Model 57 First Year Value

[JeffD607]

I don’t have my 5th Edition SCSW with me. What would the value be of a first year 4” Model 57 in a period correct clamshell presentation case and the gun is minty? I see one on GI for $3750.00 that has been there for a while. Thanks in advance.

 

[22hipower]

The 5th Edition says $2k for ANIB with 25-75% premium for S SN. That seems high to me but there probably aren't all that many ANIB S SN ones available. The box alone will sell for $500, and I'd think $1500 where I shop, for the gun so perhaps $2kish for a nice S SN one with box showing a little use.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[JRB416]

I paid 2500 for this April 1964 model 57. It is about 100% including presentation case. I don't see as many four inch guns compared to six inch ones, so maybe that would factor in your decision.

 

[flundertaker]

I sold my first month 4” 57 for $4k three years ago. It was immaculate. Far too nice for me to curator of. It caused me anxiety and I don’t miss it a bit. It was then I realized I prefer very nice shooters versus museum pieces. I can afford more of them and not stress over the possible appearance of a miniscule turn line from simply opening the cylinder.

 

[Hawg Rider]

I guess I must have been snoozing while the prices of Model 57s have gone through the roof! I remember when no one was even looking at 57s (or .41 Magnums) and they were the "red headed stepchildren" of the N-frame revolvers! Although great for the sellers, $3750-$4000 for an ANIB Model 57 with a pristine case seems outrageous to me. I could see perhaps $2500-$3k, but then again that's just me and you can understand why I don't own any museum-quality pieces! (My wife refers to me as "codo"...cheapskate!). A couple of years ago I picked up a mint nickel 4" Model 57 (ca. 1981) for $1200 OTD and considered myself fortunate. $4000 takes the 57 into the realms of the Triplelock, 5-screw .44 Magnum, or even well-used RM. Wow!

 

[flundertaker]

$4000 takes the 57 into the realms of the Triplelock, 5-screw .44 Magnum, or even well-used RM. Wow!

You may find a well used 5 screw 44 for $4k but the triple locks and RMs I’ve seen in the last year are going for considerably more unless they were a complete basket case.

 

[22hipower]

I guess I must have been snoozing while the prices of Model 57s have gone through the roof! I remember when no one was even looking at 57s (or .41 Magnums) and they were the "red headed stepchildren" of the N-frame revolvers! Although great for the sellers, $3750-$4000 for an ANIB Model 57 with a pristine case seems outrageous to me. I could see perhaps $2500-$3k, but then again that's just me and you can understand why I don't own any museum-quality pieces! (My wife refers to me as "codo"...cheapskate!). A couple of years ago I picked up a mint nickel 4" Model 57 (ca. 1981) for $1200 OTD and considered myself fortunate. $4000 takes the 57 into the realms of the Triplelock, 5-screw .44 Magnum, or even well-used RM. Wow!

It is not all 57s hitting these prices, it is only ANIB first year S SN ones with the correct velour lined case. I've seen a few used ones showing a little wear, never a ANIB. Later N SN 57s are considerably less money. I have a 4 inch ANIB N SN (deteriorated inside as are most) and a 57-1 6 inch NIB and both were in the $1100 range a year or two ago.

I have a 8 3/8 Class A factory engraved one from 1979 (without the presentation case) that was less than $2500 last year.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[JeffD607]

After all the hemming and hawing, here is the finished product. I bought the gun (S250XXX), cleaned up the outside of the case, and found a really nice set of "cokes" for it. Now it's time for a letter. Thanks for all the info and advice!

 

[Gun Relics]

After all the hemming and hawing, here is the finished product. I bought the gun (S250XXX), cleaned up the outside of the case, and found a really nice set of "cokes" for it. Now it's time for a letter. Thanks for all the info and advice!

It's a beauty. Here's one of mine. Notice any similarities?
As a side note, these first year models are expensive because they are hard to find.

 

[JeffD607]

I almost blew it! I went back to buy it and, while I was filling out the paperwork for the background check, two other guys came in the door looking for it. They had apparently looked at it, didn't buy it, and then came back for it.

 

[glenncal1]

I bought this one a few months ago for a grand. That deal is looking better all the time.

 

[mchom]

OP
That was close. Glad you got it!
Congratulations.

 

[Gun Relics]

Here are mine. They are both among the earliest ones shipped (April and May of 1964).

Here are some collecting tips for early Model 57's:

• Look for S serial numbers, especially early S serial numbers.
  
  
• Look for an original presentation case with high density foam under royal blue velvet. These are not the standard plastic liners or cardboard and are hard to find.
  
  
• They came with cokes like Model 29's and if yours doesn't have them, expect to pay about $500 for a correct set.
  
  
• Do not expect to find many, so buy when you can.

 

[Rusty parrot]

JeffD607

That’s a wonderful Model 57 that you are going to enjoy being the caretaker of.
In the past 3 - 4 years I’ve seen two of the 4 inch examples sell for over $3000.00. Fine examples tend to be unique.
Thanks for your story and your gun.

 

[Gdogman]

57

I think,"hope" the prices are that high...
In 2018 I paid $3100 for my April 64, in velour case first six months S Serial Model 57.

 

[6string]

After all the hemming and hawing, here is the finished product. I bought the gun (S250XXX), cleaned up the outside of the case, and found a really nice set of "cokes" for it. Now it's time for a letter. Thanks for all the info and advice!

Thank you for sharing your experience and for following up with pics of the prize!
What a beauty!! (Translation: So jealous! )

Those early 57s are special guns. They’re the last of the big N-frames to just squeek by the finish line (so to speak) before so many changes came to the company.

I almost blew it! I went back to buy it and, while I was filling out the paperwork for the background check, two other guys came in the door looking for it. They had apparently looked at it, didn't buy it, and then came back for it.

What a feeling that must’ve been! Were the two guys together, or were they two separate individuals each looking to snag that 57?

In either case, I take those type of occurrences as a sign that “This one’s a keeper!”

 

[JeffD607]

I believe that they were together, as they were talking to each other. I only heard them talking and never turned around and looked at them. My mission, at that point, was to get the paperwork done and be the "LEGAL" owner. LOL

 

[ko41]

After all the hemming and hawing, here is the finished product. I bought the gun (S250XXX), cleaned up the outside of the case, and found a really nice set of "cokes" for it. Now it's time for a letter. Thanks for all the info and advice!

41 Likes for that beautiful specimen!