This is NOT a WTS thread!

I have a very collectable Colt Python I am going to probably sell soon.

This begs two questions for me:

1) Where is the best place to sell this to get the best price. For this type of gun, I only know of gunbroker.

2) What is the best way to determine its worth?

And yes jljones, this is the Python that you and Randy were looking at in my safe and told me never to sell it! Sorry, I just think it is a good time.

I thought with all the good and knowledgeable people on here, I would ask for help.

TIA

Gunbroker will reach the most people. Before you list it check similar finished auctions for ending prices.

Gunbroker is one of the better ways. There really isn't anything wrong with starting at .01 and letting the bidders decide. The key is to take excellent pictures and write a good description. For something that will be expected to go over $1000 it really is usually worth it to pay the extra few bucks to for added features (bold, featured, etc.).

If it's some sort of weird super valuable one going with one of the big auction houses like Rock Island is not really a bad way to do it. But if you expect it's under $5k (would have to be a super rare and or super mint python to go past $2k-$3k) I would just stick with gunbroker.

put up a for sale add in classifieds...... no gb fees if it sells.

i'm interested in how this goes, i've got a '68/5 digit s/n that i bought nib.

I would look at completed sales on GB, making sure to identify those the condition of which closely matches yours, to establish an asking price. Then I'd list it here in the Classifieds.

In doing that I be clear to state I would accept offers only from known, established membership.

Don't forget GB start charging sales tax Jan 1st. And don't think this won't affect the seller's bottom line, although the tax is charged to the buyer.

If you don’t have a reasonably good amount of feedback on GB, you may not want to sell it that way. I think lots of people are reluctant to bid on a high dollar item offered by a seller with little feedback.

quote:

Originally posted by arfmel:
If you don’t have a reasonably good amount of feedback on GB, you may not want to sell it that way. I think lots of people are reluctant to bid on a high dollar item offered by a seller with little feedback.

Excellent advice.
I've sold almost all my handguns here when I did and had great communication with everyone.
Check GB for prices but IMO, I'd sell here if you choose to do so.

I’ve sold some firearms here with good results but had better luck selling higher end Smith and Wesson revolvers on another forum formerly owned by Para.

Gunbroker will get you the best price for it.
The Colt forum will get it a very good home. They have a classified section and many knowledgeable members on all things Colt related.

I sold my 1977 Python two years ago at a local show. I made up a "billboard sign," that is, an 8-1/2 x 11 sheet of paper that I wore front and back as I walked around the show. I was asking $2500. Lots of people offered a lot less. I was happy to sell for $2000 for a pistol I paid $500 for new. I used that money to buy two (metal) Sigs.

It was very easy to do. Also, no fees, no forms, no taxes.

I am guessing the same Python today would fetch closer to $3000.

Good luck to you!

I've had good luck with ARMSLIST.
Lets you narrow it to local state/area.
They have started to charge like 6-7 bucks a month fee.

You might try the colt forum if it is actually collectible.

Thanks for all the suggestions and help!

Post it here first to avoid fees and give our members first crack at it. Derive high value from GB, you could always bargain downward. I sold snubby Python here a few years back here. Ralph, you still out there? Need a stablemate for that 1971 model I sold you?

So post a pic and description! I am dying to see it.

Here ya go

https://photos.app.goo.gl/qnrCv2YbY1nhKWHv6

quote:

Originally posted by 1flynDO:
So post a pic and description! I am dying to see it.

I’m another in the “sell it here” camp.

Pick a price and list it. If no one jumps on it within a day or two...it’s too high....

3 years ago I had a service buddy of mine call and ask about a price for his...he also was selling a set of dies and a rcbs single stage reloaded....I told him to break them apart and sell the gun by itself...he also had the box and it was the same shape. He got $2500.00 from the first person who saw it. It was his dads gun and I initially told him not to sell it. It had no sentimental value to him so he sold it in a less than a day.

They have two here at Weber’s guns in Temple and they have $3000.00 on the tags....they have been there for over a year in the cabinet....so 3k is too high .

My 2 cents

Gunbroker will reach the most views and most likely bring you the best price.

You don't say what makes your Python "very collectable", but we'll assume it is. Gunbroker is the go-to recommendation, but I wouldn't recommend it for two reasons:

First, you have the work of posting pictures; answering questions; dealing with payment; shipping and coordinating with FFLs.

Second, and far more disturbing, has been a huge increase in the last several months of new bidders with no record winning auctions and not paying, with the item ending up being relisted.
(I watch auctions because I see an item in which I may be mildly interested or because I own a similar item and I want to get an idea of current market value, and I've been shocked by the recent results I've just described.)

If you don't try to sell it here, I'd go to one of the primary firearms collector auction houses, like Rock Island or Morphy, and consign it to them, letting them handle photography, bidder interface, shipping, etc. You can check results from their completed auctions and see what kind of prices Pythons in various configurations and conditions have realized and compare them with what you're hoping to receive.