What constitutes collectable?

[Shutthefrontdoor]

It's a silly subjective question, but in a classic knee-jerk fashion - I chose to bid on a gun that was going to go across the auction block at what I thought to be a steep discount. In the silliness of it all, I found the gun to have long term significance in the development of what became the Shorty45. Well, I hope, and this seems to be another prime candidate for a letter. It has an XPX00** serial number.

So the question: Do the members of this forum share an opinion that the early prototype beta mules deserve a premium (if in good condition)? The fact that it ended up being sold out of Lou Horton as a used gun helps(?). The only thing I can see (not much really) is that it needs a serious field strip and cleaning.

Either way, I have come to love the .45ACP round and already have a Shorty45 that continues to remind/teach me the basics of gripping a gun.

In short, I'm a happy guy, but here I am admitting that I bought the (possible) story for the gun.

 

[03hemi]

Steele. lol
Seriously many factors, but if it ain't steele, it ain't collectable.
I think the original Glock 19 is the only plastic gun I've ever heard of that is collectable?
Remember: You either have a collection of guns or a gun collection.

 

[stansdds]

Desirability is in the eye of a collector. As common as the S&W Model 10 has been and still is, there are those who see them as collectable pieces while the rest of us think of them as shooting revolvers. I'm sure there is a group of people who salivate over S&W's that have an "X" serial number stamped into them.

 

[Sevens]

The serial number alone likely makes it collectible to those of us who love Performance Center semiautomatic pistols. With that said, it might take a back seat to a Shorty45 that appears unfired, with little no no evidence of handling and with every single accoutrement that it shipped with.

 

[AveragEd]

I think that any quality firearm can become "collectable." If it was popular but made in limited numbers due to slow sales - price too high, just not considered attractive at the time (consider today's plastic pistols 20 years ago) or for any other reason, values can soar due to high demand and low supply.

I have three S&Ws, two revolvers - a 686-3 5" National Match (500 made) and a 629-3 5" Classic DX (made one year only) and one pistol - a PC1911 DK edition in .38 Super - that are now considered collectable. I have other S&Ws that I expect to gain value in the years to come just because of their age, condition and the fewer remaining nice examples.

Then there are rifles that are just now gaining traction like the Remington Model 700 BDLs with scroll-engraved receivers that were only offered from 1997 to 2001 (I have six; they were not Custom Shop guns as some sellers will claim). Model Four semi-autos and Model Six pumps (enhanced Model 7400s and 7600s) were made for only five years. Most of the Model Sixes were made in .270, .308 and .30-06 and don't command big bucks but less than 600 were made in 6mm and the ones in .243 are close behind in scarcity (I have one of those). Our son has a real oddball - a stainless steel Model 700 BDL with the receiver engraving, detachable box magazine and factory muzzle brake that is chambered in 7mm STW, now a Custom Shop-only chambering.

The list could go on but those are just the two brands in which I am mainly interested.

Ed

 

[stansdds]

Gen 1 Glocks are becoming collectable, even though the basic Glock pistols are still being made today, albeit as Gen 5. It is sometimes a thing of being out of production for a long enough time.

 

[JH1951]

..........
So the question: Do the members of this forum share an opinion that the early prototype beta mules deserve a premium (if in good condition)? ...........

The answer to that relies solely on supply and demand. Really nothing more.

 

[SnidelyWhiplash]

A Gen 1 Glock prototype or low serial number a collectible? Not to me.

A prototype or low serial number Colt 1911...all day long!

As in Raiders of the Lost Ark..."Look at this. [holds out a pocket watch] It's worthless. Ten dollars from a vendor in the street. But I take it, I bury it in the sand for a thousand years, it becomes priceless!"

It can be much the same with many firearms.

 

[toddimusnimski]

In short, I'm a happy guy

That's all that matters! I've bought many things that simply bring me pleasure, either through actual use or just to appreciate. I wouldn't have much issue with paying a bit more for a prototype if it helps to fill a hole in the collection or to enhance the story of the model's development.

Please share some pics when able!

Todd

 

[Breakaway500]

If S&W says it's a collectible, then it isn't. That much I have learned here. .

 

[murphydog]

There are several factors in the collectibility equation - supply, demand, and personal desire. Some collect only 98% Registered Magnums and others Beanie Babies. Who’s to say the other group is wrong?

 

[FoundFather]

There are several factors in the collectibility equation - supply, demand, and personal desire. Some collect only 98% Registered Magnums and others Beanie Babies. Who’s to say the other group is wrong?

Well, the market hasn't been so kind to Beanie Baby collectors recently......

 

[LVSteve]

I have heard and read a great deal about what is a collectible. Opinions vary from informed, misinformed, to downright bigotry. If the OP finds the gun he bought collectible, good luck to him.

 

[cougar015]

While everyone may have a different idea of what a collectable is, Personal desire does not make it a collectable. Some things to consider are how rare it is, previous sales and demand. Condition of a collectable will affect the price. Who then is the authority that deems it a "collectable"?
Along those lines, how many guns must one have before he can call it a collection?

 

[murphydog]

Well, the market hasn't been so kind to Beanie Baby collectors recently......

True, but that is the wild card, right? Some pursue their passion even when losing money.

Got a Princess Diana bear you want to sell?

 

[Ameshawki]

Anything and everything is collectible to someone.

 

[sheepdawg]

If it reminds you of the good ole days, your youth, your dad or grandpa talked about one, or it's a legend with gun folk. well then it's collectable.

 

[SnidelyWhiplash]

There's two types of collectibles...intrinsic and contrived. For intrinsic collectibles there's something about them that makes it so...rarity...who owned and used it...things like that. A contrived collectible is sold that way and you're told it's collectible...such as an engraved firearm where thousands were made such as what America Remembers puts out.

Contrived collectibles usually don't appreciate...at least not much. Intrinsic collectibles do...S&W Registered Magnum #1...Colt Python #1...a Single Action Army owned and used by General Patton, John Wayne, Roy Rogers and similar.

 

[THE PILGRIM]

You need to collect what you like.
Knew a West Texas Good Ole Boy who collected Savage Pistols.
West Pointer, Retired Army, knew a bunch about Savage Pistoles.
Met a Dude from Santa Fe who was remarkably informed on Hi Standards. Toward the end, he functioned as the unofficial Factory Historian.
When the Factory closed, he drove his Motor Home East and hauled off the remaining brochures, pamphlets, etc.
Neither of them ever wrote a book that I know of.
Finally met the Guy from Los Alamos who did write the P-38 Book!

 

[FoundFather]

Got a Princess Diana bear you want to sell?

Well of course I have several. But they are so precious I won't sell for cash. Only trade 1-for-1 for 98% Registered Magnums. Got any of those you want to trade for something truly valuable?