.475 Linebaugh Value

[eisenhower]

Hi guys.

I've been out of the game for several years, as I've been working overseas and am back now in the USA for good. Was very sad to learn here of the passing of John Linebaugh. Spoke with him on the phone a couple times and have exchanged e-mails with Dustin and they both seem to be really good guys.

John's passing put me in mind of a revolver he built for me sometime around 2007 or so. I took ownership of it and have never fired it for a variety of reasons, not the least of which I've been out of the country a lot, as I said. But now, at 51 years old, I've developed arthritis in my elbows and hands and the thought of firing this bruiser makes me wince. So, I'm thinking to sell it.

Attached is a pic of the .475 Linebaugh. Case hardening was done by Doug Turnbull's shop (sent to them by John Linebaugh), and the presentation box I made myself years ago.

I want to say when I had it built, it cost me just shy of $3,000 (not counting the value of the Ruger Bisley it was built from).

Would anyone care to suggest what a reasonable asking price might be in 2023? Not fully convinced I'll sell it, but it's not doing me any good sitting in a safe deposit box at the bank, and I just don't foresee taking on the big bore when my elbow hurts now from just holding it at arm's length! Better to pass it on to someone who can truly shoot and enjoy it.

Thanks,
DeWayne

[potatojudge]

I haven't seen a Linebaugh sell since his passing, so there's that.

A standard plain Linebaugh might bring $3000-3500, add $1k for the barrel band, CCH, and grips. $4500-5000 probably isn't unreasonable. The case looks nice, but is more of a selling point than added value.

I can't say I recall what the last few Linebaughs have sold for, so that base estimate might be off a bit. Also, I don't think anybody has a good handle on Linebaugh guns today, so best to put it at auction if you're looking to sell.

High quality pics do a lot to bring top dollar, especially on a gun that's likely as well finished as this one. 

[kings6]

I agree with PJ on the $4500-5000 number and if you do post it at auction, don't be surprised if it doesn't top that. My thought, and it is worth exactly what you paid for it, is hang on to it. You know it won't depreciate even if John were still here so enjoy just hanging on to it and appreciate it for what it it, a beautiful example of work by a master who just happens to longer be with us. I don't shoot my 475 John built for me much but when I do it is with nice HS-6 loads. Also I personally would not want to sell one of Johns guns this close to his passing out of respect for the man and his family. Just my thoughts and obviously your gun to do with as you chooses.

[cubrock]

Man, I like the looks of that gun.

[potatojudge]

More info on the grips would help a bit too. They look a lot like the Hogues I have on my 500 Linebaugh, which is to say they look good fit well and have some much appreciated additional thickness, but don't really increase the value of the gun like custom grips would.

[squawberryman]

Tree fiddy

[eisenhower]

Apr 13, 2023 13:21:46 GMT -5 potatojudge said:

More info on the grips would help a bit too. They look a lot like the Hogues I have on my 500 Linebaugh, which is to say they look good fit well and have some much appreciated additional thickness, but don't really increase the value of the gun like custom grips would.

Grips are figured walnut, done by Dustin as the pistol was being manufactured by his Dad. They are ground perfectly with the frame before either was finished - which is to say, they couldn't fit more perfectly if the gun grew out of the tree! Really beautiful work by father and son.

[eisenhower]

Guys, here's a thread from 11 years ago when I was thinking about selling the gun (and I didn't have arthritis back then!). It has some larger, better pictures than I can post here (someone actually helped me post them then too.) In case you're interested in seeing better pics ...

Ignore the Colt SAA - I still have it, but I don't fear its impact on my joints!

DeWayne

singleactions.proboards.com/thread/9102/premium-unfired-linebaugh

[longoval]

The value has never been higher

[potatojudge]

Dustin grips are expensive, top tier, and his wait is loooooooong

Whatever the estimate is, presume value on the high side with Dustin grips.

That’s a grail gun

[mike454]

I wouldn't post it up for sale for $5500-$6000. I'd be afraid someone would buy it.

[aciera]

Apr 13, 2023 18:21:57 GMT -5 mike454 said:

I wouldn't post it up for sale for $5500-$6000. I'd be afraid someone would buy it.

Best answer yet.

[eisenhower]

Apr 13, 2023 18:21:57 GMT -5 mike454 said:

I wouldn't post it up for sale for $5500-$6000. I'd be afraid someone would buy it.

I appreciate the sentiment. But I realized when I retrieved it from the bank vault recently and hefted it up at arm's length, if the weight alone is uncomfortable on my aching joints, the recoil would probably have me in agony for days, so its only value to me now is as a masterwork from a master of the art. I'd rather invest that money in guns I can actually shoot comfortably. But I also hear the point that there's no rush to sell it - it will only appreciate in the years to come.

[bigbrowndog]

And once it’s sold you will not be able to replace it, for any price. I agree with hanging on to it as long as you can, find the money for others elsewhere.

Trapr

[bigbore5]

A 475 with a lighter bullet and loaded to a mild velocity (800-900) really doesn't recoil painfully. It's a roll versus a jab. Most who try it say it's no worse than the 357 standard loads from the Bisley, without the muzzle blast. Try 325gr bullets and Trailboss or other powder for 750-850fps.