looking for revolver experts.

[clowe]

I need help, I have a S & W 36-1 revolver. I has a 2.5 barrel and is nickel plated. The gun is in execellent condition all original and has had low rounds through. I am trying to find a value on it. I have looked several places and have seen from 375 to 800. That is a pretty big gap for me. Anyone have any ideas?

[I_Like_Pie]

New shape, 100% with box and factory nickel plating could get $600-700 to a collector if there are no signs of being fired. $800 would be a real stretch unless the shipping sleeve had someone important on it or there was something unique about it.

Otherwise it is a run of the mill 36. Gunsmith plating, conversions to round from square butt, wear, and tear will all make it work down from there. $300 would be about the rock bottom for worn condition.

I know it didn't help much, but without seeing it is hard to tell. Average/good shape with good grips and factory plating could easily hit $500 if the right person came along.

[Guest Ae-35]

What Pie said, avg. con. 350 to 400, that said, seems there's a percentage (about 15%) willing to give 100 more than the old j-frames are worth. Bought and sold them for 30 yrs., things are crazy right now, but I'm surely no expert !!! For instance, M 10's, M 13's, M64's, and M 65's were going for crazy prices, ( 3in. guns still are), then this past year a bunch of LEO and prison trade-ins hit he market and "boom" the prices have settled down to real levels. Seems the only Smiths that really, really keep going up in value are the old blue M 27's and M 29's.

Edited February 7, 2011 by Ae-35

[gregintenn]

Square butt or round? Target sights or non adjustable? Do you have the original box and paperwork? Is the gun in 100% unfired, unturned condition? These things make a big difference in whether it is truly a collector grade commanding big bucks, or a nice shooter. There's your gap in price.

[eapking]

Throw up a couple of pics?