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March 16, 2015
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Gentlemen (and ladies if such be present);
I am a new member, burlesonbill from North Texas, aka Bill McHenry. I am a former dealer, gun smith (mostly black powder and single actions for the Cowboy Game), and current part-time tuner/smith and appraiser. I assist local dealers and individuals wanting insurance coverage with appraisals. I have a challenge that I have been unable to meet and am hoping the members of this group can assist me.
A local dealer has approached me to assist with a collection appraisal for an estate. Said estate is probably going to be liquidated to satisfy the wishes of the multiple heirs and the funds distributed according to the terms of the will. So far I have appraised multiple Colts, a couple of high-end Browning hand guns, Winchester rifles and other sundry pieces, all with no problems and with excellent supporting docs and references. There is, however, one major gap in my work. This collection includes the limited edition Dove Gray 44 magnum in the hardwood case with certificates; in this instance the gun is number 500 of the 251 through 500 run, the last gun produced.
I know that this gun's picture has been posted on this site previously, and I have PM'd the gentleman who posted it for information. However, I am running very short on time against my deadline and need some help. Can anyone out there give at least a realistic ballpark range for a value? The gun is in the same physical condition as in it's last posted photo, here:
The case is in what I would call Very Good or better condition, no tears or stains but a few rub marks where the velvet is worn. The wood is in excellent condition and all of the paperwork and the Certificate of Authenticity is present and in excellent condition. The gun itself is, in my opinion, fired but in VG to EX condition, slight turn ring but no other significant rubs or scratches.
So, can any of you give me a good starting point, or even a close ballpark number? It will be greatly appreciated I assure you! BTW, if any of you are interested in purchasing #500, please PM me with your contact info and I can forward it to either the Executrix or the dealer assisting her with the sale. I will, in turn, post a notice on this forum if the gun does go to auction with link info on joining the auction.
Thank you in advance - burlesonbill
Dans Club
March 2, 2008
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Bill- I sent you a PM with some thoughts, I think as the day runs into evening you will get some good responses.
I will reach out to a couple of other guys here to try and help you out as well
Steve
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
December 4, 2011
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I would say that in unfired condition that gun would sell on auction for around $1000+. If the gun shows signs of firing, that could lower it a bit but with the way values are running now, maybe not. I have one from that series in unfired excellent condition, and I wouldn't let it go for under $1000.
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Dans Club
March 25, 2013
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I think the one you mention did not meet its reserve if I remember correctly . It was 1600 I believe. Scorpio is maybe a little low considering the market . If unfired I think it could go a good bit higher but as is perhaps 1000. It is a lot nicer than those ornate commemorative guns.
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July 2, 2011
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Welcome from the Mid cities Bill. As Steve said, the further it gets into the evening the more information will be generated. good luck.
To the paranoid people who check behind shower curtains for murderers:
if you find one...what's your plan?
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Dans Club
February 22, 2009
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Found: a thread started a few years ago including pics of #500.
Low end in 2004
High end to include the DWF response...
IMO 1000- 1200 is a fair estimate. As with all commemoratives and collector guns- "unfired" condition is key. Once it's fired, I'd say the value is only slightly higher than a 744.
Technically, the glass is always full; half liquid, half air....
March 16, 2015
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OK, I very much appreciate the responses so far.
Fair disclosure on gun #500: I was with the dealer handling the gun late this afternoon, good sunlight, had my "store-bought-eyes" with me, bore light, cleaning cloths, etc. The gun has definitely been fired, slight smoke rings at the chamber mouths, slight soot deposit in the barrel throat; both cleaned up in a flash.
The gun is in flawless condition except for the following two items of note:
First, right side of gun, frame just behind barrel joint, this side only, small rubbed area exposing bright SS; looks like maybe a piece of coarse leather was used to grip for a barrel change or dis-assembly (this same rub shows very faintly in the pic that was previously posted of #500).
Second, left side of the frame behind the cylinder, between the cylinder and the grip, a dime-sized rubbed area that looks like it could have been caused by a speed loader or case heads rubbing the frame. Again this looks like a bright, shiny SS spot in the dove gray finish.
The grips are in excellent condition with slight tarnish on the pewter medallions. There are no other discernible scratches or wear spots that I can find. The action is smooth and crisp as it should be, sights are perfect, red ramp insert on the front.
The case:
Outside is in VG+ condition, one small flat spot on beaded edge of top, front left corner, few slight scratches and slight rubbing at edge of top in 2 or 3 places. All would easily buff and polish out except the "flat spot"; most of it would steam out and clean up but you would have to be careful to keep the sharp lines on the beaded edge.
Inside the gold velvet is in Good+ condition, slight wear spots (look shiny instead of soft) on the top liner in high-relief areas of the gun (cylinder, front of frame, muzzle, where you would typically see holster wear), lower liner is VG+ except for small tear at the point of the hammer spur. It looks like a previous owner may have snagged the hammer trying to remove the gun and kept pulling. The tear is about 1" and could be easily mended by anyone capable of sewing.
All of the paperwork, particularly the Certificate of Authenticity is present, no tears or creases, no stains. There is a small plastic zip bag with the original tools and B/C gap gauge, also 6 snap caps. As far as I can tell, with the exceptions noted this is a well-cared-for, but definitely fired, DW collectible.
As of right now it appears that the gun will go to one of the on-line sales sites or auction sites, with (I believe) a fair starting or asking price. I am recommending GunsAmerica or GunsInternational with a flat asking price, or best offer. I think the dealer and owner are favoring GunBroker with a fair start price, no reserve, and hoping the auction gains traction and nets a couple hundred extra dollars. When I know for sure where it is and the details of the offering, I will post an update here in case anyone is interested in pursuing this. I am going back with my camera and tripod in a day or two (have to miss the rain we have forecasted) for a full set of auction-ready pics and will post some of them here for your review.
Thank you for all of the help that has been offered and for the continued help that has been promised.
Bill McHenry
Dans Club
March 2, 2008
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Glad we were able to help out. If you post back any info on how this will be offered, please be sure to use our For Sale or Trade Forum.
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
March 16, 2015
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Gentlemen;
This gun now appears to be sold, thanks to the classified adds her at the DW Forum.
My genuine thanks to all who assisted with this appraisal and my satisfaction that the gun is remaining with the Dan Wesson "community". Be well Gentlemen!
William McHenry
aka, burlesonbill
Dans Club
March 2, 2008
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Good to know that we helped out
Any time that we can help with a Dan Wesson getting Home, let us know.
Steve
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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