odd S&W

[hso]

Does anyone know how many Smith and Wesson 25-5 "Richard Petty Commerative" and "Bill Elliot Commerative" 586 guns were made and what each would be worth? Both have the boxes and each have a custom display case. Both have the same serial number, 0491.

 

[rufe-snow]

If your revolvers weren't specifically sold and cataloged by S & W as commemoratives there considered "SPECIAL EDITIONS".
I copied the following from another forum, where this gentleman comments on the value of "SPECIAL EDITIONS".

"It's impossible to accurately appraise "special editions", simply because there are so few of them (Numbers Of Guns Made) & they change hands so infrequently.
However, they generally sell for only a slight premium over the standard version of the gun on which they are based. There is no collector interest in them, unless you can find someone who is interested in the event/person being recognized. The only way to be sure is to offer the gun at auction."

 

[Jim K]

That is about the situation, and the same is true for the numerous "limited edition" police guns put out by S&W over the years. These were usually made up in limited numbers (200-500) for sale to police officers to support police benevolent associations and the like. In the area (state/county/city) engraved on the guns, they sometimes bring a slight premium; outside that area, the marking actually detracts from the value.

Even the "official" commemoratives (such as the Model 19 Texas Ranger) don't bring any huge amount more than another gun of the same model and same condition. For example, the TR, new in the case, will sell for around $600, while the same gun without the TR marking and in the plain box will bring around $400.

Jim