I need some help with a value....

[thinckley]

This gun came into my gunsmith's today, owner is looking to sell it, and we are looking for a value.

The gun is a New Model Vaquero (1995) in 44-40, with a 7 1/2" barrel, laser engraved by A&A Engraving to commemorate the 100th year anniversary of the Utah Highway Patrol. I do not yet know if it was commissioned by UHP or someone else, nor who might have received it (research is out on both). It comes in a very nice, but generic, case, but is numbered "10 of 10". The gun has been fired and does have a minor turn ring. I also realize there are two (maybe three) values, 1 for a nicely engraved new model vaquero in 44-40, and one for someone who collects both revolvers and UHP memorabilia (try to imagine both), (the 3rd is for a used vaquero in 44-40 with a 7.5" barrel)

 

[GasGuzzler]

Probably less than a regular Vaquero. Very little of the population cares about Utah enough to buy that, many people do not like engraving, and it's a .44-40.

Really need a niche buyer. I'd say it would sell anywhere from $700 to $1600. It's the epitome of an item that needs an auction, not a for sale sign.

 

[Johnnu2]

Personally, I'd pay $1200 for it; and I'd shoot it.
I agree with GG it's a must for an auction vs. 'for sale'. It only takes two cowboys with deep pockets to fight it out.

J.

 

[SteveRuger]

I have owned the 'Phototype' Utah Highway Patrol for a bout 15 Plus years. I had it on display in Tulsa (2025) & Nampa (2026) shows. It has the same case also.
I believe I purchased it from a person in the Highway Patrol Management.

 

[peachhead]

That's a shame. I have one in 44-40 and it would be neat to have two, but I don't care about all that scribbling on it.

 

[Killer Bee]

new model?

commemorative collector
police gun collector
utah police gun collector
everyone else

 

[woodperson]

I have no idea of the value but it sure is ugly.

 

[Rclark]

To bad the grips don't fit properly. I'd price at a normal Vaquero prices $500-$700 ... if it was me.

 

[Sacramento Johnson]

The matte finish doesn't help, either; those came originally with a high gloss finish to look like nickel.
Agree with Killer Bee...

 

[Rclark]

Personally I like subdued SS over mirror finish. More like a working gun than a 'dude' revolver .

To sale, it is going to take that one person (in Utah and a highway patrolman), that really wants it!

 

[hittman]

I wonder if somebody used a scotch-brite pad on it after it was engraved ….. like an original owner. Don’t think I’ve ever seen a brushed factory finish where the “brush” marks went straight front to back, especially how its pictured on the cylinder.

 

[ArizonaTea123]

Neat gun, but the sandpaper finish is a turn off.
Polished stainless would be much better.
Actually a sandblasted finish would be far superior to the sanding marks.

 

[NDAR15MAN]

After u buy it it will sit in your gun store for at least 5 years. Buy for 100.00. Then send it to auction house with a $100.00 minimum bid. Simple.

 

[Sacramento Johnson]

You might want to check the cylinder throats as well. The early production Ruger 44-40s had undersized throats like .425 but with .429 barrels and usually needed the throats opened up to be able to seat cartridges made with .429 or .430 bullets and have decent accuracy...

 

[edm1]

I don’t think that’s a new vaquero. No clue what someone would pay. 1995 was still Vaquero.

 

[wproct]

The old adage is if you can't say something nice don't say anything. I'm sorry but it just doesn't work for me. I really can't place a value on it. But, hopefully there is someone who is really attracted to it.

 

[GasGuzzler]

The old adage is if you can't say something nice don't say anything.

Except he asked us.

 

[arfmel]

To me, any collector value was pretty well ruined when it was attacked with scotch brite. It’s basically a “fancy” shooter grade 44-40 Vaquero.

 

[hittman]

This gun came into my gunsmith's today, owner is looking to sell it, and we are looking for a value.

Tell us please …… what did the owner want for it and what value did you or your shop put on it?

 

[thinckley]

Tell us please …… what did the owner want for it and what value did you or your shop put on it?

Waiting on the owner to bring in the rest of the collection to finalize and hopefully provide more information. I'm not sure if it was the owner, or his father-in-law, but according to the limited paperwork we have one of them paid $1200 for it...some time in the last 30 years....

We are looking at a value of about $900 (right now). I'm really hoping to get more provenance for it. As 1 of 10, and related to the State Centennial, the original owner would almost have to be someone in prominence. That might help a little... depending on who it went to.

 

[hittman]

I wouldn’t get my hopes up about provenance. I think that engraving company did that to many different guns.

Probably 20 years back I had a NM Super Blackhawk with that treatment, by that engraver, that was like “one of 25” and commemorated the centennial of S.D. About the 10th time it was on GunBroker I threw $500 at it. I was the only bidder and “won” the damn thing. Took me years to break even on it and it was mint un fired, etc.

 

[thinckley]

I wouldn’t get my hopes up about provenance. I think that engraving company did that to many different guns.

Probably 20 years back I had a NM Super Blackhawk with that treatment, by that engraver, that was like “one of 25” and commemorated the centennial of S.D. About the 10th time it was on GunBroker I threw $500 at it. I was the only bidder and “won” the damn thing. Took me years to break even on it and it was mint un fired, etc.

What I have been able to discover was that the Utah Peace Officers Association (a retired city cop who was around then remembered them) ordered them, it was not instigated by the engraver. They were not "for sale", so that is why I think I can get some provenance... if I can get the guy at UPOA to respond...

 

[jpsbgt]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

 

[GasGuzzler]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Therefore so is ugly.

 

[thedogdidit]

Therefore so is ugly.

Lol, I never thought of that! I can't wait to bust this reply out on someone.

 

[thinckley]

Well, on a semi-related note.... there are potentially two of the large frame, ss, 45 LC/ACP convertible Vaqueros in the group also. When dropped off they only had the LC cylinder, and no box., but both of them are stamped 45 Cal. The owner dropped off a bunch of boxes today, we have yet to go through them all.... hoping they are in there....

 

[Roger That]

In that condition, You should get nothing less than $2k easy.