Pre Model 28 Highway Patrolman NIB VALUE?????
- Thread starter mitchsnap
- Start date
Called Smith and Wesson this morning. I was lucky enough to get Mr. Jinks on the phone. Presentation boxes were not available from Smith and Wesson until 1959. The first firearm that was shipped in a presentation box was the 44 magnum. So it is assumed that this person's father purchased the box after he received the gun because there were no boxes available in 1954.
boatbum101
Member
I'd ask to see the other guns . Take some pics , post 'em here . Might find some straight ones that are worth the asking price . If gun were trully 98% & you could get it for $800 OK , but present deal I'd pass too .
Big Cholla
Member
I will bet that gun is the result of some in house shenanigans among friends. Probably won't letter in the present configuration/finish. I would go as high as $800 but as stated before would use the opportunity to look at the other 29 S&Ws. 
The original blue cardboard box is more valuable to the deal than that phony 'presentation' box. ............. Big Cholla
The original blue cardboard box is more valuable to the deal than that phony 'presentation' box. ............. Big Chollalonegunman762x51
US Veteran
That whole story sounds fishy. I would rather have new in the original blue box that a fairy tale story and no paperwork or tools. I am a fan of nice original condition and don't mind paying a bit of a premium for top notch guns but a 100% mark-up and a guy who picks the silliest price on Gunbroker and adds 50% are usually to much for me to tolerate.
One of our local gun stores had a WWI era USGI rifle with a triple broken stock that had been glued and pinned together in it's past. It was "all original" and sadly re-blued and in a ruined stock with nice cartouches. It sat there for 7-8 years at 150% of the highest price ever paid for a gun of that type. Then he took it home when his business failed. He is probably carting it to a gun show as we speak.
One of our local gun stores had a WWI era USGI rifle with a triple broken stock that had been glued and pinned together in it's past. It was "all original" and sadly re-blued and in a ruined stock with nice cartouches. It sat there for 7-8 years at 150% of the highest price ever paid for a gun of that type. Then he took it home when his business failed. He is probably carting it to a gun show as we speak.
Not for nothing but I think that many of you are discounting what was possible at the factory back in the 30's, 40's and 50's.
Many items have proven to be real even if out of the norm for one of S&W's better distributors, customers, sports writers or employees.
There were real craftsman back in those days and it is very possible that someone in the wood shop made up that case or its possible that it was made by whomever made the cases that the 29's were eventually shipped in.
I understand the old adage, "buy the gun and not the story", but how would you feel if you passed on the package and then found out that the case was the first one ever made and the prototype for all to follow.
Sometimes in collecting you just have to use your gut and take a chance. Money can always be made but rare opportunities only come by once and a while.
Many items have proven to be real even if out of the norm for one of S&W's better distributors, customers, sports writers or employees.
There were real craftsman back in those days and it is very possible that someone in the wood shop made up that case or its possible that it was made by whomever made the cases that the 29's were eventually shipped in.
I understand the old adage, "buy the gun and not the story", but how would you feel if you passed on the package and then found out that the case was the first one ever made and the prototype for all to follow.
Sometimes in collecting you just have to use your gut and take a chance. Money can always be made but rare opportunities only come by once and a while.
Hello Mitch, you got 28 responses to your thread. All good advice.
Personally, Im not going to react to the Pre mod 28 feeding frenzy.
I have a few 28 4" and shoot the poop out of them. The ball is in your court.
Best and Merry Christmas, Mike 2796
Personally, Im not going to react to the Pre mod 28 feeding frenzy.
I have a few 28 4" and shoot the poop out of them. The ball is in your court.
Best and Merry Christmas, Mike 2796
TLflag
Member
Model 28
As of the 19 Dec, I own the gun. The story I got was these guns came from an estate sale of someone who either worked for Smith or had a relative who worked for Smith. The gun is a Model 28; 5 screw; 4" barrel; matching diamond stocks; serial number 104040 on stocks, butt, barrel; and cylinder. It has very slight use and is very clean. The box is Smith & Wesson, but not of the 1954 era, and has 75 in grease pencil inside both halves along with initials and some code printing. The blue lining has been replaced and the black plastic form under the lining is Smith. According to Allen-frames thread the 28 started at 103500 in 1954.The man has several other Smiths and other makes of guns some of which I saw.
I bought the gun , not the story.
Terry
As of the 19 Dec, I own the gun. The story I got was these guns came from an estate sale of someone who either worked for Smith or had a relative who worked for Smith. The gun is a Model 28; 5 screw; 4" barrel; matching diamond stocks; serial number 104040 on stocks, butt, barrel; and cylinder. It has very slight use and is very clean. The box is Smith & Wesson, but not of the 1954 era, and has 75 in grease pencil inside both halves along with initials and some code printing. The blue lining has been replaced and the black plastic form under the lining is Smith. According to Allen-frames thread the 28 started at 103500 in 1954.The man has several other Smiths and other makes of guns some of which I saw.
I bought the gun , not the story.
Terry
Ask if he can lose a $100 of two off the price.
