Webley Premier valuation please

[ABPremier]

Hi all,

I am looking at doing a project and would like some informed opinions before proceeding.

The first bit is what my Webley Premier might be worth in current condition. She is a .177 4 pin model in very good condition. The bluing is still excellent overall with a bit of wear on the front of the grip and the right side of the trigger guard. She has a few marks from being used over the years but no real issues other than the left side grip is chipped at the lower trailing corner. She shoots as strong as ever. The model is a bit confusing as the factory stamped an A over top of a B. My father purchased this pistol new and it became mine at an early age, so technically one owner since new. I had the original green and white box but after a few long distance moves I can longer put my hands on it...she has been stored in a foam lined, locking piano pistol case for years. Here are some photos:

http://imgur.com/nHMsuyn
http://imgur.com/0dfBTI4
http://imgur.com/WrUhuer
http://imgur.com/Lkq9yvV
http://imgur.com/IG3aBjz
http://imgur.com/Zsptu9A

The next bit involves another Webley Premier that I have located for sale. It is a .177 5 pin, D model. The bluing is in very good condition but the pistol has some pitting on the cylinder and several scuffs and marks, much more than mine. It shoots strong. The brown plastic grips are in excellent condition and it comes in an original green and white box that has some wear but is in decent condition. It is a dealer selling it and it will be just over $300 CND (approximately 150 GBP) with taxes.

So, my questions are:

1. What is my A/B Premier worth in current condition?
2. What is the D Premier and box worth in current condition?
3. What would my A/B Premier with excellent grips and an authentic box be worth?
4. What could I reasonably expect to recover by selling the D Premier with the chipped grip and no box?

My emotional attachment and desire to make the A/B Premier "whole" again will probably dictate what I do, but I would still like some hard numbers for the other side of my brain

Thank you for your input!

AB Premier

[smallholder1]

Your pistol is in lovely condition if I was you I would buy a new grip and put the pistol in a wooden fitted box,I am in the process of making a box for myself will show when done,there is a premier for sale on here buy swap grip over and resell the pistol cheaper than $300 and pistol maybe "lost" coming into country

[Abasmajor]

Hi,

My opinion of estimated values in the UK would be as follows:

1. What is my A/B Premier worth in current condition?

The B over A stamping adds interest, but the chipped grip will detract slightly from the estimated value. I would say an unboxed , early Premier in this condition would be worth £140 - £160.

2. What is the D Premier and box worth in current condition?

My Estimated value for an originally boxed D Series Premier in good condition would be in the region £150-£170.

3. What would my A/B Premier with excellent grips and an authentic box be worth?

Depending on condition of the box, £200 -£250 would seem a reasonable price.

4. What could I reasonably expect to recover by selling the D Premier with the chipped grip and no box?

I would say an unboxed D Series Premier with a chipped grip would fetch £100 -£120.


If it were me, I would definitely go for the boxed D Premier for the box and undamaged grips alone , which although not original to your pistol, would restore the set to its former glory.

Maybe keep the additional pistol for shooting which would allow the one you inherited to be retired and kept for its sentimental importance.

Regards

Brian

[webman]

I agree with the above valuations and the excellent advice about keeping the "D" model as a "user". The only thing I would add is that it is fairly easy to do a good repair on the damaged grip if you decide to keep it. I've done this a couple of times by slowly building up the damage with epoxy adhesive, then gently sanding it down until it is flush with the remaining grip. Packs of furniture touch-up markers are available, and after a little experimenting a good colour match is possible.

[ashf9999]

I would say the A/B is priceless Of course in reality it isn't priceless, but definitely a suitable premium above standard, and personally one I wouldn't sell. Yep, 150.00 GBP would be a fair UK private sale starting price, but I don't know how these translate to your local market conditions/demands.