Very Early .357 Blackhawk - Value?

[satori59]

Hi - I'm a relatively new member here (since I bought my P345), but I was wondering about the value of my Dad's Blackhawk. He bought it in New Mexico while serving in the Air Force in 1955. Serial number 6xx. It's in pristine condition, but no box. It has that unique rose color in the metal of the frame and cylinder...

Any thoughts? (Nope, it won't be for sale...)

Thanks!

 

[41 mag fan]

Welcome. to give you a better idea what the gun is worth a litle more info is needed. primarily barrel length. Pics would go along way towards figuring the value as well.

 

[street]

RENE list a 1st model Flattop at $1100. 3 digit Flattop at $1750. This is for a 95-98% gun. This price is just a starting price. If it is mint with no blueing loss, it would go higher. If someone needed it to match up a consecutive gun to it them it would go some what higher. "PUCKER FACTOR". If less then 95%, then it would go for less. 3 digit Flattops are very hard guns to find that are not in collectors hands and they don't come up for sale often. If it is in pristine condition as you say that is a very desirable gun. WE NEED PICTURES, GOOD PICTURES.

 

[weaselmeatgravy]

If bought in '55 it could only be one thing, a .357 flattop with 4-5/8" barrel.

Pristine condition with "rose" color frame should push it into the $1500-2000 range if not re-blued. Too bad about the box & papers, those would have added another $500 or more to the package value.

Let's see some pics!!!

 

[satori59]

Thank you for the prompt replies. It does indeed have the 4 5/8" barrel. It also has a set of grips that my Dad made for it (with his initials), but he has the originals. I'll post pix shortly...it's a beautiful Blackhawk.

He tells the story of how he had to peel a lot of potatoes after he was caught with the Ruger in the trunk of his Austin Healey while on base..

 

[weaselmeatgravy]

Forgot to add, you are not allowed to keep it if it is #661 or #663. Either of those must move to Vermont.

:D

 

[satori59]

Forgot to add, you are not allowed to keep it if it is #661 or #663. Either of those must move to Vermont.

:D

This one's a little lower in the 600's. Sorry.

 

[mike722]

well, then, if it is 644 or 646, it has to move to Florida... :lol:

 

[street]

satori59. Remember what I said about the "Pucker Factor". You saw a little of that with "weaselmeatgravy", and " mike722". :lol: :lol: :lol:

 

[flatgate]

If it's 637 or 635....

S/N 636 and 50th Anniversary .357 Flattop S/N 510-00636.

The proper box for these early Flattop's should be one without any sort of catalog nomenclature on it's "label" end.

Welcome to the Totally Overboard Collectors Section of Ruger Forum!

Chief Bottle Washer, flatgate, at your service!

flatgate

 

[satori59]

satori59. Remember what I said about the "Pucker Factor". You saw a little of that with "weaselmeatgravy", and " mike722". :lol: :lol: :lol:

Fully understood! :D

It is nice, however, to hear from some folks who really appreciate a firearm like this.

 

[mike722]

here is number 645, has a bit of "plum" color to it as well....

 

[jussbad]

Welcome to the Forum Satori59. I agree 110% - you should keep your Dad's gun no matter what. We just like to know where the consecutives are.

Or, if it's 656 or 659 - let me know. Always good to know. (Nice plum on that gun Mike W.)

Box should look like one of these.

Shipping sleeve would be a split shipper like this.

 

[satori59]

Welcome to the Forum Satori59. I agree 110% - you should keep your Dad's gun no matter what. We just like to know where the consecutives are.

His is #621

I'll do my best to get pics up tomorrow.