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history and value of pistols

grizz212
I have 3 pistols I got from my Uncle, I would like to get some history, year of manufacture, value ect.
Smith and Wesson .38 master modle # 52-1 serial #58274 It's still in original box with manual. In excelent condition.

Browning Medalist serial #29587U3S In original fabric covered wood box, manual, counter weights, .22 semi auto. In near new condition.

The third pistol is quite unusual at least to me. It's a .30 Luger with a 8 inch barrel serial #19002. I'm guessing it's the second one made of this modle. It has the American Eagle stamped in the top of the action. It has some blueing wear but other than that it is in good condition. If anyone has any info please reply.

Thanks
Mike
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Comments

11 comments

Date Votes
  • Spider7115
    postpics.gif

    This thread will show you how to post pics: http://forums.gunbroker.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=259294
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  • wpage
    Pic is worth a 1000 words...
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  • perry shooter
    Each one in very good or better condition will bring $1000.00 how much more we need pictures.

    edithello your pictures help us but They need to be MUCH closer we know what each pistol looks like however a value needs pictures from about 6inches away with good strong natural lighting if possible a Macro lens Look at the type of pictures on this Forum about Rigby rifle question from yesterday that guy knows how to take the type of pictures we need it shows al markings Clearly
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  • gary wray
    grizz212.....sounds like you have some nice weapons here that could be worth some real money, but without pics it is really hard to tell. A couple of questions about the Medalist..is the manual original (many are just photocopies). Has the label on the top of the fax black leather box been engraved? Is the tool there to instal the weights? Answers to these questions impact value. But photos would really help us determine the value of what you have.
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  • grizz212
    I posted the images on Imageshack. The link is listed below. I'm not sure how it will post yet but here goes. Let me know if you have any questions.

    Thanks

    http://img411.imageshack.us/g/1001573ma.jpg/
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  • rufe-snow
    All three are nice big buck pistols. That said, the barrel on the 1900 doesn't look right to me. It would be best if you could locate a knowledgeable/honest collector/dealer for a hands on with the Luger. If you can authenticate it as being factory original, it would be really a big buck item.

    Because of the economy things are really crappy in the gun world nowadays. I wouldn't be in any hurry to sell them unless you need the money right away.

    The Luger is a Model 1900 commercial per the serial number range. The ones commonly encountered have a barrel approximately 4 3/4" long.

    The Browning .22 pistol is a Belgian made Medalist Model, not a Challenger, which was a completely different lower priced model. Your Medalist in the fitted case with all the accessories and paperwork would be worth at least 3 times what a Challenger would bring.

    Don't be paying attention to some of the pot stirrers who post on this forum, they don't know their rectums from a hole in the ground.
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  • nmyers
    The Luger could be a 1920/23 Stoeger AE with the rare 8" barrel, possibly worth $5K.

    But, I'm not really sure of anything. All of your photos are too distant, too dark, or too fuzzy. It might be worth your while to pay a professional to take "studio quality" photos, or you will have to take them to someone to do a hands-on evaluation. (Most wedding photographers also do "studio" work.)

    Neal

    EDIT EDIT EDIT: Recent sales of S&W M52-1 pistols on GB have been in the $650-1,400 range; sale price depends on a precise description of gun & accessories.
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  • tsr1965
    quote:Originally posted by Spider7115
    postpics.gif

    This thread will show you how to post pics: http://forums.gunbroker.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=259294


    You guys need to chill out with that. It is totally BS...especially to new members...remember...you all were new and unknowing once too!!! You should be ashamed of yourself, welcoming a new member in like that!!!!!


    Now to answer the question

    That S&W model 52 is a 38 wad cutter match master...they sell the 9mm version today for over $1500.00. The Browning Challenger is very nice too, and also in the 1k+ range, and the luger is well more than that.

    Best
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  • joel_black
    As you've been told they are all quite valuable. If you are going to sell them on a website, take them outside on a dark blanket in bright indirect sunlight, and assuming you are using a digital camera, turn off the auto flash, push the button with the flower symbol and take the pictures. If you happen to live near Wisconsin, I'd be happy to take them for you, but if you follow my instructions should should be fine on your own.
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  • gary wray
    grizz212....thanks for your photos. I will speak to the Browning Medalist. While you have the leather faux case, it looks like you have a blem on the metal on the top that can be engraved (that is not unusual). You are also missing the tool for instalation of the weights and the booklet. Both are usually the first things "misplaced" from the set. From time to time on EBay you can find the tool for sale but it is like finding a needle in a haystack although I have seen them. Same with the booklet...many Medalist sets have booklet photocopies. Not having either detracts from value. I think you are also missing the small ejection post which on RHanded pistols is on the right side (see if there is a small hole there..if so, that is where the post screws in. The good news is that what you do have is one of the best target .22's ever made, IMHO, every bit the equal of the Smith 41 and the only .22 target made with a matching wooden forearm. I agree that now is not the time to sell it as the market stinks although this gun might appeal to a special collector as there are not that many of them. In this condition, from what I can see, I would put value at $1k and with the book, ejection post and tool $1300. I love mine and would not part with it. Paid 1/2 months pay for mine in 1968 and it still shoots better than my eyes. Hopes this helps!
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  • gary wray
    grizz212...sorry to mistake my last post to you...and I hope this is not the last for your thread...but you DO have the correct Medalist booklet which makes some of my last post incorrect (remember what I said about my eyes!) With the booklet (almost worth its weight in gold to a Medalist set/collectore) your outfit is worth $1200 IMHO. But, again, I would keep it as the market stinks and in five years it should be worth a couple of hundred more! Good shooting!
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