What Do You Think About Commemorative S & W Value

[AC Man]

I come across various 1970 and 1980 revolvers that are unfired mainly the 44 magnum. Are they worth more or less than the original production. They seem to not sell very well. What say you?

 

[pbramlett]

Commemorative guns can bring more if the person has a personal connection but to me not so much. I might pay more for a commemorative gun of a local or state agency but it would have to be really special.

 

[Nomadmax]

I have two of them (2 of a total of 80 made). Both are for the same from dept I worked for, I paid dearly for one. However, unless someone has a personal connection like that, I don't think they're worth more than a non commemorative that's in the same condition (possibly unfired).

 

[Rpg]

I’ve never thought Smith’s commemorative are worth as much as a plain gun in the same caliber and condition. They are often less expensive than the plain guns.

I’m pretty sure that a pristine Commemorative M29 shipped in 1970 or 1980 wouldn’t be close compared to a non commemorative M29 shipped in ‘70 or 80.

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

If I were to collect commemoratives to make money, I would buy Colts and Winchesters. My small experience with S&W commemoratives is that they are often relatively difficult to sell for more than the base design.

 

[CH4]

For me commemoratives are a turn off. Would only buy if I new I could flip it, but they are generally hard to move. Passed on a few of the Texas .44-40s because of the superfluous markings; too bad Smith didn’t make a non-commemorative.

 

[DWalt]

Back in the late 1960s, Colt brought out a series of WWI commemorative M1911s. No one wanted them, and for awhile they were being sold by the distributors at near giveaway prices just to move them out. I suspect that the only market for such guns are those who collect commemoratives. At one time, Winchester was commemorating about everything with M94s.

 

[Hawg Rider]

I’ve never thought Smith’s commemorative are worth as much as a plain gun in the same caliber and condition. They are often less expensive than the plain guns.

I’m pretty sure that a pristine Commemorative M29 shipped in 1970 or 1980 wouldn’t be close compared to a non commemorative M29 shipped in ‘70 or 80.

In certain cases, let's agree to disagree. Years ago I handled a Model 19-3 Texas Ranger commemorative at a local gun show. It was just the revolver, none of the accessories. Wow...I was really impressed with the quality of the blued finish and the features of that 1973 4" Model 19-3. I passed on that purchase, but never lost my appreciation of that revolver. Fast forward to 2018, when I found a complete TR commemorative set (TR6362) on Gunbroker from a Las Vegas pawn shop. I paid a total of $850 for the 19-3 with the matching bowie knife, sheath, papers, and TR wooden case. It's one of 8,000 complete sets that S&W manufactured in 1973. I did refinish the exterior of the case in a more fitting (IMHO) Texas post oak finish. In the case of the Texas Ranger Commemorative, I think that the fit and finish make this one of the finest Model 19s that S&W ever manufactured. It has a smooth trigger, a cutaway trigger guard, smooth walnut target stocks, beautiful deep bluing, and it shoots and feels like it was tuned. Don't get me wrong, the Model 19-3 is a great revolver, but the TR is head and shoulders above an everyday blued 4" Model 19-3 and should command a premium. I'm not a commemorative collector (this is the only one I own!), so my TR is a shooter.

 

[SnidelyWhiplash]

Most commemoratives are referred to as "contrived collectibles"...only worth more to some people. Some commemorative are factory produced and some are standard guns embellished by resellers such as "America Remembers" and are less valuable than factory commemoratives.

If a commemorative turns you on...go for it. Most don't hold their value long term though some do. The only commemoratives I own are two Winchester John Wayne rifles and two Colt SAA John Wayne revolvers. They have held their value but that's not what's important to me...the subject matter is. When I take the big dirt nap whatever my wife gets for them she gets for them.

 

[44wheelman]

My problem is they are usually unfired. Firing them quickly reduces value.

A used comm. is usually worth less than its std counterpart. A new comm. is usually priced higher than a new production gun.

I spent 6 months trying to to get someone to sell their 629 (“the attack” from the 12 set series) for the same price as a new one. Oh, they’re collectible, but you only have one of the twelve, but someone who has the other eleven will really want this one….okay, your gun.

Someone mentioned the wagon train 44/40. I refuse to believe s&w made a special run of .426 bore barrels to put on those guns.

 

[Inusuit]

I don't have an opinion on S&W commemoratives except I saw an Elmer Keith model that had a cartoonish representation of him on the frame.

I recently had the opportunity to review and prepare for exhibit a collection of Winchester commemoratives donated to a local museum. There was a marked difference in the quality and appearance. Some had exceptionally nice wood and finish. Others were mediocre.

I believe the commemorative value is held best when unfired and complete with box, paperwork, and accessories.

On the other hand, firearms without those items can sometimes be acquired as a shooter and at a discount from standard factory models.

 

[22hipower]

As in most cases it depends why you want it. As others have said, the S&W commemoratives rarely sell at a premium. On the other hand, they're the same quality from the same workmen and factory so if the price is right why not buy them? I wouldn't pay a premium for the 544 for example but having a 44-40 to shoot at less than the price of many other N frames seems ok to me especially if you want a S&W 44-40; how many of those are floating around in any configuration?

Someone above mentioned the Colt 1911 WWI Commemoratives. One of the best deals around, or were, if you wanted a pre-1970 Colt in 1911 configuration for under $1k. Try and buy the non-commemorative version for that price yet it is the same quality, same factory, same workmen.

If you're buying for investment opportunity I'd buy commemoratives only if available at a substantial discount from market prices.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[Rick Sanborn]

I have one of the544s. Bought it as a shooter for a good price. It’s a nice 5” N frame regardless of the engraving.

 

[lppd4]

I have a 19-3 Texas Ranger commemorative bought it because the asking price was low price ($600) got a great revolver with a super smooth action.I only have the gun no knife and no presentation case.

 

[AC Man]

Thanks for all the replies. I was looking at the 44 mag Carpenter 100 year anny. Steel supplier.