Model of 1905 Original Price

[Patrolman971]

Greeting All,
I was just wondering if anyone could tell me what the retail price of a Model of 1905 4th Change, 4", nickel, square butt .38 Special would have been in 1920.
Thank You to everyone who takes time to answer questions on this great site.

Patrolman971

 

[Patrolman971]

Greeting All,
I was just wondering if anyone could tell me what the retail price of a Model of 1905 4th Change, 4", nickel, square butt .38 Special would have been in 1920.
Thank You to everyone who takes time to answer questions on this great site.

Patrolman971

 

[mikepriwer]

P

From the D2 (1921) catalog, price sheet dated Nov 1st,1921, we have:

Mil & Police Rd Butt $30.50
Mil & Police Sq Butt $31.00
Winchester Sq Butt $31.00

The above three are 4, 5, or 6" barrels, blue or nickel finish

Target revolvers are priced as:

Mil & Police Sq Butt 6" $35.50
Winchester Sq Butt 6" $35.50

Both of the above are in blue or nickel finish.

Grips for all of the above are wood.

Later, Mike Priwer

 

[Deacon KC]

Mike, that is soooooo neat. My 1921 4" cost me $30 when I bought it as a parts gun a year ago.

 

[mikepriwer]

Kevin

Prices are a curious thing. Generally, as long as a gun is functional,
there is kind of floor, or bottom price, irregardless of how bad the gun
looks. Perhaps 10% or less finish, $100 is sort of a base price, no matter
how bad it looks. Maybe this happens even at 20% or less.

Then, when its not functional, or all screwed up, then the prices can
fall a lot further. $30 for a parts gun, assuming it was missing something
important, or had major physical damage, is reasonable.

A lot of the postings on this forum involve guns that are dragging along
the bottom of the pricing floor. They think they are getting a great deal
for $125, etc, but actually they are not. That is just the price for a
functional gun that has no other appeal.

Later, Mike Priwer

 

[Patrolman971]

Mike,
Thanks for taking the time to answer my question. My Dad gave me the pistol recently. He's had it maybe 40 years and may have shot a half box of ammo. The finish isn't all that great, maybe 70%.I think the grips have been changed. The number on the right grip doesn't match the sn even though they are period grips. It locks up tight and very little free play in the cylinder. I think it was an awesome gift.
Patrolman971

 

[mikepriwer]

P

If possible, ask your Dad what he paid for it. That will give us
some idea of what inflation was like, from 1920 to the mid 1960's.

Regards, Mike Priwer

 

[Deacon KC]

Here's what a $30 parts gun looks like after a lot of help and work, thanks again mikep for getting me lined out on the proper grips for it.

 

[mikepriwer]

Kevin

So - now we come to the moment of truth. A lot of writers on this
site will typically ask: How much is my gun worth ? Now we have a
chance to answer that question: Beyond the initial $30, how mch
time did you put into this gun, and what did you spend for any and
all parts and/or labor ? Of course, we won't tell anyone !

For what it is, it looks reasonably good. The cylinder seems to be
a different color - a bit purple - maybe indicating its later than
the gun, or has been refinished a couple of times. The sideplate has
its share of nicks and dings, but that is of no consequence. The grips
certainly match the condition of the gun, so overall its looks reasonably
original.

I'm not crazy about the aluminum grip adapter, but the gun itself is
the classic 1920's 4" M&P. Its a great looking gun from its overall
design and proportions.

Anxiously awaiting your information on the real value of this, so that
we can put this question to rest, once and for all !

Later, Mike Priwer

 

[Deacon KC]

Mike, including the grip adapter I have $90 in the gun, parts, grips, et al. I had some Herrett's on it that fit my hand well, but these are correct. I need the adapter because I have large paws! Good eye on the cylinder, I had to get an entire new cylinder assembly to get the proper ejector system. It's an amazingly good shooter, my nephew can hit bowling pins with it at 100 yards. If he wasn't such a great kid, I'd hate him for that.