LE Marked Speed Six Question

[welldoya]

I found a stainless Speed Six marked Me.S.P. which I assume is Maine State Police. It's a snub nose.
Do the police agency marked ones usually bring more or less $ ?
This one is in good shape but has some scratches near the cylinder latch. What would be a range of value ?

 

[Terry T]

I'd say a documented, police marked gun would bring a bit of a premium to a collector. At this point I don't think it's very much - maybe $25 - $50 depending on the agency, the documentation, and condition.
Some large agencies bought hundreds of Rugers and resold them all in the secondary market. Some bought only a few. Some agencies are more 'collectable' than others.
My $0.02 worth.
Terry T

 

[pisgah]

It's also one of those things where a Maine collector might be willing to pay a bit more than, say, a Florida collector.

 

[FergusonTO35]

If you want to sell it, I know a collector up in Maine who might be interested.

 

[welldoya]

I haven't bought it yet. I'm trying to find out what it's worth.
I sold a very nice blued Speed Six last year for $450 and I would assume the stainless is worth more but not sure how the markings and scratches will affect the value.
I don't particularly like the engraving but it would be a good truck gun.

 

[FergusonTO35]

I would suggest something else for a truck gun, not that the Speedy couldn't do it. Prices on them just keep going up so I think it would be wise to keep it in as good condition as possible. If it has a 3", not 2.75", barrel it is going to be worth over $1000.00.

 

[Timbo22]

I believe the value of the revolver in question lies more in being a stainless Speed Six than to its law enforcement markings. I would guess that in good working order and no other flaws than the scratches you mention, it would easily go for $500 plus. The Speed Six is THE best six shot mid frame snub going.

For me, law enforcement markings add little value UNLESS they refer to a nationally renowned organization such as NYPD, LAPD, CHP, NIS (now NCIS), FBI, Texas Rangers or the like.
If the scratches you mention are not too deep, they can be buffed out or at least made less obvious with a Scotchbrite pad. Otherwise I would just ignore them.

I have a 4 inch stainless Service Six in 38 Special with "LEX P.D." roll marked on the side, which adds little or no extra value to the gun in my estimation. For all I know it COULD have belonged to Lex Luthor, Private Detective, but I have no provenance to show that.

Buy the gun, I would,
Tim