Legend vs. Condition

[shooter37]

As a question for serious collectors: (are there any otherkind?)

I have been offered an HD dating from the early 1930's. The gun has a King front sight, a brass plate on the backstrap with the "owners" name along with what looks like two silver inlays and two garnets also set into the back strap.
Condition is about 85% on bluing, all the numbered parts match, the grips look like they may be ivory, lock up is good as is push off and timing.
My question is should I grab what may have a history (or may not) or hold out for a more "whole" collectable addditon?
Any ideas are appreciated.

 

[deadin]

You left out two very important facts......
Whose name is on the plate (Any chance of tracing him?) and how much is being asked.
There's nothing wrong with an 85%er if it can be traced to the original owner. Maybe it's good honest wear on a working gun. Of course if the seller is trying to get a super premium price without any provenance, that might be a different story..

 

[H Richard]

85% HD's are decent collectables by themselves, the question being does the brass plate, etc. detract from the value. Is there any knowledge of who owned it, and who the brass plate was for? Is there any historical significance to it, or is it just the retirement present from some company? The Ivory (if real) grips may have significant value by themselves, possibly in the $300+ range. Without pictures it is difficult to make any judgements. How is the plate attached? Would it damage the gun to have it removed? Lots of questions to be answered yet.

 

[shooter37]

The asking price is about high end for an HD 6 1/2 in: $1150
The dealer did not claim to know who the individual named was.
The plate appears to be inlayed into the backstrap: very nicely done.

 

[hsguy]

If there is no traceable history at this point follow the old rule, "buy the gun, not the story".

 

[rck281]

To me, the gun would not fit as a "serious" collectable. With that said, I am a believer in "Condition, Condition, Condition."

 

[GLL]

A pre-war 6 1/2" HD is not a common gun ! Contact Bill (1Aspenhill) right away and get his opinion. He might have your gun in his files.

Jerry