Do Consecutively Serialized Pistols Possess "Extra" Value?

Status
Not open for further replies.

AirPower

Member
Joined
Jun 14, 2003
Messages
543
Occasionally I see people advertizing a pair of handguns with consecutive serial numbers. Does this bring extra value, or is it just depends on individuals? I can't see how it does, maybe it does if you get a pair, but I can't imagine having a pair of same guns just for serial numbers. Then to maintain the supposed value, you won't be able to shoot them. :scrutiny:
 
I would say depends on the collector of that particular firearm... I would say they would hold value in the concept that they'd only be sold as a set.

-Colin
 
I think consecutive serial numbers would get you style points in Cowboy shooting but are not otherwise of value unless as a rare collector's package.
On two otherwise ordinary guns, it is just something for the seller to jack up the price on. As the dealer told me once, "Son, they ALL come out of the factory with consecutive numbers."
 
As already stated, if they are collectible then it might make a difference (ie a "set" of WWII Lugers or old Colt's). Not going to find many more like that.

For me, it would only be cool to have a set if my brother and I wanted one of each, or to give one to my kid. Other than that, doesn't do much for me.

Also, I think you can order most of them new that way. Just takes the dealer willing to make some calls and find them.
 
I bought my first .44 magnum revolvers from a father and son who didn't realize their guns were consecutively serial-numbered.

They're worth more to collectors, although I believe how much more is anything but definite.
 
they are only worth what someone is willing to pay for them, and I for one see no value in it unless A) they have history B) they are special C) and or they are rare.

Eisenhowers matched set of colt commanders, engraved, consecutively nmbered and with a factory letter saying so, yup might be worth more,


Bubba jacks matched set of lorcins. nada
 
Consectutive numbers

I have a pair of the Mauser re-intro Parabellums that have consectutive numbers. I figure they are worth more, but where that lands between $5 and $500 more is open to conjecture.
 
Scarcity and uniqueness equals value. If it's hard to put consecutively numbered guns together then they will bring a premium. I tried for years to get Colt to sell me a numbered pair of 1911s but they would not do it. For some reason they insisted on mixing up the numbers in shipments and refused special orders for consecutive guns. Same with S&W. On the other hand, EMF routinely ships their Colt SAA clones in bunches. I bought a matching pair and the dealer gave me a multiple purchase discount! He had like 8-10 serial numbers in a row in his last shipment.
 
I bought a pair of new Walther P-1s with consecutive numbers in Europe for an investment. Sold the pair to an AF pilot that had to have "custody" of them in-flight (seemed silly -- I had a loaded .38 on my hip the whole flight). He didn't care about the consecutive numbers -- bought one for himself and one for a buddy. Made about a 40% profit, anyhow. :D
 
I tried for years to get Colt to sell me a numbered pair of 1911s but they would not do it. For some reason they insisted on mixing up the numbers in shipments and refused special orders for consecutive guns

Interesting. Two of my last four shipments of Colts came in with consecutively-numbered pairs of 1991 NRM's. Got a set in the safe right now.
 
Interesting. Two of my last four shipments of Colts came in with consecutively-numbered pairs of 1991 NRM's. Got a set in the safe right now.

So you did keep the set, now that's interesting. :D would you have kept 2 of the same NRM if they weren't consecutively serialized?

I think overall, the owners of consecutive pair who happen to get a pair would put some extra sentimental value, but may not be realized in the selling of the pair.
 
So you did keep the set, now that's interesting. would you have kept 2 of the same NRM if they weren't consecutively serialized?

I'm a dealer, the guns just happened to come in that way. One order was only two guns and they came in with consecutive numbers. The only reason the last set is still in the safe is because I have half a dozen NRM's so I'm going to save these for last just in case anyone wants a consecutively numbered pair. There seems to be lots of people that want consecutively numbered pairs of guns for whatever reason. One of my customers wanted one gun, but said he'd take two if I could get them with consecutive numbers. So I did.
 
I have a consecutive numbered set of Taurus 82 38spl revolvers. I'm not sure anyone cares and one appears to have been refinished but I can't bring myself to sell them! Kind of odd, slightly off topic but I have a Plainfield commercial M1 carbine and a French Mas36 which both have fairly low serial numbers but I doubt that adds much value to these guns.

I saw advertised once the FIRST 38spl FIE double derringer ever made, I assume it went to some executive there at one time. I doubt it sold for that big a premium though, would you buy it?
 
IF a gun becomes collectable then having a consecutive set WILL add to the value. To a collector that is. Collector guns usually have a different value to collectors than they do to shooters.

Just imagine having a consecutive pair of pre WWI Colt 1911s.

Imagine having a consecutive pair of S&W New Century Triple Locks.

How about a consecutive pair of three screw, flat top .44 magnum Ruger Blackhawks?

Would the pair be worth more? Yes they would. To a collector.

Would a pair of S&W 5906 automatics be worth more? Not yet. Wait 30 years and they probably will be.
But a pair of NIB Model 39 dash nothings would be.


As I reported on another thread, Many years ago I sold all 4 WWI Colt commemorative 1911s and both WWII Colt commemorative 1911A1s for much more than I paid for them. I figure I got at least 30% more than the then going price because they all had the SAME serial number. It's not hard to find either the WWI set or the WWII set with the same numbers. But all six matching is a rare find. Especially 20 years after they were released.



Just imagine having two cherry 1971 Mach I Mustangs with consecutive VINs.
 
The only time I have seen a consecutive serial numbers for sale together was a set that was use in the california state prison system. The were all smith and wesson model 10 and I think they were 5 or 6 of them.
 
THE ANSWER IS YES -- IF

1. They are never fired
2. and are 50 to 100+ years old


:evil:
 
I've got a buddy with a matched set of Pythons from the 70's. Serial numbers consecutive.

Never shot, still have the original gun grease caked on them, with original boxes. He bought them about 20 years ago for $300 from a guy where he worked.

They're worth about $1500 each or more in the shape they are in...the serial number thing would be a multiplier.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top