Thirtieth Edition Blue Book of Gun Values

Photo Percentage Grading System

NIB condition, Colt SAA New Frontier (3rd Generation), .44 Spl., 7 in. barrel, ser. no. 07109NF - mfg. 1980. Colt 3rd Generation New Frontier SAAs were manufactured 1978-1981, and this gun sold new for $431.95, $57.45 more than the Standard Model SAA with fixed sights and walnut grips w/Colt medalion. Note brilliant case colors on flattop frame, adj. rear sight, elevated front sight, and two-piece plain walnut grips with Colt medallions - all New Frontier distinctive features. This SAA appears unfired with no problems, and also includes the hanging tag, original numbered brown box matching the gun, and all factory paperwork. Every year, original boxes become more important when determining value for major trademark firearms described as in N.I.B. condition. Remember - there is a big difference in the value of "boxed" guns (especially with pre-WWII mfg.) between an original box numbered to the gun (most desirable), an original non-matching or unnumbered box from the same circa (less desirable), a factory box for a different model or circa (add for box only), or an outright fake (recent reproduction that adds no value). So be careful before paying a premium for a firearm advertised as "includes box," as it could mean almost anything.

33

REVOLVERS: PPGS Condition Factors

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REVOLVERS: PPGS Condition Factors

Mint condition (99%+), Smith & Wesson Model 48-3, .22 Mag. cal., 4 in. barrel, ser. no. 11K8792 - mfg. 1977. While mint condition means "as new, may have been previously sold at retail," it can be trickier than you think to understand, especially with revolvers. This S&W could easily be advertised and sold as NIB, since the original owner claims his wife never shot the gun (this could actually be true!). Closer inspection reveals light striations (also called drag marks) between the cylinder lockup notches, which occurred while cocking the hammer more than a few times in the past. Once vertical striations and notch wear (more apparent on blue finish than on nickel) appear between the cylinder notches, many dealers and collectors automatically knock the condition factor down to mint or 98%, even if the revolver is truly unfired. So what's the moral to the story? While it's entirely possible for a "NIB" gun to be in less than 100% original condition due to improper storage and handling, a 100% condition factor guarantees new condition. Also note scuffing and edge wear on older S&W box, brilliant case colors on trigger/hammer, mint checkered grips with medallions, and pinned barrel (indicating pre-1981 mfg.).

34

Thirtieth Edition Blue Book of Gun Values

Photo Percentage Grading System

Thirtieth Edition Blue Book of Gun Values

Photo Percentage Grading System

98% condition, cased Smith & Wesson Model 29-2, .44 Mag. cal., 4 in. barrel, ser. no. N480732 - mfg. 1978. Recently manufactured revolvers with a nickel finish or manufactured from stainless steel do not visibly show as much wear as their blued counterparts, even though they may have as much or more use. Note the vertical drag line between the cylinder lockup notches and slight muzzle wear, plus correct case colored hammer and trigger. This model in blue finish with 6 1/2 in. barrel was preferred by Clint Eastwood's character Dirty Harry, and due to its popularity, Model 29 pricing doubled the factory MSR price ($270 in 1978) during the 1970s. Two-piece checkered grips with medallions appear perfect, and S&W wood presentation case was an extra $30 accessory at the time. Any factory accessories that were originally included or available through special order will always add to a gun's desirability.

35

REVOLVERS: PPGS Condition Factors

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REVOLVERS: PPGS Condition Factors

36

95% condition, Smith & Wesson Model 34, .22 LR cal., 4 in. barrel, ser. no. 191 - mfg. 1954. 95% on newer mfg. revolvers typically means minor barrel muzzle wear, indicating holster use and a more noticeable wear line between the cylinder notches. Flat latch cylinder release indicates early mfg., and is worth 25% more than later mfg. Note round butt grip configuration with S&W medallions inset in slightly worn walnut grips with diamond checkering. Careful observation also reveals slight wear on frame and cylinder edges. Bluing is still bright, with several small areas of slight discoloration case colors on hammer/ trigger are near perfect. Whenever a revolver in this condition is encountered, the bore should be near perfect, and the action tight and in tune. Overall, a nice example of early S&W quality that can still be used and purchased for a reasonable price.

