Thanks to All - Model 15 USAF Issue

[tawcat]

I originally put this in "antiques," but I think it belongs here.


I have a Model 15 in original box, with the outer wrapping. Piece is stamped on left of frame "USAF." It is in excellent condition.

Wondering if anyone can provide a ballpark value. Photos are located at: SW USAF pictures by tawcat - Photobucket
Thanks so much.

 

[JayCeeNC]

You have a rare gun.
One like it in the original box sold on an auction site a couple years ago to a Forum member for around $2000, if I recall.
If you're interested in selling it, contact me.

 

[fat tom]

Sent you a PM.
f.t.

 

[LL617]

I was looking online at a Smith and WEsson Model K-200 Canadian with a five inch barrel, a Model K38 special 6 1966, a Model 10-5 in a 5 inch barrel, and a Model 1905-4th change. All cost about the same and look similar. I'm going to be going to pawn shops and other places to see some concrete examples but I wanted to have some understanding of the sizes and models before I went.

 

[murphydog]

The USAF model 15s are rarely seen in civilian hands, but a few are out there. However, very few of the few are new in the original box with the packing material, so I would guess $2000 may be a little low to a truly motivated buyer/collector.

 

[oldafsp]

To find a USAF marked 15 with the original sock and foil packing is a tremendously rare find.

All of these were shipped to the Air Force Material Command at Warner-Robbins AFB prior to distribution to various bases.

In it's unfired condition you have a unique and rare part of history in your hands.

This is when I wish I won the Mega Millions...

It will only increase in value as time passes and I would absolutely get that gun lettered from Smith.

$2000 is on the very low side in my opinion.

I wonder how it made it out of Air Force control?

 

[murphydog]

To find a USAF marked 15 with the original sock and foil packing is a tremendously rare find.

All of these were shipped to the Air Force Material Command at Warner-Robbins AFB prior to distribution to various bases.

In it's unfired condition you have a unique and rare part of history in your hands.

This is when I wish I won the Mega Millions...

It will only increase in value as time passes and I would absolutely get that gun lettered from Smith.

$2000 is on the very low side in my opinion.

I wonder how it made it out of Air Force control?

See post 23 from one of our Forum experts on martial S & Ws:

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-re...im-hesitant-about-buying-rare-model-56-a.html

 

[tawcat]

Still have this with a few serious interested buyers. As you see by my photos the gun is stamped USAF. And I'd say it's in better than 90% condition.

Thanks for all the info provided.

 

[tawcat]

Thanks to all that have provided input. I figure now the piece is probably 85%, gonna put a price tag of $1200 on it.

Really appreciate all the phone calls and putting a voice to a name. This is a great forum, thanks to all it's members.

 

[GaCop]

From the carton cover it looks like it was shipped January of 1963.

Congratulations on such a fine find.

Lots of us former Air Force AP/SP Zoomies would love to have such a piece of our history.

+1! That would bring back memories of being air crew in Vietnam.

 

[Gunsandguitars]

IMHO, that's an amazing find! I'm one of those former SP Zoomies who would dearly love to stumble across something like that. Heck, I haven't had any luck finding a regular ol' Mod-15 in my neck of the woods.

Congrats on an amazing piece of modern military history!

 

[tawcat]

IMHO, that's an amazing find! I'm one of those former SP Zoomies who would dearly love to stumble across something like that. Heck, I haven't had any luck finding a regular ol' Mod-15 in my neck of the woods.

Congrats on an amazing piece of modern military history!

And sadly I am not a collector, I appreciate the find, but someone out there would appreciate it a lot more than me!