Cost of a Tell Model 3 pistol in 1938 in $ or Pounds.

[45flint]

Got this chart from the Internet of the conversion of German Marks in the 1930’s:



The cost of a Tell 3 in late 1930’s:




Would be over $50 which at the time was crazy money? Seems unlikely it could be that extreme? I assume the catalog shows a high “suggested” retail price? The Haenel 28R was $18 in the 1930’s? But if half true, could certainly help explain its lack of market penetration at the time. It does seem a very complex, high quality pistol to manufacture at any reasonable cost. It can seem deceptively simple until you examine the patent drawings and appreciate what’s really going on inside.

[bullbarrel]

I found a site that gave 5 dollars to pound in 1938, so about £10. Allowing for inflation that's about £650. Same price as the HW44 sells for today.

[draitzer]

Steve, please check your math: if 1 USD = 2.5 Marks, then 22 Marks = $8.80.

Meanwhile, from the AKAH 1932 catalog, the Haenel 28 was priced at 22 RM, the 28R at 34 RM, and the Mdl 5 Repeater rifle at 70.50.

Don R.

[45flint]

Steve, please check your math: if 1 USD = 2.5 Marks, then 22 Marks = $8.80.

Meanwhile, from the AKAH 1932 catalog, the Haenel 28 was priced at 22 RM, the 28R at 34 RM, and the Mdl 5 Repeater rifle at 70.50.

Don R.

Wow now I wonder how they did it so cheap! Lol. Thanks for correction, my bad. I have a 1934 Hudson Catalog and the 28R is $18, $340 in today’s $. I can see the 28R being more expensive than the Tell 3. Haenel quality is really unsurpassed, a little better finish and bluing. Machining in the 28 repeating mechanism is near perfection. It’s the functioning design with the Tell 3 that just puts it over the top. Foss was very creative.