Thirtieth Edition Blue Book of Gun Values

Photo Percentage Grading System

Thirtieth Edition Blue Book of Gun Values

Photo Percentage Grading System

90% condition, Sturm-Ruger Single Six, .22 LR and .22 Mag. cal. cylinders, 6 in. barrel, ser. no. 260-95611 - mfg. 1985. You might initially think that this gun's condition is actually better than the 95% S&W on the preceding page. Note that the trigger guard has been chipped and damaged, certainly not indicative of normal wear. Careful observation reveals pitting and metal discoloration on the frame (top and front), hammer, and loading gate (bad), in addition to serious drag marks between the cylinder lock-up notches, which indicates a lot of shooting. Original wood grips also show finish wear and scratching. This revolver is a good example of a 90% condition factor with problems, as opposed to a 90% revolver with normal bluing wear. The areas of pitting, freckling, finish discoloration, etc. need to be measured using the same criteria as regular wear when determining the correct condition, and are actually more detrimental to value than normal wear in the same condition factor. This shooter with problems is worth less than an 80% specimen with ordinary wear, and its only salvation is the original box.

37

REVOLVERS: PPGS Condition Factors

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REVOLVERS: PPGS Condition Factors

80% condition, Smith & Wesson .455 Hand Ejector 2nd Model with Canadian proofmarks, .455 Mark II cal., 6 in. barrel, ser. no. 54318 - mfg. circa 1916. This gun might have made 90% condition if it wasn't for the barrel wear next to frame. Closer examination reveals an earlier area of small barrel pitting that apparently someone overcleaned to the point where it wore off the bluing around the pitting. Also note some discoloration in the barrel bluing, scratches and nicks on barrel, frame, and cylinder, and four sideplate frame screws. Checkered wooden grips with S&W medallions show some wear, but hammer/trigger case colors are excellent. Note the lanyard ring on the bottom of the grip frame, standard for this model. While unseen in image, this specimen has both the Commonwealth "BNP" (British Nitro Proof ), and Canadian crossed flags, indicating military usage.

38

Thirtieth Edition Blue Book of Gun Values

Photo Percentage Grading System

Thirtieth Edition Blue Book of Gun Values

Photo Percentage Grading System

70% condition, Smith & Wesson .38 Military & Police 1st Model (Model 1899 Navy), .38 military (U.S. Service) cal., 6 in. barrel, ser. no. 5504 - mfg. circa 1900. This specimen is a good example of an older, used revolver in above average condition, even though it has barrel and cylinder discoloration and pitting (brown areas) and worn grips (the diamond pattern around the screw is barely visible). This particular revolver is one of 1,000 that were purchased by the U.S. Navy. Inset photo of bottom of grip frame reveals seven line markings with U.S. Navy markings (note anchor) and "CAB" inspector marks. Considering this U.S. Navy Contract model was typically subjected to sea conditions, including salt corrosion, most specimens today are in this condition factor or worse. Even with this much finish wear, however, the action remains very tight, and the bore is still bright with very little corrosion.

39

REVOLVERS: PPGS Condition Factors

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REVOLVERS: PPGS Condition Factors

40

60% condition, engraved Spanish copy of Smith & Wesson .32-20 WCF Hand Ejector, .32-20 WCF cal., 6 in. barrel, ser. no. M12256 - mfg. circa 1920s. This revolver's condition factor is based on the amount of original gold plating remaining, which originally covered 100% of the metal surfaces. Observe areas which typically accumulate the least amount of wear on a revolver the cylinder flutes, bottom of barrel underneath unshrouded ejector rod, upper part of frame, and crane (yoke). Thin gold plating explains the wear on the barrel and lower frame. Mother-of-pearl grips are probably original, but notice the gap between the arched portion of the grip and the frame. If this was an original factory engraved S&W, someone would care, and pay accordingly, but as a Spanish copy with little or no collectibility, this gun gets priced as a fancy shooter.

Thirtieth Edition Blue Book of Gun Values

Photo Percentage Grading System

Thirtieth Edition Blue Book of Gun Values

Photo Percentage Grading System

50% condition, Smith & Wesson .38 Military & Police 1st Model (Model 1899 Navy), .38 S&W Spl. cal., 6 in. round barrel, ser. no. 5151 - mfg. circa 1900. Compare this slightly more used revolver to the one on page 39. Note that the overall appearance is darker, with the barrel showing more wear, and the rear frame scratching and pitting is very obvious. Even though the barrel, cylinder, and frame metal condition is less than the previous page, the case colors on the hammer and trigger are actually better on this revolver. Again, note the inset with USN and anchor signature. The checkered grips are also in worse condition. Nice, straight slots on frame screw heads on this and the previous revolver indicate this revolver has probably never been taken apart. Older original revolvers in this condition factor or less typically show more pitting and bluing discoloration.

