at a guess 1865-70, theres no markings apart from a 7, which is repeated in several places, which could be a serial number or model code. are there any experts in european proof markings on here that might tell me more on its origins? i'll start a thread on it later.
i'd rather keep it in the UK Jim, these things are rare enough over here, i cant be a part of the lessening of gun numbers, i'd never sleep at night.
So Whats the recent trend with Obsolete Caliber and the Smith & Wesson .44 Russian Revolvers ???
6 months and before these could be picked up for reasonable money
A refurbished nickle for around the £1k mark
A decent Blued for a lot less
A nice original for £1.5K max
Looking at the web sites and dealers it seems these are now going for £3k / £4K and up !!!!!!
A nice what appeared to be original blued was on Gunstar a moth ago private sale at just over a grand
I thought that was to much ??
it was sold almost immediately and re appeared for sale by a dealer at £2.2k !!!
AND SOLD AGAIN !!!!!!
Is there a massive serge in decent obsolete revolvers commanding ridiculous prices due to the economic climate being a better than money in the bank or what ??
Hard to say why. I've noticed the same trend in pinfires in the US, though. Just a few years ago they were a dirt-cheap, unwanted-stepchild to collectors. Now, prices are heading upwards.
UBC's Police Pistol Manager
"Nasty, noisy things, revolvers, Count. Better stick to air-guns." Sherlock Holmes, The Adventure of the Mazarin Stone
Absolutely Jim
I have also noticed the same with small rim fire pocket revolvers
Still around the £250 mark private sale but £450 dealer
A year ago these rim and pin fire pistols where around the £150 mark
On the S&W .44 Russian I have noticed that even in the US they are rocketing in price !!
Is it the big interest in Cowboy action and the easy adaption of .44 cases ?
Steve
Cowboy Action Shooting has probably played a part. But i think the main reason is that money is chasing a supply that will not increase (no one is likely to discover a hidden arsenal full of old Lugers or Navy Colts) and can only decrease over time.
The prices of good-condition percussion Colts, Single Action Army's, Lugers, "broomhandle" Mausers, etc. - the stuff that collectors want the most - has been pushed beyond the reach of all but the wealthiest collectors.
So, attention among collectors of average means has shufted to things like pinfires, Bulldog revolvers, less-known manufacturers, etc. This is pushing up the price of these once relatively cheap items.
UBC's Police Pistol Manager
"Nasty, noisy things, revolvers, Count. Better stick to air-guns." Sherlock Holmes, The Adventure of the Mazarin Stone