Sequential Serial Numbers
I have read that sequential serial numbers can increase the value of collectible firearms by 20%. When I operated my gunshop, I could occasionally special order sequential numbers for customers that were buying gifts for thei children & kin. They always put value on that although I didn't charge extra for the effort. It was my relationship with my wholesale supplier salesmen that when asked, they would try and get sequential numbers. Also while we are on the subject of serial numbers, what increase in value are low numbers, say below 500, 300 0r 1 to 10? Also, when a new make and model, limited edition gun is extensively advertised witha certain serial number prominently shown in the advertisements, what value could be claimed for the "famous" number(in the tens of millions of publications)? Thanks for your input.
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Depends on age of firearm. Don't see it being real big bucks value increaser for modern, ( post W W II ), mass produced firearms. 19th Century Colts or Winchesters on the other hand, it could increase value exponentially. 0 -
This is one of those things that if you are selling most buyers will try to 'BRUSH OFF" as nice but does not increase value and it you are
buying the seller will tell you it is very rare and increase the value by very LARGE % Now if you have a pair of Colt or Winchester that were special order to Famous person, That would be big bucks.0 -
As rufe-snow mentioned, sequential serial numbers will not increase the value much (if anything) for modern production firearms. If you are dealing with "Antique" firearms, it will increase the value. If both guns were on the order number vice separate orders, that too can increase the value.
In regards to early (low) serial numbers, single-digit serial numbers will always sell at a premium value, as there are collectors out there that specifically seek them. Two-digit serial numbers are more desirable than higher numbers, but the premium for them is smaller. The same applies for three-digit serial numbers, but with an even smaller premium.0 -
Hopefully this question will add to the OP's question..
What's the best way to auction a consecutively numbered pair of collectable pistols- as a pair, or individually, making reference to both auctions ? ..I have a pair of NIB 1903 Colt 32ACP's.. These are complete with instruction manual, cleaning rod, extra magazine.. They're parkerized, marked U.S.Property.. They were part of a shipment to the R.A.F, and have full British Proofs.. Just wondering the best way to offer them should I decide to sell..I know they are very valuable by themselves, but wondering about limiting potential buyers if sold together.. I bought a "lot" of them in the 60's, and kept these.. Of the 20 or so pistols that I bought, all were within a few numbers of each other, and 2 pairs were consecutive.. I did get a greater amount for the one pair I sold, but that was long ago, and pre-auction days..0 -
I've read that the typical Colt SAA 3rd generation consecutively guns would increase the value by 15%, so I'd think that the 20% you mentioned is about right. Most people that are willing to pay $10,000 or better for an engraved pair of them that were shipped from the Colt Custom shop is not going to quibble about a 15 to 20 percent premium as I see it.
Added: I'd think the best way to auction a pair of them on GB would be to establish your price and run your auction, or deal with a large auction house.0 -
quote:Originally posted by Hangfire
Hopefully this question will add to the OP's question..
What's the best way to auction a consecutively numbered pair of collectable pistols- as a pair, or individually, making reference to both auctions ? ..I have a pair of NIB 1903 Colt 32ACP's.. These are complete with instruction manual, cleaning rod, extra magazine.. They're parkerized, marked U.S.Property.. They were part of a shipment to the R.A.F, and have full British Proofs.. Just wondering the best way to offer them should I decide to sell..I know they are very valuable by themselves, but wondering about limiting potential buyers if sold together.. I bought a "lot" of them in the 60's, and kept these.. Of the 20 or so pistols that I bought, all were within a few numbers of each other, and 2 pairs were consecutive.. I did get a greater amount for the one pair I sold, but that was long ago, and pre-auction days..
I also remember when the Parkerized Colt 1903's, with the British proofs, were sold NIB back then. There must have been quite a few that were imported as surplus and sold during that time frame. Because of this I don't see them as being super rare collectibles even with consecutive serial numbers.
On the other hand if they didn't have the British commercial proofs, denoting that they had been released by the British military for commercial sale. I would consider them much more valuable.0
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