Triple lock at gunshow

[crsides]

After showing my recent triple lock find to a gunshow dealer on Sat, he brought one in Sunday indicating it might be for sale soon. It is wearing pre war magnas with a set of correct gold medallion grips in the box. Box is maroon two piece with the label obscured. 5" blue is 97 - 98%. There are one or two couple tiny spots where corrosion once lived, but overall a very nice piece. He said it shipped in 1913, I forgot to get the serial number but it was a 5 digit number, I'm thinking maybe in the 11xxx range.

Got a couple pics I will post. I would like to pursue this one, but have no idea where the money would be on it. He mentioned one sold at auction for $12k, then a $10k number was bounced around, but he could take less. Would like to hear from members with experience buying/selling these things. I usually approach valuations when asked by other people, as to where I would be buying and where I would be selling a particular gun, thus providing a range to work with. I appreciate any help from forum members. You can click on the pics for more detail.

 

[Breakaway500]

I think that price is ridiculous, but I'm not a collector. I don't understand the prices of collector cars either. The only triple locks I can afford (and own) are Rugers.

 

[6string]

Hi Charlie,

Was that at the Greenville show? Wow, I must have been there at the wrong time. (No, I wouldn't have the $$$$ for that range.). From my looking around, I went home a little disappointed at the pickings.
Anyways, that TL sure checks a lot of boxes in the "thumbs up" category!

Jim

 

[Hondo44]

Did you check for the original serial matching the gun on the bottom of the box? If it's not there the box adds little to the value.

The non-original pre war magnas add about $300 to the deal.

Were the original style service grips numbered to the gun?

All those things affect the value. That's a beautiful original looking TL, and the 5" barrel of course is rare and adds greatly to the value; if it's number matching of course.

Between $2500-$7000 depending on the "ifs" mentioned above.

 

[beagleye]

The non-original pre war magnas add about $300 to the deal.

Wow, I would have thought MUCH more. If anyone has sets for $300, I'll take em all.

 

[mrcvs]

Between $2500-$7000 depending on the "ifs" mentioned above.

That's quite a range. I would easily pay $2500 for this Triple Lock, easily a 90%+ gun, with a 5" barrel every day, independent of the box and extra set of grips. If it has the original box with it, that adds significant value. By stating that I would easily pay $2500 for this one, this means I believe it is, with a set of pre war N frame stocks, worth more than $2500, probably into the low 3's.

As alluded to, there's A period correct box and THE original box. If A box, it's the sum total of the value of the box and the value of the Triple Lock. If it's THE box, it's the sum total of each plus a premium for it being original to the gun. In my opinion, if that's the case, it elevates the value to at least the mid 4 figures but I don't think within striking distance of $7000.

I place no value on "original" pre war N frame stocks, with one exception. First, many times the pencilled in serial number is long gone. Secondly, someone might have pencilled in an appropriate serial number very recently. The exception would be for a set of non medallion stocks on a Triple Lock that shipped mid 1910 or before. Since medallion stocks came out mid 1910. Anything predating this would had to have originated with non medallion stocks. But, then again, I place a premium on non medallion stocks to begin with.

 

[murphydog]

$10-12K sounds like Triple Lock Target territory, not for a nice but standard gun.

If the box and stocks can be confirmed as original to the gun, and with the prewar Magnas, $4-5K sounds about right; less without. This is well outside my buying range so those who have actual experience may be chiming in.

 

[CH4]

Don’t know much about TLs, but at those prices I’d rather have a nice RM.

 

[mrcvs]

$10-12K sounds like Triple Lock Target territory, not for a nice but standard gun.

If the box and stocks can be confirmed as original to the gun, and with the prewar Magnas, $4-5K sounds about right; less without. This is well outside my buying range so those who have actual experience may be chiming in.

A Triple Lock Target Model revolver and with condition can be had for well under 10 to 12 k. In fact, I think the valuation of this one, with a 5" barrel, is comparable to a Target Model in similar condition; if anything the Target Model being worth a bit more. So 4 to 5 k, with a few bells & whistles, such as a box and extra stocks, seems "about right". A bit over 5k if one wanted it badly enough.

 

[crsides]

this gets me where I need to be. Thanks for the info guys.
I didn't think to check the bottom of the box. I did look for pencil numbers but in the gunshow light, couldn't seen any. Will let you know

 

[delcrossv]

A Triple Lock Target Model revolver and with condition can be had for well under 10 to 12 k. In fact, I think the valuation of this one, with a 5" barrel, is comparable to a Target Model in similar condition; if anything the Target Model being worth a bit more. So 4 to 5 k, with a few bells & whistles, such as a box and extra stocks, seems "about right". A bit over 5k if one wanted it badly enough.

Agreed, 10-12k is pretty ridiculous.

I wouldn't think even $5k for a non target. Say around $4k tops, if the service stocks are numbered to the gun. Add another $700 for THE Box.

Truth be told, stuffing guns into random boxes is kinda irritating for me. If it's not THE Box, it adds no value for me.

 

[beagleye]

I am kind of surprised the magnas aren't getting more attention, sure they're twenty years to young, but how many times has that stopped a guy from enjoying a beautiful set. Those are BEAUTIFUL and I would guess worth the better part of a thousand, which is a good chunk of change.