S&W Collection

[charlieclark]

A friend's father is selling his collection of 60's & 70's vintage S&W revolvers. I have not seen them but understand there are 25's, 27's, 29's, & 57's. They are all supposely in excellent condition. I know that there are many other factors to consider that determine value and collectibility but how would you rank them for desirability if I you could only buy 2 of them. Thanks for any thoughts.

 

[M29since14]

Go with your own interests. If you are fond of, say, .41 Magnums, I would buy the 57s no matter what "the market" says. JMHO and good luck.

 

[quinn]

Go for any diamonds (grips). The ones you've listed are all N frames so you can hardly go wrong IMHO.

 

[g8rb8]

Assuming these are all garden-variety versions of these models, I imagine if you put it to a vote you would get the most votes for the model 27 and runner up would be the model 29 and the models 25 and 57 would be in third and fourth respectively. Other factors to consider are barrel lengths. If they have a 27 in 3.5" and in 5" that would be the two I would get. Next choice would be a 27 in 4". If there are any 3-3.5" barrel-length models those would be highly desirable. Barrel lengths are measured from tip of barrel to the front of the cylinder and not the front edge of the frame. Other factors that would potentially affect my initial preference for a 3.5" and a 5" model 27 would be:
- Condition.
-"Coke" grips on a model 29 or model 57 ----- that would move them up to the top most likely.
- Nickel finish.
- Diamond centered grips.
- S prefix.
- 5" Model 29.
- Box, documents, tools original to the revolver.

 

[raljr1]

buy them all, sell the ones you don't like. yeah right.

 

[jtcarm]

A friend's father is selling his collection of 60's & 70's vintage S&W revolvers. I have not seen them but understand there are 25's, 27's, 29's, & 57's. They are all supposely in excellent condition. I know that there are many other factors to consider that determine value and collectibility but how would you rank them for desirability if I you could only buy 2 of them. Thanks for any thoughts.

Desireability is in the eye of the beholder, unless you're gonna go all mercenary and seek only the most valuable guns. In that case I'd get a copy of Standard Catalog & carry along.

Otherwise, I'd just see which ones speak to me, that I want to own. For instance, tapered N-frame barrels are sexier than a playboy centerfold to me, so that'd be the first thing I'd look for, especially any .44 specials. If diamond grips are your thing, go for it. Itching for a Model 29? Scratch it.

 

[sqhead]

If the price is right do a package deal and buy em all,then sell the ones you don't want here on the forum.........you will have to do some research on the guns and prices adding/subtracting for extras,grips,box etc to get the best results.

 

[weatherby]

Look for Diamonds....Look for 4 screw or dash ones on the 25, 27, and 29

shorter barrel lengths also take into consideration

 

[loeman]

Speaking as a lifelong collector in other hobbies besides guns, there are times when great opportunities present themselves and usually when you are not prepared to act. However, my advice to you is do a careful inventory of the collection and then negotiate an agreeable price for all of it. A price that both buyer and seller is comfortable with. And then do what it takes to secure the funds. Go to the bank, use your savings, sell some stuff. You will then have the leisure to weed out what you don't want to help pay for the choice items you do want. You will never regret it and the seller will be happy to move all the items to a trusted acquaintance without the hassle of selling piece by piece. You may never get this kind of opportunity ever again.

 

[oldman10mm]

^^^ if you can. It is better to have them instead looking back and wished you had them. They're all good pieces in their own right and without specifics of info or pics,difficult to judge their desireabilty and collectability.

 

[charlieclark]

Thanks for all the input guys.

 

[THE PILGRIM]

Just picking a few is called 'cherry picking.'
A negative connotation applies.
And certainly no way to treat a friend.
Offer them a fair price and buy them all.
You can decide later which ones you want to keep.
Then sell the ones the you don't want.