for it and he's getting all the information, so why should he kick?

I've had sellers send me a copy with their names and addresses redacted. I assume they don't know what I will do with the letter and don't want that information on the web or being passed on to unknown individuals in orther ways. Having their names and addresses redacted never bothered me.

A copy can be manipulated.

I never thought of that.

If I were selling a gun and a potential buyer insisted on getting the original letter, not a photocopy, because he was concerned I might somehow alter the text in the photocopy, I would tell him he needs to find a seller he can trust which obviously isn't me.

 

[kwill1911]

You're right. I would not trust a seller that insisted on keeping the original while giving me a copy.

 

[Club Gun Fan]

and for many it can take months of waiting for them to be completed and mailed back.
When was the last time you sent for a letter? Months? How about weeks. I'm getting letter back to folks two to three weeks after receiving them.

 

[Truckman]

I'm getting letter back to folks two to three weeks after receiving them.

I can verify that...The letter process is speedy and accurate...Now back to work, Don......Ben

 

[CH4]

I would include the letter, I don't see much use in keeping it. Make a color copy if you want. Base your price accordingly.

 

[jeffrefrig]

Wow, I forgot all about this thread from last year.
It wasn't a well thought-out question on my part. Yes, I would have to send the letter with the guns. As asked up above somewhere, what good would it do me without the gun?
Also, I've never waited long at all for a letter, and I appreciate the work put into the letters.

 

[ladder13]

Absolutely include it.

All my letters were when it was 30 bucks.

 

[Truckman]

This reminds me, I still have in my possession a letter written by Roy to Michael A. Spence 1/18/2015 regarding his Lew Horton-shipped Model 24-3...It was tucked away with paperwork included with an unrelated gun I bought...The seller knew nothing about the gun, and I've posted here about it previously, which I will continue to do when my memory is jogged...

If you are the present owner of S&W Model 24-3 S/N ABZ7796, get in touch with me so I can send your letter to you...Or you can send the gun to me and I guarantee the gun and letter will be happily re-united for posterity......Ben

 

[The Gila Bender]

So close. I have ABZ7160. Bought it from Ben Forkin back in aught 11. He bought it at a Montana gunshow with box.