Value of Model 19

[Vettepartz]

While reading another thread here, I was surprised at seeing the values of the model 19 dash 2's and dash 3's, so I started this thread.

A few years ago, a nice lady called me to help her evaluate and sell some guns that had been her late husband's, who had been a Captain on the NM State Police Department. After a few times of going through her gun safe, I made up a list of model numbers, condition, and current values of about 25 different guns, mostly S&W and Colts. I was surprised to find that many of these were still loaded while in the safe. I picked out a batch that I liked and made her an offer which she eventually took. I think it was fair to both of us at that time.

Well one of them was this model 19 no dash that had been her husband's work gun. It has the usual wear from being carried for many years. A few weeks later, she called and said she found this box in the safe that she had used to store her jewelry. She said it was a gun box and still had the "handles" in it. I got it and was happy to find the numbers matched the Model 19. It had a set of John Hurst stocks on it when I got, which really fit my large hands very well.

Now I am wondering what the market value is of this revolver, and if I should get a letter on it.

 

[WILDPIG]

I don't guess that I would get the letter. You already know most, if not all, of its history. Probably. Just my thoughts.

WILDPIG

 

[Rodan]

Prices vary widely, and the current auction site prices don't necessarily reflect reality, depending on your local supply. Barrel length and condition are big factors, though there's a lot of regional variance as well. 4" M19s seem to be the most common and lowest priced, and where mint condition seems to make the most difference.

2.5" M19s seem to be off the charts right now. I haven't seen one for sale locally for several years, so internet prices is all I have to go on, and I think I did pretty well for what I paid for mine a few months ago.

I have 19-3s in 2.5, 4 and 6 inch barrels, all acquired this year. All are high condition shooters, original stocks, no boxes. The 4" and 6" guns I found in local shops for $499 and $699 respectively. The 4" I thought was a steal, and the 6" seemed fair. The 2.5" I bought on GB at $740, which I thought was fair at the time, but it's starting to look better every day.

IMHO, the internet auction sites have created a market that moves too fast for 'blue book' values to be accurate. In the current climate, all guns are moving fast, and guns like classic S&Ws move fast and bring premium prices in good condition.

I don't think I would bother lettering that gun... just shoot it and enjoy it. That's what I'm doing with mine...

 

[mh51]

Just my opinion.....I'd be happy with a shipment date from Mr. Jinks. I doubt that a letter will add any interesting history or value to it.

 

[CH4]

19s definitely aren't getting any cheaper. I got lucky and found this nice 2.5” 19-4 in a local pawn shop for $568 +tax. I already have one, but for the price I couldn’t leave it behind.

 

[Vettepartz]

I was mostly wondering about the value differences between the different dash numbers and this particular one that is a no-dash. That doesn't seem to get mentioned in the value discussions here, although it does show in certain books.

 

[Doc44]

Your Combat Magnum is a nice example of a used, but cared for revolver. It most likely shipped in late 1961 as I have one with a similar serial number that shipped in November of that year. Based on the condition of the 19 and the original box, I would value the package at $700.

Bill

 

[stansdds]

The box is a bonus, but I presume since it has been used to store jewelry that the tool, instruction booklet, and vapor paper are missing. The revolver itself show honest wear, but does not look to have been abused. Around here, something like that would go for $700-$800 in a gun shop.

 

[Rodan]

I was mostly wondering about the value differences between the different dash numbers and this particular one that is a no-dash. That doesn't seem to get mentioned in the value discussions here, although it does show in certain books.

From what I have seen, condition matters more than the dash number or lack of, though earlier guns will bring more than later guns for a given condition as a general trend. Usually a larger gap to non P&R later guns.

 

[CJSmith]

I think value of a sought after model, variant and barrel length in this condition comes down to timing. If one is willing to wait for the right buyer then maybe you get more. If you want a quick sale, the price of the gun would need to move the needle for the average Joe. Someone who collects Combat Magnums and is missing a no-dash may pay more (let's say $800 for this one) until he/she finds one in better shape. If I was looking for a shooter M19 in similar condition to this one, I can probably find a pre-lock 4" for around $500. Maybe I would put a slight premium ($100) on a shooter no dash.

 

[oneeyedpete]

Not to hijack this thread, but I am in the market for exactly this type of gun, a nice shootable Model 19 with a 4" barrel. I don't need a box or anything else but I want a gun that has not been abused. Can you guys give me a range of prices I should expect to pay? Something akin to what Rodan has pictured above.

As to the op's question, I would ask that nice lady to provide a letter with all the info as to the prior owner's history. In general, collectors love that sort of thing. You could type it up and send it to her with a stamped self addressed envelope to make it easy for her.

 

[andy52]

Here are two 19-3s I've bought in the last year and a half. Both cost me 750 each.
I considered the 4 inch just a average deal but the 2 1/2 was a very good deal.

 

[oneeyedpete]

Thanks Andy! That seems to be in the ballpark for what I thought. I'd prefer a blued gun, but I am not too picky on the finish as long as it is in good condition.

 

[Rodan]

I haven't really been following the 4" market too much, but a local shop recently had a nickel 4" 19-3 w/box for $899. Sold in about a month.

$750 for a nickel 19-3 2.5" is a steal with what snubbies are bringing on GB.

Again, a lot depends on the location and the seller...

 

[andy52]

Thanks Andy! That seems to be in the ballpark for what I thought. I'd prefer a blued gun, but I am not too picky on the finish as long as it is in good condition.

Agree the majority of my collection are Blue and your right I don't pass on a nice nickel one if they're in good shape.
The 2 1/2 inch I got from a member here it's unfired outside the factory with box and docs and I considered 750 a very good price.

 

[Marshal Tom]

One of my LGS's has had a fairly high condition 4" 19-3 on consignment for quite some time for $895. I told them it was too high for a 19-3 in that condition without box or docs.

 

[Vettepartz]

OP here. I see that the SCSW states that a no-dash is worth a 50% premium. Also, the Blue Book shows a no-dash verses a -2 is worth about twice as much. I am not talking dollar values, but rather the DIFFERENCE in dollar values. None of the replies here seem to reflect that. Are the people who make their living by writing books completely wrong?

 

[Rodan]

I think what you're seeing in the commentary here is the lower frequency of no-dash sales info, because you just don't see them as often.

It also depends on the buyer... Since my primary interest is in shooting them, a no-dash holds no particular interest for me, so it's of no more value than a -2 or -3. But to a collector who wants no-dash guns, it's worth a premium. How much? That depends on the buyer, but you might wait a while before that buyer stumbles across your gun.

 

[Xfuzz]

Here is a 1970 vintage dash 3 I picked up
at gun show in March of this year.
It was mixed in with a load of police trade-in
Glocks.
Tight & Right normal wear.
Seller was asking $450.00....done deal.
It is the second K frame that I have picked up
this year wearing smooth stocks.

 

[Loyaljeeper]

A couple of weeks ago I watched a man pay $750 for an average condition non-pinned 2.5” 19.