[cwhirlow]

I have a S&W model 1 1/2 nickel plated 3/4 engraved with pearl grips serial # 42XXX. The Plating is about 85% and the engraving is factory. Trying to get a value. All of the mechanics are in working condition. Thanks

[rcmodel]

http://www.collectorsfirearms.com/admin/show_inventory.php?catID=3&subcatID=28

Keep in mind these are asking prices, not selling prices.

These are selling prices:
http://www.gunauction.com/search/displayitem.cfm?itemnum=10632136

http://www.gunauction.com/search/displayitem.cfm?itemnum=10682432

http://www.gunauction.com/search/displayitem.cfm?itemnum=10716234

http://www.gunauction.com/search/displayitem.cfm?itemnum=10703423

rc

[cwhirlow]

Thanks for the info I'm taking it to a show this week I will price it about 200.00 and hope for the best.

[Jim K]

Price it at $300 or even $400 and let the prospective buyer talk you down. That way everyone feels good.

Jim

[deadin]

Which 1 1/2 do you have? Do you have a factory letter saying it left the factory engraved? Who was the engraver?

Here's one that was engraved by Nimschke in NY circ 1870.. valued somewhere in the $2000.oo range

http://deadin.info/webpics/rightside1.jpg

[cwhirlow]

Wow, I like that price better I wikl try to get a picture posted. In the mean time how do I go about getting a factory letter.
Thank Carol

[deadin]

Go here and follow the instructions:

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Category4_750001_750051_757825_-1_757814_757812_image

[cwhirlow]

here are some pictures

[hso]

Your grips are ivory instead of pearl.

[cwhirlow]

Thanks for the information I would like to send a letter to Smith and Wesson, do you think it is worth it?

[Old Fuff]

At the present time a letter costs $50.00. For the same service Colt charges double that. :eek:

For this fee they will go back through the records (which are not computerized, and the revolvers are not listed in order). The letter will give you a short history of the model, followed with specifics about your gun. Usually this includes a full description, the date it was shipped, and to what distributor, dealer or whoever.

If the letter (big "if") confirms that the piece was engraved at the factory and the ivory stocks are original the value can go from several hundred to a thousand or more.

There is another possibility. At that time Smith & Wesson would sell revolvers to certain large distributors "in the white," with no finish. The distributor would then have them engraved, add fancy grips, and either have the gun plated, or send the revolver back to the company to have the finishing done. If the letter says that it was sold "in the white," this is what likely happened. These examples are worth less then a factory engraved gun, but more then one that was done by an unknown aftermarket engraver.

In any case it's unlikely anyone will pay big bucks for a gun that doesn't come with factory confirmation, but on the other hand you can add the cost of the letter to the price of the piece, no matter how things come out.

[cwhirlow]

Thanks for the information, it sounds like it would be worth sending a letter. I appreciate all of the help on this.

Carol