I have a couple pawn shops in Tulsa Ok. NOT your typical. We have a large collection of Colt Revolvers and antique firearms. We attend many estate sales and would like to start collecting Smtih and Wesson Revolvers. Looking for the top ten most collectible in the public's opinion, so we can purchase these with some knowledge, when we find them . Thank you,
What are the 10 top collectible Smiths?
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gkitch
SWCA Member
Much too broad of a question. Collectibility concerns originality, condition, current desirability (a popular movie or show can alter this universe almost overnight), rarity, etc.
Expertise is not cheap, nor is it simple, nor is it quick. Read the website, do your homework, and read some books. Buy and sell. Have a passion and do not just see it as a commodity.
Expertise is not cheap, nor is it simple, nor is it quick. Read the website, do your homework, and read some books. Buy and sell. Have a passion and do not just see it as a commodity.
Welcome to the Forum. I would ask if you are inquiring about only top-breaks or any model of S&W ever made?
The most expensive S&W out there is probably the 320 Revolving Rifle, since less than 1000 were made. I would guess that the Registered Magnum 357s would be the most expensive modern revolver made. The problem with collecting S&W is that the most valuable guns are usually specific configurations within a more popular model. US marked S&W Model 3 Americans are far more valuable than the rest of the production of these revolvers. There were almost 150,000 Russian Models made, but those with the Cyrillic barrel stamps are much more valuable than the ones with commercial stampings. All Model 3 Schofields are pricey as well.
Others will certainly add to the list, but it is difficult to come up generic list of models without considering the different configurations.
The most expensive S&W out there is probably the 320 Revolving Rifle, since less than 1000 were made. I would guess that the Registered Magnum 357s would be the most expensive modern revolver made. The problem with collecting S&W is that the most valuable guns are usually specific configurations within a more popular model. US marked S&W Model 3 Americans are far more valuable than the rest of the production of these revolvers. There were almost 150,000 Russian Models made, but those with the Cyrillic barrel stamps are much more valuable than the ones with commercial stampings. All Model 3 Schofields are pricey as well.
Others will certainly add to the list, but it is difficult to come up generic list of models without considering the different configurations.
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Welcome! To amplify on gkitch's post:
Key books - Smith & Wesson 1857-1945 by Neal and Jinks, History of S & W by Jinks, and Standard Catalog of S & W 3rd edition by Supica and Nahas.
There are so many details and subtleties about S & W collecting/buying/selling that you could easily make (or lose!) thousands of dollars by buying or selling a correct, collectible gun vs. a refinished, fake or more common variation. If you are experienced about Colts and antiques you already know this.
Just for an incentive...here are a few to look for, and what a very similar but not exact later model might be worth in comparison:
Registered Magnum - up to 1000% than a similar later model
.44 Hand Ejector First Model - 2-300%
Model 1, 1st Type - 1000%
Happy hunting (and learning!)
.
Key books - Smith & Wesson 1857-1945 by Neal and Jinks, History of S & W by Jinks, and Standard Catalog of S & W 3rd edition by Supica and Nahas.
There are so many details and subtleties about S & W collecting/buying/selling that you could easily make (or lose!) thousands of dollars by buying or selling a correct, collectible gun vs. a refinished, fake or more common variation. If you are experienced about Colts and antiques you already know this.
Just for an incentive...here are a few to look for, and what a very similar but not exact later model might be worth in comparison:
Registered Magnum - up to 1000% than a similar later model
.44 Hand Ejector First Model - 2-300%
Model 1, 1st Type - 1000%
Happy hunting (and learning!)
.
Most highly collectable depends on your collecting interest. Many specialize only with antiques, many just with a particular caliber, many only engraved guns. If you are interested in only the most expensive, you will have a hodgepodge across all models of S&W. Buy the book, Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson 3rd edition by Jim Supica and Richard Nahas. It is the "bible" of S&W.
deadin
US Veteran
Top 10 is an interesting question. As said by others, the field is too broad to work with without narrowing it down a little. If you are looking for rarity but they may not be on everybodies top 10 list, just go by production numbers... i.e.
Model No.1,First Issue, 1st Type (200 made);
32 DA 1st Model (30 made);Revolving Rifle (977);
44 DA chambered in 38/40 (276); 44 DA Favorite (~1,000)
And these are just the antiques and aren't necessarily everybodies cup of tea, but for all intents and purposes are pretty much unobtainable without a large bank account (and a bit of luck).
And the list goes on......... The Registered Magnum mentioned earlier is kind of like Colt Single Action Army's, they really aren't that rare and are always available, but because of demand command high prices
Model No.1,First Issue, 1st Type (200 made);
32 DA 1st Model (30 made);Revolving Rifle (977);
44 DA chambered in 38/40 (276); 44 DA Favorite (~1,000)
And these are just the antiques and aren't necessarily everybodies cup of tea, but for all intents and purposes are pretty much unobtainable without a large bank account (and a bit of luck).
And the list goes on......... The Registered Magnum mentioned earlier is kind of like Colt Single Action Army's, they really aren't that rare and are always available, but because of demand command high prices
I believe I'll have a go at answering your question. I rather doubt I'll come up with ten categories, but you'll have a list that'll sell like hotcakes!!
Any target model revolver made prior to 1957.
Any/all N frame revolvers made prior to 1957.
All high condition, "unfooledaroundwith" Victory models (especially those (originally) chambered in .38 Special).
Any/all I, J, & K frame snub nose revolvers made prior to 1957.
Any/all high condition top-break revolvers.
This one is included above, but a guaranteed winner at the cash register will be any/all K-22's/Model 17's from beginning (1930) through 1961(??)---whenever the 3-screw guns came out.
Any/all single shot pistols.
Quitin' time!!
