I frames value?

[El Tejon]

Have an opportunity to purchase a couple of I frames from a longtime business client. Do not want to get over on him (bad for business).

What would you think is fair? TIA.

[Old Fuff]

The I-frames are usually 6-shot .32 S&W Longs, but some are chambered in .38 S&W. The most common barrel length is 3 1/4" followed by 4 1/2".

Value depends on condition, and as a rule they run from about $125 to $300. Slightly more for examples in perfect shape and/or with a box or accessories.

[JoeHatley]

Colt or S&W?

Joe

[Old Fuff]

Joe has a good point. I assumed they were Smith & Wesson's because Colt's usually go by names (Official Police, etc.) rather then frame codes.

[El Tejon]

Smith, .32s, excellent condition, box for one.

[Bob79]

I've seen them go for about $350 in excellent condition with box. New in the box go for about $400.

If they are excellent, and only one has the box. I'd say that about $300-325 for the ones w/o box. With box, used but excellent condition, about $350.

[popeye]

Very pertinent thread for me. I've got a S&W I frame hand ejector .32 long 2" I'm gonna try to sell at a show next W.E.. I think it's circa '53 and looks new, no box. I'm thinking $350.

[Old Fuff]

Sounds about right if it's build on an I-frame (cylinder length = 1.25") because very few were made after World War Two with a 2" barrel, and none that I know of before the war. An I-frame snubby would have a higher collector's value then as a "user," and a collector would likely jump at a chance to get a good one for $350, and maybe pay more.

However your price might be a little high if the revolver has a J-frame (cylinder length = 1.52") because a fair number of these were snubbies.

Of course prices in your area may be higher then here.

[popeye]

Old Fuff: As always thanks for info. Mine is a 5 screw I frame. Quick pic included in this post. The lint and dog fur are free.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=174991

[rudolf]

If you want to stay on the safe side with your business friend, get a Blue Book and then have both of you look at the values they say and decide on the price together. This might not get you the best price, but your business friend will never blame you for ripping him off.

[Old Fuff]

Popeye:

Given the condition of the gun, I would go for $375 to $400, and then maybe let someone beat me down to $350. If you can't get $350 at this particular show I would keep it and consider listing it for sale at the above prices on a S&W collectors' site.

They don't come better then that one, and an I-frame/2" is hard to find in any condition.

See what Jim Supica at www.armchairgunshow.com might have to say. It might be better to sell it on consignment through him.

[popeye]

Old Fuff: Thanks for advice. Finances, and bad news from tax man, are gonna force me to limit my meager collection to what I actually shoot and or carry.

[Old Fuff]

I understand, but Jim might offer you more then you can get at the gun show. I'm not sure it's likely to be attended by a whole lot of serious (read that big spenders) collectors. Shooters will see it as a $250 gun. You need to get money, not take a loss... :(

[popeye]

Old Fuff: The little .32 is one of my favorites. I'm gonna try to sell a few Smiths and a Colt 1911 .38 super that are more modern and more "mainstream" items. That way I can keep the little I frame. Thanks again.

[Old Fuff]

Been there, done that….

Any way you go will involve some hard choices, but I think that over time the value of a mint/like-new S&W I-frame snubby is only going to go one way. After World War Two S&W resumed production using pre-war parts, and by the time they were gone the J-frame had arrived. The demand for .32 revolvers was relatively limited anyway. What you have is a sleeper.

I wish you luck.