Thoughts on Gustave Young engraved and gold inlaid Model 1 1/2

[mrcvs]

I was the underbidder on this yesterday.

It hammered at $27,000, with buyers premium, its $31,725.

Fairly cheap, given the pre auction estimate of $30,000 to $50,000. And not a great investment because $45,000 was paid for this revolver in 2008.

Magnificent Smith & Wesson Gustave Young Engraved And Gold Inlaid No. 1 1/2 First Issue Revolver

Thoughts as to why it went low? I like the quirky inlaid gold busts, but I'm guessing most wouldn't and that's why bidding was tempered. I probably should have bid more, because I like it, but then, on the other hand, when it comes time to sell, I likely would experience the same tepid response. Also, this probably didn't hurt nor help this revolver, but it should be noted that the stocks are wood, whereas most Gustave Young engraved revolvers from the era contained mother of pearl stocks. Sadly, once the seller's premium is accounted for, the seller's estate netted about 50 cents on the dollar over fifteen years.

Also, I'm going to toss this out there. If any forum member has a comparably Gustave Young engraved and inlaid revolver with condition they wish to sell and we can bypass an auction sale—I avoid buyer's premium and you avoid seller's premium, please PM me.

 

[Breakaway500]

Lord almighty..that's an area of collecting waaaaay beyond my pay grade and tastes.

Nice revolver,regardless.

 

[gmborkovic]

Sir, beautiful gun. But what the hell are those two gold inlays?

 

[mrcvs]

Sir, beautiful gun. But what the hell are those two gold inlays?

Well, my thoughts as well. I like them. Most wouldn't. I bid according to what the general consensus likely is and not based on my quirky tastes.

 

[gmborkovic]

Sir, thanks for info. But, now what/who are they? There has to be a back story on the two silhouettes. Were they perhaps relatives and this was a tribute gun? Or just two random characters that Mr. Young knew?

 

[mrcvs]

I'm guessing the inlays had something to do with this:

"The gun was delivered to D.B. Wesson on December 24, 1865 for L. Warner to use to raise funds for the German Turnverein Athletic Club in Springfield, Massachusetts."

 

[mmaher94087]

".. to raise funds for the German.." I was thinking 'German' theater characters. Or German folklore.

 

[gmborkovic]

"German Turnverein Athletic Club"? So what is this club? We didnt have baseball or basketball yet, so was it a boxing club?

 

[JSR III]

Turners are members of German-American gymnastic clubs called Turnvereine

 

[gmborkovic]

Ask and ye shall receive. Still why all that work for 2 seemingly ,
unattractive silhouettes. Could have been crossed flags or a cannon.
Or even a squirrel or beaver.

 

[iby]

Antique Smiths

Antique Smiths as an investment seems like a loser to me.
The auction prices have only decreased since I started collecting maybe 15 years ago.
A very fine RR sold for 9k incl BP

 

[mrcvs]

Antique Smiths as an investment seems like a loser to me.
The auction prices have only decreased since I started collecting maybe 15 years ago.
A very fine RR sold for 9k incl BP

There's a fine line between an investment, holding one's own, losing a few dollars, and losing one's shirt. The consignor's estate lost their shirt. My job is to find one of these, hold on to it, maybe (hopefully) make a few dollars when I sell, but not get a real hosing.

 

[iby]

you love the old guns and if you bid and buy with the Big Boys then you can afford your hobby.
Enjoy!!!

 

[gmborkovic]

Alert, Thread drift. The subject at hand is G. Young engraved S&W.
Not opinions on investments. We buy them because we like them.
Reminds me of the guy wanting to know the gas economy on a Ferrari.
And his reply of, gee, 12 MPG is not very good. Can we get back on the subject?

 

[shown50]

Antique Smiths as an investment seems like a loser to me.
The auction prices have only decreased since I started collecting maybe 15 years ago.
A very fine RR sold for 9k incl BP

Same experience here, to me it feels like the generation that collects model 1,1.5,2 are starting to pass away and the younger collectors can't afford to spend that kind of money starting out.

 

[iby]

Alert, Thread drift. The subject at hand is G. Young engraved S&W.
Not opinions on investments. We buy them because we like them.
Reminds me of the guy wanting to know the gas economy on a Ferrari.
And his reply of, gee, 12 MPG is not very good. Can we get back on the subject?[/QUOT

In the OP's post #1 he addresses the value of the subject revolver directly so if you want to school the forum get it right.

 

[Muley Gil]

Sir, beautiful gun. But what the hell are those two gold inlays?

Them there is Rip Van Winkle and his missus.

 

[gmborkovic]

Mr. iby, not schooling anyone, not my intent. Want to be schooled on the gun. Your opinion much appreciated.

 

[wlw-19958]

Hi There,

Them there is Rip Van Winkle and his missus.

I thought the man looked like Punch so the other one may be Judy?

Cheers!
Webb

 

[mrcvs]

Them there is Rip Van Winkle and his missus.

You've got a point! Maybe…

Or at least there's probably some tale or folklore associated with this that is now lost to the ages.