Post Office K-22

[Jim R]

Need some help here.

I was at your local gun show this weekend and a guy that I have done a lot of business with offered me a pre model 45 Post Office K frame. The gun is in 85 to 90% condition. A little bluing loss at the end of the barrel and a few scratches.

All the numbers match and the serial number is correct for this to be one of the post office guns. Sorry I have no pictures but for some reason they will not allow any pictures to be taken at the gun show.

The problem is he wants me to make an offer on the gun. In the last 24 hours I have read as much as I can find on these and the prices are all over the place.

Anyone want to give me a ballpark number on this?

Thanks in advance

Jim R

 

[Wiregrassguy]

The SCSW4th says Fair -> $750, Good -> $1200, VG -> $1750. It's a couple of years old now but my sense is that prices have stagnated if not declined a bit. 85 to 90% is quite a bluing loss, IMO. But, you have to ask yourself "when will I ever see another one in this condition?"

 

[DCWilson]

A seller should be open about what he wants for an item. In situations like this, I have usually explained to the seller that research shows specimens in tip-top condition can bring fairly high prices, but that -- as one might expect -- the prices decline fairly quickly with even a little wear. Then offer him a price that's high enough to show you know the gun has some value -- in this case, say $1000 or so, which should be enough to show him you are interested. That leaves him in the position of countering your offer, and you have to decide how far you are willing to move into the unoccupied space between the two limits.

I'm assuming the revolver is in good operating condition, shows no signs of a previous refinish, and has its original stocks.

EDITED TO ADD: I agree with Guy that 10-15 percent blue loss is quite a bit of surface impairment.

 

[Jim R]

The gun was carried a lot. Very little gloss to the bluing. Just good honest wear. All numbers do match, no signs of a rebuild and the grips are numbered to the gun. I'm thinking about 1200 I know he thinks it is worth more than that. If I get it that would be nice but there will be no loss of sleep if I don't get it.

 

[Hondo44]

For a pre model, your comment of "Very little gloss to the bluing." is OK if its s/n indicates pre ~1955 vintage when the satin blue was still standard. After that date, even though worn, the remaining blue should be the high shine 'Bright Blue' finish.

But I understand that the 150 shipment to the PO was in 1958, so bright blue would be correct. Therefore "very little gloss bluing" makes it suspect of a re-blue to me.

 

[Camster]

The gun was carried a lot. Very little gloss to the bluing. Just good honest wear. All numbers do match, no signs of a rebuild and the grips are numbered to the gun. I'm thinking about 1200 I know he thinks it is worth more than that. If I get it that would be nice but there will be no loss of sleep if I don't get it.

So anything number that you offer, will be the wrong number?
I'd have trouble playing that game.He should just price it where he sees fit, bearing in mind that he knows that you're a previous customer and his best chance of moving it along quickly.You bite or you don't.

 

[Jim R]

For a pre model, your comment of "Very little gloss to the bluing." is OK if its s/n indicates pre ~1955 vintage when the satin blue was still standard. After that date, even though worn, the remaining blue should be the high shine 'Bright Blue' finish.

But I understand that the 150 shipment to the PO was in 1958, so bright blue would be correct. Therefore "very little gloss bluing" makes it suspect of a re-blue to me.

The bluing is bright in some places like in the cylinder flutes and in protected areas but dull in others, almost like someone used too harsh a cleaner on it.

 

[beagleye]

That's an annoying seller's game he's playing. Just do your research and know your ceiling price. I would offer somewhere between 50% and 100% of the ceiling price depending on what kind of guy he is.

DC Wilson probably has picked a good number.

 

[DWalt]

If it is the .22 M&P (aka Model 45 or pre-Model 45), they are in the near-rare category and in any reasonable condition would be worth at least $1000. In very high condition, at least $2K.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

I don't play games as a seller, and danged sure not as a buyer. I'd make one offer, tell him "that's it" and if that ain't good enough high-tail it.

 

[Joe Kent]

Quite frankly it is the seller's job to set the price. You then can either buy or walk. I would not do it any other way.

 

[crsides]

Many of these are like new in the box. And they trade in the $2800 - $3000 range. They command such pricing because there were only 1500 produced, AND the like new in the box guns are rare. Many collectors chasing the high condition guns. These same collectors will not be interested in a no box, 85% example. How much that drops the price is up to you and how bad you want it. A similar condition model 18 (same gun with adj sights) can be had for $500.

 

[DWalt]

There were around 1500 produced, but allegedly the USPO destroyed all those they had, which was most of production. No idea how many are in circulation, but not anywhere near 1500. And not anywhere near the number of Model 18s. BTW, I haven't seen any Model 18s for $500. Where do I find one?

 

[crsides]

85% . ok maybe $600 .... and up.

 

[mh51]

Sometimes a dealer who you've done a lot of business with begins to think he can play you, and you'll pay more than the gun is worth. Make him set the price, and then walk away if its unreasonable. I really don't enjoy owning something when I have a nagging feeling that I got played.

 

[OldChief]

Jim, this is a case of how badly do you want it and what are you willing to pay or what the dealer is willing to let it go for. I do believe that these are rare, never cataloged and were produced as training revolvers for the Post Office, Coast Guard and other federal agencies. Also, because it was the only .22 revolver on a K frame without adjustable sights, it would be a real nice addition to anyone's collection.

 

[Camster]

Sometimes a dealer who you've done a lot of business with begins to think he can play you, and you'll pay more than the gun is worth. Make him set the price, and then walk away if its unreasonable. I really don't enjoy owning something when I have a nagging feeling that I got played.

He's already seen the lust in your eyes.
I sorta get the whole collector/scarcity thing. I don't quite get it when it's put in the light of "I've got something that few others have". Who cares what they have.. At the end of the day, keep it real. It's a worn sightless 18..or .22 cal Model 10,and for most collectors, just a slot filler. .Myself, I'd be happier with a prime 17 or 18,if the number gets silly.
...I guess that I don't fit the description of a true collector. I just like new or as new guns.