New Member, 1st Post

[BiMosa]

I appreciate the opportunity to learn from all of you who have bought, sold, collected Smiths for many years. My interest is with the 1960-1980 revolvers, mainly the N frames. I bought a Model 57, 8 3/8" in 1978 and still have it in its original wood case with all the paperwork, tools, literature and the sales receipt. It was shot less than a 100 rounds and became a safe queen. I came here to learn about present day prices for Model 57s, no dash, same as mine above, with the original wood case, tools, paperwork, etc.
Only this time my interest is in a 6" revolver. I have found one online after looking at various sites, (it fits the ticket) but it is overpriced. So,my questions to the group, do you just practice patience and eventually what you are looking for will show up some day for a reasonable price or do you pay way more than what you were really willing to pay? What is a really nice piece worth over reasonable? 20%, 30% more? More than that?? Thanks to all for any advice

 

[boykinlp]

I appreciate the opportunity to learn from all of you who have bought, sold, collected Smiths for many years. My interest is with the 1960-1980 revolvers, mainly the N frames. I bought a Model 57, 8 3/8" in 1978 and still have it in its original wood case with all the paperwork, tools, literature and the sales receipt. It was shot less than a 100 rounds and became a safe queen. I came here to learn about present day prices for Model 57s, no dash, same as mine above, with the original wood case, tools, paperwork, etc.
Only this time my interest is in a 6" revolver. I have found one online after looking at various sites, (it fits the ticket) but it is overpriced. So,my questions to the group, do you just practice patience and eventually what you are looking for will show up some day for a reasonable price or do you pay way more than what you were really willing to pay? What is a really nice piece worth over reasonable? 20%, 30% more? More than that?? Thanks to all for any advice

First, welcome to the best forum on the internet, BiMosa! As for myself, I TRY to practice patience and hope that what I want will eventually show up. Notice how I said TRY! I have paid more than I wanted for guns before. We here like to call that “Buying it a little early”, because eventually price paid with catch up. There is a happy median in there somewhere. As you are being patient, if you wait long enough, prices will most likely increase. You have to determine how often you might see what you are looking for in the future. Some items rarely show up, and you basically have to jump on them while the getting is good! Many, more common items, show up frequently so it’s much easier to wait for YOUR price. Good Luck!
Larry

 

[22hipower]

Welcome to the Forum. A good place to compare current prices is the "sold" side of Gun Broker although there are regional differences in prices. I would think prices for a 57 with box/tools/paperwork where I shop would be in the $1200-$1500 range. Might go for more on an auction site with a couple folks both intent on owning it.

As to your question about chasing them. Standard production guns were made in the thousands for most models and most dash numbers of most models. Unless you just have to have it, don't pay a significant premium, another will be along. That doesn't apply to guns no longer in production which had fairly small production runs or scarce configurations of such guns.

In the case of the 57, there are lots of N SN guns around and I wouldn't pay a premium to get one. There aren't many first year S SN guns with the original velour lined presentation cases. If I came across one of those in pristine condition I'd definitely be willing to pay a premium to get it. I paid $500 for one of those boxes a couple Symposiums ago and felt fortunate to get it.

Again, welcome, good luck with your search and I hope to see you posting often.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[stansdds]

Welcome to the S&W Forums. Model 57's are not exactly common items these days and they do have a good collector following as well as shooters who appreciate the qualities of the .41 Magnum. For one in excellent condition, with presentation case, documents, and tools, a fair market value today is likely going to be in the $1200-$1500 area.

 

[BiMosa]

Thanks to all of you for your input. Look forward to learning some good information.

 

[pmanton]

Hi from Salome, AZ.

 

[rct269]

How much you pay depends entirely on your mindset. I, for example, classified myself as a "lunatic fringe collector". Translation: If/when I came across a gun I "needed", I bought it---period! It didn't matter what the price was----only that I got the gun---and in some cases the price was A LOT!!-------------like one for $9500!! Did I pay too much for that gun? Yes, but not hardly. It sold during the liquidation of my collection for $8825. On the other hand, I paid $5250 (the most ever at the time) for a gun that sold for $10,000. I'll admit that one was a bit of a shocker, but then again 20 something years had passed between $5250 and $10,000---not a particularly good investment, but I didn't buy it as an investment---I bought it to have it---and I HAD IT!-------and I was glad and happy I had it every day of those 20 something years.

There was another one you might call a cooperative effort: I'd returned home from a show to be met by the Boss Lady: "Didja get anything?" she asked. "No, but I saw a gun I'd never seen before (a .44 H.E. 3rd Target)---one of those conventional wisdom says less than 200 were ever made. I told her it started out as a NOT FOR SALE conversation, and ended up as, "You know, if I was to sell you that gun, it'd be $7000." "Is it worth it?" she asked. "Hell, I don't know---the only one I know about was one advertised for $9000, and it wasn't as nice as this one." (This one was as new!!!!) "Well why don't you just go ahead and try to get it?" she said. I was headed for the phone in two seconds FLAT!! (It sold for $7175 when it went away, so no harm, no foul.)

A dealer is in the business of buy low, sell high. A lunatic fringe collector is in the business to have and to hold---and fondle every now and then.

What's a fondle worth? The bottom line here goes like this: If it feels good, DO IT!!!

Ralph Tremaine

 

[Baxter6551]

Welcome to the forum. Very knowledgeable people here willing to share that info. I’ve certainly learned a lot here.