price check on a 1954 Highway Patrolman

[mbliss57]

1st year production 4" S/n S1112xx. I do not have a pics. It's 95% with very nice S&W Smooth Target stocks. (of course not original).
This gun belongs to a friend who is not trying to sell it as it belonged to his Dad (purchased new) as a policeman in Ohio.
It would have been one of the 1st Highway patrolman produced.
I believe these would put the ship date around May- June 1954. The gun debuted in April 1954 per SCSW.
I am unfamiliar with HP pricing/ values. I told him roughly $1K as a guestament but I would check with you experts for better info.
There is nothing in the Big Auction for a 1st year example.

Thanks

 

[ken158]

Agreed that 1K would be a good value. But since it was his dad's and not for sale...

 

[wetdog]

Is the box and numbered stocks with it ?

 

[Jack Flash]

Of course the family history makes it priceless to him.

But making a dispassionate analysis:
Four inch barrel is a plus.
Non-original stocks is a negative, but they still have value.
95%, if accurate, a plus since many of these saw daily holster use.
First year / S prefix s/n a big plus for many of us.

Personally if it were mine and I had no family connection to it, I probably would want more than $1,000. At least $1,200 and maybe more after I do some research in this Forum's Classifieds, GoBroker, etc.

 

[mbliss57]

Is the box and numbered stocks with it ?

No box not original stocks (see post #1)

He definetly has no interest in selling it. I think he just wants to know out of curiosuty and for insurance purposes. When he told me he had it I was only semi interested..until he sent me the pic and s/n and asked if I could tell him anything more about it. Of course he had no idea what year it was shipped or that it was an early 1st year production gun.

 

[gmborkovic]

The HP was introduced in Jan of 1954. Your value is spot on. But it is family.

 

[Mike C2]

If the smooth target stocks are of the same vintage and non-relieved or slightly newer flared bottom Coke stocks they can easily make the gun worth $300-$500 more than it would go for otherwise.

 

[BigBill]

Two decades ago these were $695 average no box, no papers in excellent condition with 6" barrel. What has changed I price a m28 shooter grade at least at $750 at the minimum bottom of the heap. If it's in excellent condition plus it's much higher for sure. Look at gb. I see prices all over the place. I would never sell my m28 so low as some are. I remember in 73 my Chevy k10 4x4 pick up was $3,605. Does that mean a pick up in excellent new condition is worth that today? Come on values go up. With guns that aren't offered anymore there worth there weight in gold. Why does everyone low ball prices. Any n frame to me in decent condition is a $1,000 gun. I just checked my online dealer he has a m29 before the loc and mim 4" for $1,695 98%/99% blued. I think that's about right.

Sorry for the post but why are colts priced so much higher over s&w?

I seen a military gun go for $650 I thought I paid too much but there rare. Fast forward decades later there $1,200. I seen m41 Johnson's and Mauser nazi sniper rifles go from $750 to $2 k a few shows later.

 

[Old_Cop]

Despite internet auctions and prices, where you live has a effect on gun values. That said, your friends Highway Patrolman would sell for $1000 to $1100 around here. There is no box, no tools, no original stocks, and no paperwork. Even insurance estimates have to be grounded in reality.