Vintage 3 Screw Flattop Serial #803

[Roy W.]

My father passed on to me a 3 screw Ruger Blackhawk 357 mag, 4 5/8" barrel, Serial number 803, purchased new in 1955 from Hudson Sporting Goods in NYS. it has not had the hammer block recall installed. I have no paperwork or box, but do have the original black grips and a custom made set of curly maple grips with a small thumb rest. Frame and trigger are plumb colored. Finish is 95%.

I might be convinced to sell this gun. What's it worth ????

 

[contender]

Welcome to the Forum!
Well, since it's a 3 digit gun,, and a type 1,, it is desirable to many folks. However,, as always,, condition is of upmost importance. Followed by any "extras" such as a box, shipper, wax paper, business reply etc.
You mentioned you didn't have such stuff,, so I'm assuming it's the gun only,, and that's too bad, we like the extras. However,, a nice example of a 3 digit,, turning plum does get a lot of attention,, and especially if someone has a mate with either serial number 802 or 804.
As you describe it,, I've venture a $1000-$1200 guess for a fair value.
We'd love to see pictures!

 

[flattop44]

It sure would be good to see some pictures of that old .357 Flattop. I love those early plum frame guns. I would tend to value an original 3-digit Type 1 in true 95% condition more toward the $1,500 or + range.
Ft44

 

[flatgate]

Roy W., Welcome to Ruger Forum!

Wow, I do believe you have a very interesting early .357. One suggestion I'll make concerns the gun's shipping data, i.e. when was it shipped from the Ruger Factory? This info can often help describe and/or verify the configuration of the revolver.

Of course, decent digital images are a must when requesting valuation assistance. A close-up of the front sight should be included along with images of both sides of the gun.

JMHO,

flatgate

 

[contender]

I will defer to flattop44 in pricing as he gets to sell more of them than I'd ever hope to. I was using the RENE guide as my reference,, and I will easily admit I can be wrong!
Now,, pictures please!!!!!!!!! :D

 

[Roy W.]

I have photos in "My Documents" if someone wants to post them for me, or..........

 

[flatgate]

Roy, e mail them to me.

Rugerbreath at gmail dot com

I'll post them for you.

I have s/n 636 and it's 50th Anniversary "twin".....

flatgate

 

[TiteGroups]

Two great looking guns, nice to be able to note the differences. I just picked up a 50th myself and was admiring a 3 screw at a local gun shop. To this point all of mine are N.M.

 

[Ale-8(1)]

C'mon over to the "dark side" . . .

;)

 

[jussbad]

Pictures of SN 803 for Roy W. Very nice example of an earyl type 1.

 

[americal]

Missed this posting---a very nice flattop and holster --I am wondering did anyone get to buy this fine gun :?: sure a nice gun :!: HOPE I am not out of line on asking :oops:

 

[radicalrod]

Gosh I got all excited as I have #804.....but it is the 44 NOT the 357...still would make a NEAT PAIR........let me know if it is going on the market...see ya RR.

 

[cubrock]

The pictures don't show everything, but I think 95% is conservative on that gun. That is a nice piece.

 

[Cholo]

RR, it's a .357 as noted in the 2nd and 3rd pic by jussbad...unless I'm missing something. Wouldn't be the 1st time. Did Ruger even make a 4 5/8th .44 OM Flattop?

Won't be the 1st time I'm wrong, nor the last... :wink:

 

[Roy W.]

Thanks for all the positive comments guys. I pretty much have myself convinced to sell this piece. Never done any long distance selling before, so will need to find a local FFL willing to handle things for me. I'll be sure and post when I'm ready to accept offers......Roy

 

[Kevin]

Roy W:
I don't know your situation, but my father has given me several guns over the years as well as a few we share, passing back and forth from year to year. These are the few guns I wouldn't consider selling.

If your father bought it new in 1955, I bet that gun could tell more than a few stories.

Sorry if this is unwanted advice, but why not keep the gun and think it over. It certainly won't go down in value and you could always sell it at a later date if you need.

 

[Roy W.]

Kevin, I appreciate your comments. Believe me, I have pondered this for some time. I'm getting on in years and I have quite a collection now and have been thinking about whittling it down a bit before it gets passed on to my son. My son already has a considerable collection of mostly combat style weapons and has class 2 and 3 licenses. I'm just not sure that some of my guns like the Blackhawk and a 1938 Browning Lightning OU shotgun are of much interest to him. I would rather sell them to a collector or someone else who can appreciate them than to have them become safe queens or worst yet get pawned.

 

[flatgate]

........... I'll be sure and post when I'm ready to accept offers......Roy

Roy,

Ruger Forum has very few rules. However, we do not permit auctions to occur. One must price an item that's offered for sale.

I just want you to know that before you decide to list the gun.

flatgate

 

[Roy W.]

I was aware of that and thank you for the reminder.

 

[Roy W.]

This item has just been posted for sale on Gunbroker.com

 

[dougader]

I also think its a mistake to sell this piece. I would love to have a gun like that from my father or grandfather. Me, I'd whittle down other pieces and keep the flat top to pass on to my son or even my daughter.

 

[Cholo]

I'm a pretty sentential guy having saved everything my kids have ever given to me or made with their own hands, as well as my grandkids. I keep it all. With that said, I bet Roy W has thought it all out and has decided to part with it for his reasons given. I'd sure like to have it sleeping with me tonight but... :cry:

Good luck with the sale! I'll sure be keeping an eye on it. I'm kinda growing fond of the shortie Ruger SA's. Need to do something about that...

 

[Ale-8(1)]

Linked for sale . . .

http://www.rugerforum.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=132382

:)

 

[Roy W.]

Thanks for posting the link. This forum is a great bunch of guys.

 

[Ale-8(1)]

Well, you had it posted in the right place, just thought I'd help those who had been following this thread find the "for sale" link.

Nice gun, by the way,

:)

 

[Hondo44]

RR, it's a .357 as noted in the 2nd and 3rd pic by jussbad...unless I'm missing something. Wouldn't be the 1st time. Did Ruger even make a 4 5/8th .44 OM Flattop?

Won't be the 1st time I'm wrong, nor the last... :wink:

The common understanding is that they made one for Elmer Kieth. There were no standard production 4 5/8" 44 FTs made by Ruger.

 

[flatgate]

I believe Herb Glass of New York State also received a "shorty" .44, s/n 7498..... :D

flatgate

 

[HAWKEYE#28]

RR, it's a .357 as noted in the 2nd and 3rd pic by jussbad...unless I'm missing something. Wouldn't be the 1st time. Did Ruger even make a 4 5/8th .44 OM Flattop?



Yes////////////// 8)

 

[tulsamal]

In most cases, you don't need an FFL on your end. It just needs to be shipped to an FFL. (If going out of state. You could FTF it in your state.) There are lots of rules and a couple of states to avoid but generally there is no reason to involve an FFL as a seller.

And since it is more than 50 years old, it can be shipped directly to somebody with a C&R as well. You just need a copy of the C&R sent to you. You can verify it online and then ship it to the address on the signed copy.

Gregg

 

[flatgate]

FWIW, I'd put the original grips back on the gun and charge EXTRA for the fancy wood grips. A collector could care less about them but a guy wanting a "shooter" may really want the wood grips and may pay extra for them.

JMHO,
flatgate