Interesting Merwin today

Dalton Masterson · February 20, 2010, 11:28:02 PM

Saw an interesting Merwin today. Appeared to be a first model, in 44MH. Had a lanyard, and the ball detent on the removal latch.
The problem.... No where on it did it have any stampings at all, other than the SN, which I think was on the butt.
It also had a few numbers stamped on the rear face of the cylinder. It also had walnut grips.
It was priced at 1600, and had 0-10% finish and was of course, in non firing condition.
Had a broken firing pin tip, and the seller said it had some replacement appearing parts inside.

I am assuming it is a Spanish copy??? Or maybe a super secret prototype that noone wanted to claim???

DM

Shotgun Franklin · February 21, 2010, 12:03:00 AM

While I'm far from an expert on the MH guns, I understand that they subcontracted a lot. I also understand that there are very few company records. No telling what might be floating around. The worst thing is that up until maybe 4 or 5 years ago you could buy a MH in shooting condition for just under $400.

Dalton Masterson · February 21, 2010, 12:10:05 AM

Yeah. Stupid price hikes... I can afford 400 dollar guns now. Back then I couldnt. $:-\$
I did get my little 38 MH for 60 or 65 at an auction, and it was a shooter, until the bolt spring died. Looking for parts now.
There was a 38 MH at the show today too, but I remembered it from last year. When I opened it, the cylinder arbor came out with it, along with the portion on the recoil shield that the rims go under. The only reason I did NOT get it, is that they wanted 850 for it.

DM

litl rooster · February 21, 2010, 10:15:10 AM

It's not only the Merwins that went up, IJ's and H&Rs over a 100 bucks I never thought I see that. S&W lemon squeezers being reserved at 500.< I don't mean just pristine NIB's, they bring more. It's not politics that caused these c and r's to go up this much. Blame our selves and the internet marketing for that .

Dalton Masterson · February 21, 2010, 10:50:38 AM

Yep, as long as people are willing to pay those prices, thats where the price will be. Im not that willing yet.
DM

litl rooster · February 21, 2010, 11:23:07 AM

yep....now back to searchin' for a cheap Merwin

St. George · February 21, 2010, 12:19:36 PM

From the description - I'd say it was a Spanish copy - 'real' Merwin, Hulberts are well-marked revolvers.

Copies - not so much,,,

As to prices - they'll continue to rise - make no mistake.

Your likelihood of finding a cheap one rests with your finding one at a local auction or estate sale - but probably not at any gun shows, since pretty much everyone there will have checked it out on one of the auction sites.

That - coupled with the fact that folks will price as high as they see an asking price on-line, will keep them rising.

Some of them 'are' worth the asking price - but that's because of their condition - but you can't tell 'that' to Bubba, who only sees two things - the 'name' and the fact that his is as good as the one pictured.

Good Luck.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

litl rooster · February 21, 2010, 01:17:16 PM

that was better sed.

Montana Slim · February 21, 2010, 05:49:29 PM

Can't be sure. My Pa has an SA Army model, it's been refinished and heavily so. There are no visible markings, so much that several chambers will not accept the 44-40 cartridge, while several do. He took it to a repected antique gunsmith who believes it is genuine Merwin.

Markings can easily be lost in a sloppy refinish.

Regards,
Slim

Dalton Masterson · February 21, 2010, 05:56:53 PM

Yeah, this one had no finish, and I looked close with a light, and couldnt see that it had been sanded. I still think Spanish copy, although a nice one. If I had 500 sitting in hand, I would offer it and see.

Went to a local gun auction today, and saw an 1874 dated SAA Colt bring 30,000. Matching numbers, etc. Should have heard the air suck out of the room when the auctioneer opened it at 40,000.

I will post pics of my new SAA when I can......NOT. I know its an investment, but wow. 30,000 is almost half of our total house payment. I am glad to see that someone did get it tho, that was willing to pay enough to take care of it and not destroy it.

The other stuff brought good buyer price to market price, with not much going overboard.

DM

Shotgun Franklin · February 21, 2010, 06:11:13 PM

Years ago, many years, I bought Colt SAA serial # 289 for $200. I turned it the same day for $225. I wish I'd have kept it.

Dalton Masterson · February 21, 2010, 06:27:46 PM

I wish you had it too. I would give you 300 and a replacement Uberti!
DM

litl rooster · February 21, 2010, 09:44:06 PM

Quote from: Dalton Masterson on February 21, 2010, 06:27:46 PM
I wish you had it too. I would give you 300 and a replacement Uberti!
DM

that's seems to be a resonable deal