What's it worth, 32 DA, 2nd gen, 4 digit, with floral grips

[pingeorge]

Hey everybody I am new here and wondering if you could help me figure out what a 32 I am looking at should cost. I have bought some old top break revolvers in the past but I saw a 32 DA top break, with a 4 digit serial number, the double locking mechanism and a set of floral grips. I saw it on Gun Broker and I sent the seller a message asking some questions and he said it has a bright shinny bore, the timing and lock up is perfect, it is all matching numbers and the floral grips are perfect and original to the gun. I have never seen or heard of "Floral or Wild Turkey" grips before. So I need to know from the guys that know what is it worth and what is a fair bid? Let me know if you guys can tell me something about it? I am curious if nothing less. The grips look cool but I don't know much about them.

 

[pingeorge]

Sorry, guys I will remove the link from above. Just read the one rule about not posting links.....My bad. Now I have to figure out how to do it. That's what I get.

 

[pingeorge]

Fixed it....so can someone tell me about the Floral grips, how many were made and on what models would help. I like the look and I am not sure what something like it should cost.

 

[glowe]

Welcome to the forum.

Ah - the lowly 32 DA. These great little revolvers get little respect among the collecting community. They are probably the lowest valued S&W top break model out there today. Condition will definately affect value and if the gun is in less than pristine condition, you would be looking at $300 or less, but the floral stocks will add some value. There are scarce barrel lengths that can also add value.

If I am not mistaken, the floral stocks were mostly found on guns with serial numbers around 10,000 or below. If in good condition, the stocks sold seperate from the gun could go for as much as the revolver, but you would see some discount if sold on the gun.

 

[pingeorge]

So the seller on GB says it is in mechanical excellent condition, and the barrel is bright and shinny and is a 4 digit serial number. The finish also looks to be in very good condition, I think he would take $450 for it, so is that too much to offer?

 

[glowe]

So the seller on GB says it is in mechanical excellent condition, and the barrel is bright and shinny and is a 4 digit serial number. The finish also looks to be in very good condition, I think he would take $450 for it, so is that too much to offer?

That price is too much for me, but it is your decision. As I said, these revolvers do not sell for much unless almost perfect, then they would go for $500. Very Good condidion is far below what I would consider as near perfect. The stocks are the wild card here, being of value by themselves, but I still would not want it for $450. As others here say, it is worth what you are willing to pay and sometimes we buy too high, but eventually it will be worth the price paid.

 

[deadin]

For that kind on money I would really like to take a look at it and it had better be in pretty nice shape.

I've just been out to the auction in question and I can't seem to find any listing for the gun you described. What are your search terms??

 

[deadin]

Never mind, I just found it.... Definitely not as nice as I would like it for the price he is asking. As said by Gary, the grips are the wild card here.
From what I can see the gun by itself should be in the $200-300 range. The grips are scarce, but I don't know if they are scarce enough to make up the difference. Also, I would like a clear picture of the bottom of thegrip showing the serial number and the bottom of the grip panels. These hard rubber grips many times are cracked from being improperly removed and I notice there are no photos of this area.
it would also be interesting if the grips are numbered to the gun, but I don't think I would ask the owner to remove them unless he is familiar with the proper procedure......

 

[pingeorge]

I wrote him a note and he said the grips are in excellent condition, no cracks or chips. The thing is that I am really not an expert on this little gun and it almost seems reasonable at the price, but like Gary said it is worth what someone will pay for it. Right now the owner said some guy in Norway is the high bidder on it. Wow, that is a long delivery for that little gun. I am still tempted, and it would round out my little collection, but again, if you guys say it is a little high...hummmm.