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December 29, 2015
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Hello all,
New to the DWF but not new to the Dan Wesson world. I shot my first DW back in about 1987 at age 12 and fell in love with them. I now own 2 of the model 15-2 Monson's and have been presented with the unique opportunity to purchase a matched set of IHMSA 44's. They are the ones that were issued with the IHMSA member numbers on the guns. One is blued and the other is stainless. They have the exact same serial number except the stainless has an "S" at the end. They are low serial/member numbers, I think they are in the single digits if not low double digits. They have original boxes and receipts with them still. Round count is under 200 for sure and likely under 100. I know that you want pictures, but I do not have any at this time. The opportunity comes through a friend of a friend, both VERY early members of the IHMSA, both in their 70's and 80's. My question is what are these things worth? I know that a 44 mag Dan Wesson in good condition is usually around $700 give or take, but what about a matched set? I want to give a fair offer, but realistically am having a hard time coming up with a number. The friend I am going through had a set as well a while back, and said that he thought that only about 20 matched sets of 44's were purchased. He said a lot of single DW's were purchased with the IHMSA serial numbers, but not many serially matched sets. Just looking to pick the brains of the community here. Thanks in advance!
Dana
December 29, 2015
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OK, so an update I just figured out, the IHMSA numbers aren't as low as I thought, they are in the mid 4000's. still not sure of the exact number, but my friend said they bought them at the same time and his is in the 4500 range so it stands to reason that the other should be near the same area. Not sure how much that impact the outcome, but want to give as much info as possible.
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Dans Club
February 22, 2009
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IMO (and that's not that important), I'd stick with the $700-800 range for the blued and $900-1K for the ss (those are auction prices, not LGS prices).
Matched sets are uncommon but they are only valuable to a very small number of folks. I'm just as happy with my blued and stainless set as I would be with a matched s/n set. Maybe kick in an additional $100 if you're concerned about a lo-ball offer. Otherwise save your cash and get an unmatched set for less.
Technically, the glass is always full; half liquid, half air....
Dans Club
March 2, 2008
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Welcome to DWF and thanks for introducing yourself. I think Ron has hit the values pretty much right on. Matching S/N's is pretty cool, IHMSA S/N's adds a little more cool factor, just depends on what you plan to do with them. Matched pairs are unique, and once you are at the $1800 point, a few hundred more is not unreasonable if that's what it takes.
I went to a bookstore and asked the saleswoman "Were is the Self Help Section?" She said if she told me, it would defeat the purpose.
George Carlin
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Dans Club
March 25, 2013
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Good advice from both Ron and Steve. If there is a pistol pack case and tool add about 150 extra over the price of the guns. Don't hesitate, they will appreciate rather quickly IMHO. (A few years).
Dans Club
December 5, 2008
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Welcome to the Forum! You have a unique opportunity. I would say offer 1800 for both and be willing to go a little higher. You will never regret buying them!
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Dans Club
March 25, 2013
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I got to thinking, very difficult as Donald Trump would say, that the IHMSA serial members are the membership numbers of the Association's members. The lower the number, the earlier they joined. I have noticed a lot of early members in the Idaho area. Silhouette must have been popular there and some of the founders may have lived there.
December 29, 2015
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Thanks fellas,
I will use what you have said as guidelines to base my offer on. I am just waiting for the gentleman to make contact now so I can see pictures before proceeding with anything. I like the DW's and have started collecting them. I have an original pistol pak that belonged to my grandfather that should be coming my way in the next year or two. Finally convinced my dad to hand it over to me, and already own two more, all 357. These would be my first DW venture into the 44 realm and want it to be a good one that will also be unique. Thanks for the insight on what to offer!
Dans Club
December 5, 2008
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Yep all the signs are there
for sure! 
January 22, 2008
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Welcome from SC, & Happy New Year!
…he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one. Luke 22:36 Life in a Jar: The Irena Sendler Project http://www.irenasendler.com/
USN-Vet, NRA, GOA, JPFO, SC-GRGR
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