Pre-Model 27 Value

[Bullseye 2620]

I have a beautiful 3-1/2 inch pre-Model 27 finished in nickel, as shown in the photos below. Two very experienced and expert S&W collectors have examined this revolver and pronounced it to be "at least a 98% gun." I notice a few very, very light scratches on the sideplate and no other visible defects. The incorrect stocks in the pictures have been replaced with a set of period correct diamond Magnas in fine condition, although they do not number to the gun. I do not have the box, papers, or tools.

The serial number is S104XXX and dates the gun to 1954, the fifth year of production, I believe.

What would you estimate the retail value of this revolver to be in today's current market?

Thanks is advance for your input!

 

[Muley Gil]

I would say north of $1500, at least.

 

[rct269]

I can't argue with that even a little bit---it's essentially what SCSW 4 says.

What I would add is the impact of the inexplicable attraction of the 3 1/2" barrel to many. (It's inexplicable to me----only because .357's are not my thing---nor are short barrels. Beyond that, it requires no explanation---it is what it is!)

I sold a NIB 3 1/2", blue .357 maybe 6-8 years ago----$3,500. It had the added attraction of being a 1950 gun---and when I say NIB, it hadn't even been unwrapped when I got it. I think it's noteworthy that it was sold to a .357 expert---make that EXPERT---that's all he has or wants---and he's the one who set the price. (The fact he set the price makes no sense to me, because this deal started off with two guns---this 1950 example and an 8 3/8" item---probably 98-99%. If I remember correctly, I'd asked $2,500 for the snub, and $2,000 for the long one. Note the total. He responded, saying he'd pay $3,500 for the snub and $1,000 for the long one. Note the total again!!) And now, right now---having said what I just said, it occurs to me he was giving me the opportunity to keep the long gun. That makes sense. He's a good guy, so it's starting to make A LOT of sense! (Too soon we get old, and too late we get smart!)

All that said-----high condition (which I'd put at 99+) plus 3 1/2" plus nickel plus 6-8 years since the deal noted above makes for considerably more than "$1500, at least". How 'bout $2,500? (And if your buyer doesn't like it, how's this for a reply? No problem---if you don't like it, don't buy it---how long do you reckon it's going to be before you have a chance at another one like it----if ever?) You could add a Hmmmmmm?!! after that, but that's kind of snarky.

Ralph Tremaine

 

[bruce5781]

I gave almost 1800 for this one built in 1950, with matching box & stocks last year. Wouldn't take that for it today.

Sent from my SM-S975L using Tapatalk

 

[John Fugate]

I sold a 99% example a couple years back in its original box, numbered grips etc. No excuse gun for 5500.00 and had a back up buyer at the same money. It had been shot other than factory proofing but very sparingly. Other than that you could not fault the gun. So I think the 1500.00 estimates are low. Your gun is closer to 2500.00-2800.00 with wrong grips and no box.