.357 Box & Now w/Gun

[32shooter]

I was wondering if anyone had an idea of the value of this box? Appears to be in decent shape, wouldn't call it excellent.

 

[hittman]

Model number on box or no?

 

[32shooter]

No model number, just the .357 magnum.

 

[32shooter]

So I ended up buying the box and it had a gun in it. I will get some pictures up of it soon.

 

[contender]

Ok, I'll buy the empty box. PM me if interested!

 

[32shooter]

Ok, I'll buy the empty box. PM me if interested!

Ok, but you might want the gun too when you see it.

 

[weaselmeatgravy]

Looks like a $500 box to me.

 

[rugerguy]

hey, I see you are here in OH, stop by and we'll swap bunches of things, no local shows for a few weeks.......

 

[32shooter]

Looks like a $500 box to me.

Well, if it is, I almost stole the gun.

hey, I see you are here in OH, stop by and we'll swap bunches of things, no local shows for a few weeks.......

Yes, I think I met you a number of years ago, either at Mansfield or Ashland show. Terry might have introduced me to you. I wanted a shooter grade gun, but this gun is like new. Almost a shame to shoot it now.

 

[weaselmeatgravy]

If you join the Red Eagle News Exchange, you will get their annual price guide that not only has values for Ruger single action revolvers and .22 auto pistols, but also for the boxes, manuals, and other items. That no-catalog number .357 box (used with most of the .357 flattop Blackhawks in the 1950's) is in the 2025 edition at $475. The prices are derived from a survey of collectors and tend toward the low side. The lowest value for a .357 flattop in that guide is $710 (for 95% condition or better) but lower serial numbered guns with earlier features will bring a premium, and then with the original box the value goes way up. There are so many factors that impact value, that you would really need pictures of all angles of both the box and gun to get an accurate estimate.

 

[T.A. WORKMAN]

Kurt,
WMG is right that is a $500.00 to $600.00 box,
Good for you & knowing you you prolyl did steal it...
Terry

 

[32shooter]

Yes Terry, you're probably right. Especially at this point, I am selling a few off. So if I buy one it has to be priced right.

 

[32shooter]

Here are a few quick pictures I took of the gun and the box. I guess this is what you guys would call a Type 1 Flattop. Trigger has turned a nice plum color. I think everything looks original, along with the ejector rod. Not converted.

 

[weaselmeatgravy]

Yessir, that looks to be a fine type 1 in collector condition, RENE value $1135 for the gun. The $475 for the box brings it to $1610, but being the number-matching box, you might see more than that for the package. And if there are papers, that would only increase.

 

[PRichardson87]

Beautiful flattop. Seeing this makes me curious when Ruger switched from the uncataloged box to the "bkh" prefix box. Was it when they went to the protected rear sight ?

 

[rugerguy]

no, when they started to offer other length barrels , the "need" for a catalog number comes into play...............

,,,come on 'chet', when did that happen????

 

[contender]

Now that is one VERY nice package there! You did quite well!!!!!!!!

 

[32shooter]

Thanks for all the info and comments. I might send away and get a letter from Ruger on it. No papers with it besides the wax paper.

 

[Yaworski]

$500 for a cardboard box?

 

[contender]

Yes,, some boxes command prices above what a gun is valued at. The very early, uncatalogued boxes like that are desirable to collectors.
The RENE Guide lists the "Green Wreath LWAC" box at $2150.00.

 

[flattop44]

And I will bet you can't buy a Green Wreath for that. A Black Wreath will bring that much. Should have just been a box collector.
FT44

 

[32shooter]

I received the letter for the gun today. It seems it shipped to a hardware store which is no longer in business.

 

[rugerguy]

very good, it seems there was a gun show in that location some years back, sounded familiar.............hardware store or a lumber company???

still a nice package, just need the paperwork that came with that model back then, I believe a Single six manual, with a 357 Blackhawk insert,,,had them at the shows years ago, would have to look around see whats still in the old OGCA piles...
Ah yes, back in the day I was the "king of cardboard"......

 

[chet15]

no, when they started to offer other length barrels , the "need" for a catalog number comes into play...............

,,,come on 'chet', when did that happen????

early 1959

 

[OldWRXguy]

Production date of the gun?

 

[32shooter]

Letter says January 1956.