Pimp S&W

[se-okla.shooter]

Does anyone have a clue as to the value of this pistol? The S#5451xx and looks to be 38 sp.
A friend bought it and has no idea of value.

[Sharps-Nut]

What ever the load will bear.  Looks like a nice gun, all engraved up like that changes the value but I would bet not as much as it would cost to get the work done.  I would guess look up the value of the model as a unmolested, then add half the cost of engraving and call it close?  Just a guess,  $500.00 plus, but that is a guess, it might be much higher but then you have to find someone who it appeals to and is willing to pay for it.  SN

[Graybeard]

The first requirement for answering such a question is to determine who did the chicken scratching. If S&W factory done then you need to know the level of it as defined by S&W and see what that runs currently. Unless it's really old and factory done then if done at all by then I'd guess 75% to 80% of current price. If really old and a collector piece then it is indeed what the market will bare.

If not done by the factory then that puts a whole new perspective on it. Unless done by a well know engraver it might have little to no additional value over the value as a shooter. The photo just isn't clear enough to tell the quality of the work.

There are many hack engravers out there and without close examination it's hard to tell that the work isn't quality really. Unless you really know what you are doing or looking for junk engraving can look a lot like quality engraving but carries little to no added value and if done really poorly can even hurt the value of the gun.

From the photo and without more info I don't think anyone can give you a real value.