Postwar Terrier value

[lihpster]

Hey, Guys. I got a call from my enabler..... I mean FFL today. He took a gun in on trade and called me to see if I'd be interested. He knows I'm interested in old Smiths, so he called me first. Right now I'm cash poor, but I'm going in to see him tomorrow to do a little trading.
What he has, from his description and some bad photos, is a Pre 32 made in 1948 in nickel with engraving by an unknown artist. It has what appear to be MOP stocks without medallions. They might be plastic, hard to tell from the photos I saw. No box.
It appears to be refinished, judging by the trigger and hammer, and the engraving is not a Master's work (I don't think), but it is proper engraving and not "pawn shop" work.
Unfortunately we've reached far enough back in the past that my knowledge is sorely lacking. I know it's hard without seeing the pics, but I can't seem to get my phone and my wireless to talk to one another right now. What would you value a revolver I have described? He's a great guy and I don't want either of us to get shortchanged. TIA.

 

[JH1951]

Pictures will help us a lot in estimating a reasonable price.
From my research, Terrier post-war production began in late June, 1949, at SN 54,474. You may want to provide us with the SN as well to home in on the date, as early post-war productions had some major production changes (such as replacing the flat mainspring with a coil spring, on what is called the 'Improved I Frame' - lots of other subtle changes in that era too). As for the finish, a gun that shipped with a nickel finish is worth more than one that has been refinished. Terriers with an original nickel finish should have an "N" marked on the grip frame (as well as possibly several other places). Engraving, if factory done, is a plus for value. If done aftermarket it is usually a negative for value.
So, with so many variables, it is really tough to suggest a value. I can tell you that I have (within the last year) picked up several 99% post-war blue finish ones, and a factory nickel finish, all in the $600. or less range.
I hope this helps....

 

[Muley Gil]

I'm cheap. I wouldn't pay over $300 for it.

 

[22hipower]

I don't think we can help much with that one without seeing pictures. "Not master level engraving" is not encouraging but whether you like it is all that really counts in valuing the engraving. And it will definitely be refinished if it is engraved unless someone engraved through the nickel and left it that way; not likely. So, if it's really "ugly" with plastic grips, Muley Gil's $300 might be about right. Or, if those are pearl grips, the engraving actually looks pretty good and you like it, and the gun is tight and otherwise correct, $1,000 or more might be reasonable. Get some pictures, I'd very much like to see it. Good luck.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[Truckman]

From the description alone, I would price it at the parts and scrap value level......Ben

 

[lihpster]

Well, I went and looked at it today. The engraving looks good. The stocks are MOP. Gun is tight. So, we did some horse trading. He got my 29-10 and my 586-6. I got the Terrier and a soft case, a 60-14 and soft case, a Browning 1911-22 in the box with 4 mags and a holster, a Galco OWB holster, 100 rounds of Underwood .357 and 1000 rounds of .22LR. Also got some K frame magnas and a pair of Altamont K/L rd. butt combats. We were both happy. BGC will take a couple of weeks, so no pics until then.
Thanks for the info, guys. I really appreciate it.

 

[raljr1]

Looking forward to the photos....sounds like quite a bit of horse trading....glad you are both smiling...


Robert

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

On a multi gun deal like that with all the accessories, to figure the actual cost of the Terrier: Take the cost of your two trades and divide by 3.7 then square that figure and divide by Pi (3.14 is close enough). The final number is factored by the exchange rate of Dollars to Yen or Euros to Rupees.

Ivan

 

[Truckman]

On a multi gun deal like that with all the accessories, to figure the actual cost of the Terrier: Take the cost of your two trades and divide by 3.7 then square that figure and divide by Pi (3.14 is close enough). The final number is factored by the exchange rate of Dollars to Yen or Euros to Rupees.

Ivan

And all this time I thought Bernie Madoff had died in prison......Ben

 

[lihpster]

Looking forward to the photos....sounds like quite a bit of horse trading....glad you are both smiling...


Robert

Yeah, we had to do some dickering. 2 of the guns I got were consignment so he has to pay the previous owners cash. I took 3 long guns and 6 handguns, to give him a variety to choose from. I wasn't sure if he was after guns for himself or the shop. Turns out he wanted them for himself. He's moving to Montana next year and he wanted a .44 Mag. for bear defense. He wanted the 29 and the 586, so, we just kept adding to my pile until we both felt good. I wanted the Terrier, because it was odd and I don't see them every day. I've always wanted a baby 686 and the Browning seems like it could be a fun gun. The holster fits my 686, the grips are a bonus, probably use them for trading purposes. The ammo is gonna get shot. Monetary value, he might have come out a little ahead, but not much, and he's done me some solid favors in the past.

 

[raljr1]

Monetary value, he might have come out a little ahead, but not much, and he's done me some solid favors in the past.

I am a firm believer in letting the other guy win once in a while.

 

[lihpster]

I am a firm believer in letting the other guy win once in a while.

Like I told him, I can screw a guy over once, or I can make several good deals over time.

 

[handejector]

I'm confused.
What kinda pi are we havin?

 

[lihpster]

I'm confused.
What kinda pi are we havin?

Algabrerry. Ala mode.

 

[jcelect]

I'm confused.
What kinda pi are we havin?

Many times it's "humble pie"! Pie are squared and it is hard to eat!
jcelect

 

[Frieda's Boss]

Congrats on the trade, OP. Sounds like you are happy, and IMO did well.

 

[lihpster]

Congrats on the trade, OP. Sounds like you are happy, and IMO did well.

Wish I had them in my hands, but yeah, I'm happy.

 

[lihpster]

Talked to the dealer and he told me I'm 2017TH in line for the BGC. At least this time I'm still in the queue.

 

[lihpster]

Got the call today and picked up my guns. Here's a few quick pics for those who asked.

 

[raljr1]

What's not to like? Nice deal.

Robert

 

[RKmesa]

Got the call today and picked up my guns. Here's a few quick pics for those who asked.

Fun gun. The engraver could definitely cut a circle - enjoy and Congrats!!!

 

[lihpster]

Fun gun.

Exactly! My first engraved revolver and you don't see many Terriers in my area. I'm sure I gave more than it's worth, but it is a pretty little thing, nonetheless.