Model 1917 - Need help (1918 HE with original lanyard)

[glowe]

It seems that the highest premium guns I buy are from nice people I know or am referred to that just want to get rid of a S&W they no longer have an interest in owning. They often have no idea of how much to ask for it. For some buyers, it is a time to get the absolute best buy of their lifetime, but for me, I usually pay the high side of value to the seller who has no idea what the gun is worth and may well need the money.

I may be dumb, but makes me feel good in the long run. Know the sellers situation and establish a fair price for him or her. All these deductions for gunsmithing and auction buyer's premiums have nothing to do with a fair deal.

As for that particular gun, you will have a very hard time finding another 100+ year old military revolver in better condition than the one you have in your hands right now. Yet another reason to want to pay what is right and proper. Good luck.

 

[LongColt45]

Thanks Again

Again, many thanks guys. Every reply was helpful, and I appreciate both the depth of knowledge and wisdom that is so freely given on this forum.

Charlie (LongColt45)

 

[2152hq]

"....All these deductions for gunsmithing and auction buyer's premiums have nothing to do with a fair deal...."


Consider having the chance to closely examine the gun by taking it apart as you have and cleaning it carefully, a blessing.

How often does the buyer get to do that before making an offer on a firearm up for sale.
Maybe you get to take the grips off,,even that's forbidden in some places.

Outside of a white glove collection, that's one of the nicest 1917's I've seen in quite a while.
Sure there are better condition ones, but there many, many more that are not. Lots of no finish shooters around. It's orig condition you pay for as a collectible.

Hope you can come to an agreeable price and give it a new home.

 

[Doug M.]

Don't forget that he has the misfortune to be in California, so the chance to find something of this nature is far more limited, and he will still have to do the dealer junk. He has a chance to inspect it and find it worth buying, and already done what work is might have needed, so while it has no interest to me, I'd guess based on the other responses that $800-900 range is fair.

 

[deyomatic]

If I saw that in a shop I'd probably go $1,000 based on the low SN (probably saw Great War Service) and the fact that it's in pretty decent shape.

 

[lamarw]

"....All these deductions for gunsmithing and auction buyer's premiums have nothing to do with a fair deal...."

No comment on "deductions for gunsmithing". I will say from my experience "buyer's premiums" can most certainly turn over the apple cart in auctions. Many auction houses are adding from 15 to 25% to a bid price. As a buyer you have to pay close attention, or you can pay more than a fair price. Auction houses make their money off the seller and the buyer.

 

[glowe]

Please read the auction house terms and conditions before bidding, since they are readily available for review. Companies clearly state online buyer premium or announce it at live auctions so buyers not taking the time to know what they are committing to when bidding can only blame themselves, not the auction house.

Personally, I prefer to buy at auctions, since one can walk away with a true bargain without guilt about paying too little. Determine the total you are willing to pay for the item delivered to you door or FFL, bid and forget. Amazing how many times you will get those emails stating you won the item. If you do not win, there will be more available since the inventory of the accumulated gun auction houses here in the US is huge and always changing. Enough companies out there to make the long distance hunts fun.

 

[lamarw]

Gary, I am in complete agreement with your above statement. I, too, attend a lot of gun auctions and even buy from on-lone auctions from time to time. I have the total cost of ownership computed prior to bidding on an item.

 

[handejector]

The gun looks righteous to me.
The gun with lanyard is easily worth $1000-1200. The early GHS stamped guns with dished stocks but without the grooved hammer are an interesting variation. They are not often seen in high condition.

I assume you are talking about a lanyard dated 1917 on the metal end.
WW I lanyards now sell rather easily in the $100-150 range. WW II lanyards are probably about the same now.

 

[LongColt45]

Lee, the lanyard does in fact have the 1917 patent date on the metal end. The cotton cord, while a bit faded and slightly discolored in places, is in pretty darn good shape for a 100-year-old artifact.

Latest news on the sale:

My neighbor's daughter is apparently the "owner of record" of this firearm (even though there is no paperwork or registration history of any kind). Her high school friend, who I have known for years, is owner of the main LGS in town. This LGS owner has received an offer for the weapon of $1,500 sight unseen from a local repeat customer.

Additionally, now the daughter (who needs the money) is making noises about wanting to keep the M1917 in the family so that her son, who is now 13, could eventually inherit it. This would entail selling the piece to her father (my neighbor) for $1,000.

Oh, what a tangled web we definitely weave!

I love old Smiths like this and want this one, but I'll have to see how all the human factors play out...

 

[Jack Flash]

… I assume you are talking about a lanyard dated 1917 on the metal end.
WW I lanyards now sell rather easily in the $100-150 range. ...

Whoa! I had no idea they bring that much. I bought one 20+ years ago for $2. The guy pushed it on me as a gun show was winding down and I was heading for the door.

Maybe I can sell it in the Classifieds and come out ahead for once!