41

REVOLVERS: PPGS Condition Factors

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REVOLVERS: PPGS Condition Factors

40% condition, Smith & Wesson .38 Military & Police 1st Model (Model 1899 Navy), .38 S&W Spl. cal., 6 in. barrel, ser. no. 5043 - mfg. circa 1900. This Model 1899 Navy would be at least 70% overall, if it wasn't for the major finish deterioration on the rear of the frame note the brown patina and pitting in back of the S&W logo. Nicks and gouges on the barrel, frame, and cylinder are also typical of this condition factor. The ejector rod has also turned a brown patina. As you can see, each gun is unique once you get down to these lower condition factors, and each revolver component (barrel, frame, cylinder, grips, case colors, trigger/hammer) has to be taken into consideration before the overall condition factor can be accurately established. In cases where finish wear is excessive on a single part, it is usually prudent to mention/describe that lower condition factor/problem separately.

42

Thirtieth Edition Blue Book of Gun Values

Photo Percentage Grading System

Thirtieth Edition Blue Book of Gun Values

Photo Percentage Grading System

30% condition, U.S. Colt Alaskan Model 1878/1902, .45 LC cal., 6 in. round barrel, ser. no. 45317 - mfg. 1900. Notice how the overall condition of this revolver is approximately in 10% less condition than the S&W on the preceding page. This military marked specimen, which includes RAC on left side and JTT (John T. Thompson, of Thompson sub-machine gun fame) inspector initials on right side, also has a U.S. property marking. Observe the smooth, overall brownish patina finish, while the barrel exhibits overall pitting, even though the bore is excellent. Note traces of bright barrel blue next to and in front of ejector rod assembly. Screw heads look original, and grips with rampant Colt inserts are worn proportionately with the rest of this gun's finish. Oversize trigger and trigger guard, in addition to the lanyard ring, are distinguishing features of this U.S. military contract model, allowing soldiers to fire it with mittened or gloved hands.

43

REVOLVERS: PPGS Condition Factors

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REVOLVERS: PPGS Condition Factors

20% condition, Colt Model 1901 New Army & Navy, .38 LC cal., 6 in. barrel, ser. no. 2822 - mfg. 1892. Compare the overall finish on this revolver to the one on page 43. This gun's finish has turned mostly brown patina, with the only bright bluing remaining in protected areas (cylinder flutes and front of frame). Note the rust inside of cylinder flutes and upper front portion of frame. Closer examination reveals that frame screws have been amateurishly removed. RAC marked grips show moderate wear, but are original, and free of major dings and cracks. This revolver's value is enhanced somewhat because it still has a very tight action and bright bore, which is very important to collectors of older revolvers. Many handgun collectors would rather have a no-problem gun in this condition than one in 50% condition, but with major pitting, a dark bore, and other problems. The original holster and belt accompany this well-worn specimen.

44

Thirtieth Edition Blue Book of Gun Values

Photo Percentage Grading System

Thirtieth Edition Blue Book of Gun Values

Photo Percentage Grading System

10%-20% condition, inscribed Colt Model 1878 DA Frontier Six Shooter, .44-40 WCF cal., 4 in. barrel, ser. no. 34108 - mfg. 1894. If the condition factor is less than this, it won't make much of a price difference anyway. Almost all metal surfaces have either no finish or a slight brown patina - note the exterior of cylinder was severely rusted in the past, but cylinder flutes retain a nice brown patina finish. This particular gun's salvation is the 17 pages of documentation that are provided, proving it belonged to "G.H. Ward Sheriff Vinta Co.", the sheriff who captured Butch Cassidy and delivered him to prison - note backstrap inscription. Any gun with a documented, sterling provenance has to be appraised individually. The auction estimate on this revolver was $1,500-$2,500, the Blue Book price range is $555$685 (for a normal gun), and when the final auction (2007) gavel sounded, it sold for $3,450, including 15% buyer's premium!

45

REVOLVERS: PPGS Condition Factors

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46

REVOLVERS: NRA ANTIQUECONDITIONS

NRA Excellent (over 80% condition), inscribed Colt Model 1851 Navy Fourth Model, .36 cal. percussion, 7 in. octagon barrel, ser. no. 127080/2 - mfg. 1862. This commercial Colt 1851 Navy was manufactured during the Civil War (1861-1865), and has the late New York barrel address. The frame, barrel, trigger guard, and backstrap all have matching 127080/2 serial numbers, indicating this gun was one of a two-gun presentation set. The backstrap is inscribed "To Major Hill, 45th Reg't OVI" (Ohio Volunteer Infantry). Also verifying this revolver's authenticity is a tintype (older photograph) of Major Hill, his saber and Colt 1851 Navy (not shown). Note the barrel and loading lever retain most of the original finish, strong frame case colors, fire blued untampered frame screws, and excellent original wood grips, all adding up to the NRA Excellent condition factor this revolver deserves. Blue Book value without provenance approx. $4,500. Auction (2007) price $11,500.