I very likely omitted some other winners. I'll see if I can't come with some more.
It's noteworthy that while I consider these as within the top ten category, no effort was made to establish a pecking order. You won't go wrong putting your money in any of these.
Ralph Tremaine
And in the unlikely event you should stumble upon a high condition 6" 2nd Model Single Shot and/or an 8" 3rd Model Single Shot, let me know. A large wad of cash money will appear on your doorstep as if by magic!!
And while I failed to specify it in each and every instance (because it is most certainly old news), the better the condition the better the market. Junk is junk---never mind what else it might be.
Any target model revolver made prior to 1957.
Any/all N frame revolvers made prior to 1957.
All high condition, "unfooledaroundwith" Victory models (especially those (originally) chambered in .38 Special).
Any/all I, J, & K frame snub nose revolvers made prior to 1957.
Any/all high condition top-break revolvers.
This one is included above, but a guaranteed winner at the cash register will be any/all K-22's/Model 17's from beginning (1930) through 1961(??)---whenever the 3-screw guns came out.
Any/all single shot pistols.
Quitin' time!!
I very likely omitted some other winners. I'll see if I can't come with some more.
It's noteworthy that while I consider these as within the top ten category, no effort was made to establish a pecking order. You won't go wrong putting your money in any of these.
Ralph Tremaine
And in the unlikely event you should stumble upon a high condition 6" 2nd Model Single Shot and/or an 8" 3rd Model Single Shot, let me know. A large wad of cash money will appear on your doorstep as if by magic!!
And while I failed to specify it in each and every instance (because it is most certainly old news), the better the condition the better the market. Junk is junk---never mind what else it might be.
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tlay
US Veteran
If you ate looking for guns that are most collected by collectors try:
Triple locks
38/44 Outdoorsman
22 Outdoorsman
Pre-war 38/44 Heavy Duty
Registered Magnum
Non-registered magnum
M&P
Pre27
Highway Patrolman/pre28
44 Magnum/pre29
These are just my sample of a top ten on collectors Smiths.
Triple locks
38/44 Outdoorsman
22 Outdoorsman
Pre-war 38/44 Heavy Duty
Registered Magnum
Non-registered magnum
M&P
Pre27
Highway Patrolman/pre28
44 Magnum/pre29
These are just my sample of a top ten on collectors Smiths.
DWalt
Member
The "Most Collectible" list is an exercise in futility. Many collectors capable of paying the tariff will specialize in very specific types and will have little to no interest in other types. And just because a gun is old, it doesn't necessarily mean it's valuable. One true generalization is that almost any S&W of the pre-Vietnam era which is in perfect or near-perfect original condition with original box, paperwork, and implements (if any) will have very substantial value.
mmaher94087
SWCA Member
I'll inject the Iron Frame, lever action, aka. "Volcanic" Smith & Wesson.
There are a lot of good examples for the best 10 list here given the whole range of S&W collecting. But I thought this was the Antique forum, in which case at least 9 of the best 10 need to be single action.
Magazine pistol is good
FIrst, FIrst, First Model is good
1 1/2 Old Model, 4 in bbl is good
Engraved, Inscribed #2 Army is good
First model American, US, Nickle is good
New Model #3, .38 Winchester Ctg is good
Any single action model in unfired condition is good
First model American, Nashville Police is very good
Heck, any good First Model American is darn good
Revolving rifle is good too
To be fair, finding any of these not already in collectors hands (depending on the quality of the engraved, inscribed #2 Army or First model American) will be like winning the megamillions lottery.
Magazine pistol is good
FIrst, FIrst, First Model is good
1 1/2 Old Model, 4 in bbl is good
Engraved, Inscribed #2 Army is good
First model American, US, Nickle is good
New Model #3, .38 Winchester Ctg is good
Any single action model in unfired condition is good
First model American, Nashville Police is very good
Heck, any good First Model American is darn good
Revolving rifle is good too
To be fair, finding any of these not already in collectors hands (depending on the quality of the engraved, inscribed #2 Army or First model American) will be like winning the megamillions lottery.
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rayb
US Veteran
Any Smith & Wesson Revolver that shows signs of honest use & care. Those with written, verifiable history, period of use photographs, and accessories such as holsters are especially desirable.
Closet queens with perfect preservation, never fired, and otherwise abandoned in place when new are not very interesting, at least to me.
They are however eagerly sought out and bring top $$.
Lots of different opinions out there, that's mine.
Others disagree.
rayb
Closet queens with perfect preservation, never fired, and otherwise abandoned in place when new are not very interesting, at least to me.
They are however eagerly sought out and bring top $$.
Lots of different opinions out there, that's mine.
Others disagree.
rayb
kbm6893
SWCA Member
3" Model 19 would be a hell of a score.
Based upon your question I would suppose you already know much of the answer. I doubt you mastered your current expertise regarding Colt revolvers and antique firearms by reading a few postings on them. You will have to learn about S&W's similarly, by reading about them and gaining experience with buying and selling them. There are many variables to consider. What is your target audience? Do you market outside your shops? What opportunities will present themselves? It is probably just as important for someone in business to master the mundane as it is the exceptional. Sure you can learn all you want to about some of the rare pieces others have mentioned but the odds of running across one of them is near zero compared to the more mundane. Depending on your point of view it's either fortunate or unfortunate S&W made such a variety of guns because it means availability of enough variety to suit many different tastes and budgets but it also means you have a lot of homework to do or experience to gain. The main thing you'll need to be able to achieve is to learn prices you can pay that allow you to make a profit.
The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, 3rd Edition, by Supica & Nahas is a good reference book with a lot of valuable information but it was last published in 2006 so it's a little dated. There are pricing guides for each model throughout the catalog and although dated you can get a rough relative/comparative value for various models.
Good luck,
John
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