46

Thirtieth Edition Blue Book of Gun Values

Photo Percentage Grading System

Thirtieth Edition Blue Book of Gun Values

Photo Percentage Grading System

NRA Fine (30%-80% condition), Remington New Model Army, .44 cal. percussion, 8 in. octagon barrel, ser. no. 19329 - mfg. circa 1866. Overall, a nice, no problem Remington revolver retaining approx. 40%-50% original finish. Octagon barrel retains much of its bright bluing on the flats, while edges are shiny. Most of the frame and unfluted cylinder have turned a nice brown patina, while two-piece grips show normal handling marks with tiny chips. Action remains tight, and this revolver does not have the "New Model" markings used in later manufacture. While some of these guns were converted into .44 rimfire, this specimen retains its original percussion configuration. Also note the brass trigger guard and excellent condition of the screw heads. Since NRA Fine condition covers everything from 30%-80%, this revolver represents the middle of the NRA Fine condition range. Guns in better condition than this generally retain more bright blue, while guns in worse condition will have more patina.

47

REVOLVERS: NRA ANTIQUECONDITIONS

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REVOLVERS: NRA ANTIQUECONDITIONS

NRA Very Good (0%-30% condition), U.S. Colt SAA Cavalry Model 1873, .45 Colt cal., ser. no. 17579 - mfg. 1875. Except for protected areas, this gun's original blue and case colored finishes have turned a smooth greyish-brown patina. One-piece walnut grips are fine, with only minor scratches, and matching serial numbers are on all visible components. Note how serial numbers are marked on the frame and trigger guard in the macro image. On 1st Generation SAAs, it always pays to inspect the numbers very carefully, since they were stamped with a rotating roll die. Not only should all the serial numbers match and look the same, but each digit should also retain the same vertical/horizontal positioning in all three areas. Other macro image of "U.S." property stamp marking becomes very important, since revolvers in this serial range were probably issued as replacements to the 7th Cavalry after the Battle of Little Big Horn.

48

Thirtieth Edition Blue Book of Gun Values

Photo Percentage Grading System

Thirtieth Edition Blue Book of Gun Values

Photo Percentage Grading System

NRA Good, Colt Model 1849 Pocket, .31 cal. percussion, 6 in. octagon barrel, ser. no. 181985 - mfg. 1860. Note how the finish on this revolver (10%-20%) has turned an overall plum patina, as opposed to the bright bluing and case colors remaining on the 1851 Navy on page 46. Dark areas on barrel and frame indicate major areas of earlier pitting. Brass trigger guard and frame, originally silver plated, indicate that this revolver is a first type, as the second type has steel grip straps. The cylinder has been filed and renumbered to match the overall serial number, while the grips have been revarnished over the dents and scratches. Screws look good, and this gun's overall condition suggests that it was never abused during its shooting career. This revolvers operating mechanism still functions smoothly, even though the bore is somewhat dark and lightly pitted.

49

REVOLVERS: NRA ANTIQUECONDITIONS

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REVOLVERS: NRA ANTIQUECONDITIONS

50

NRA Fair, Colt Model 1849 Pocket, .31 cal. percussion, 4 in. octagon barrel, ser. no. 186127 - mfg. 1861. The first thing you may note while comparing this gun to the one on the previous page, is that the trigger guard and backstraps are steel instead of brass, indicating that this model is a second type of the 1849 Pocket Model. Finish has turned to a grey/brown patina overall, and metal surfaces have many dings, gouges, and scratches in addition to some previous pitting. While unseen, the backstrap has been filed to remove dents, and the grips are worn at the high spots, but retain almost half their varnish. Several frame screws have been replaced, and the action is in good condition overall. The only NRA condition factor worse than this is Poor (not pictured), which means that both major and minor parts have been replaced, metal surfaces are deeply pitted, the mechanism is inoperative, and generally the gun is undesirable as a collector's firearm.

Thirtieth Edition Blue Book of Gun Values

Photo Percentage Grading System