Theories on why Sheridan SuperGrades prices have risen to such heights?

[45flint]

I started collecting three years ago and have a pretty diverse collection of both European and American Airguns.  I started more with older European guns given my love for blued milled firearms.  After three years you get a pretty good feel for prices and values. If your collecting American Airguns you eventually have to look at the Sheridan SuperGrade, probably the pinicle of American Airgun collecting.  The obvious issue for the new collector is the price seems way higher than any other rare Airgun I see.  Extremely rare European airguns don’t seem to generate prices like this?  Why?  I know Sheridan lovers will just says it’s the best and thus worth every penny but here are some thoughts.

1. America did not have the diverse Airgun manufacturing of Europe. You had just 3 players (or you could argue less) in the higher end market.  Higher end Airguns were made for a century in Europe, in this country I think there was a pretty brief period of high excellence, right after WW2.  Yes much innovation occurred after this but the thrust tended to be cheaper materials for the mass market.

2. Given the lack of diversity, in America you have more dedication to one brand.  I see that here more than in Europe.  I collect and shoot just “Sheridans” Again I don’t see that as much on European websites?

3. Hoarding - this is not meant in a bad sense.  But if there is one standout that I’m interested in as a collector, there is a greater tendency for that collector to concentrate on just that one gun. I see SuperGrade collectors with multiple guns, that’s their focus.  They bought over the years and now a lot of these guns are tied up in collections.   As an opposite example, I see Crosman 108’s come on the market that were obviously shooters that just now were probably picked up at an estate auction for example.  Every SuperGrade I have seen in the last three years of my short experience is coming out of a collection.

Yes a lot of rambling but in the end the above means I will probably never own one.   

[Yng@hrt]

Some collectors focus their attention on one or two models, me included. For some it is far too difficult to concentrate on more than two & make sound purchases; me included. I need to know everything I possibly can about each model, set goals for completing a collection, decide which guns within that model are paramount (which for me are transitional models), & finally, go after only those guns. Otherwise my collection would be in vain.

Another version would be to find out which models (again only choosing one make) were the most sought after in their heyday.  Daisy is a prime example! Can you imagine trying to find every vintage daisy ever built? This is why I narrowed my search.

As for the Supergrade; I am in no hurry to pull the trigger. I know of at least 5 that are for sale & no disrespect to Supergrade collectors, but there are other models that appeal to me more, at least for the moment. So Steve, I really don’t think you would have trouble finding one if you really tried.

[eeler1]

I sold mine to a guy that really wanted one and who I felt would appreciate it.  Now, 4 years later, that guy’s got a half dozen of them.  Got the bug for them, and the cash I guess.  Maybe got or is on the lookout for a model B, which is even more rare.  He’s become focused in his collecting, and apparently has the cash to get what he wants.  Yes, a hoarder.

I enjoyed having it, shooting it a bit, and owning something everyone else wanted, but nobody else had.  The interest in these things has little to do with shooting, as it isn’t the best choice even among pumpers.  But those  of us of a certain age have an affection for Sheridans or Benjamins, lots of old guys get all warm and fuzzy when they see a tootsie roll pump arm.  Many of us are able now to afford this stuff, as opposed to our younger days.

[Cloud 9]

As an engineer, I appreciate the quality of workmanship, materials, design, and the accuracy present in the Supergrade.  I bought one after I bought a few Sheridans, because it was the pinnacle of American airguns.  Now I have 3, but didn't intend to have that many.  Sometimes they just come along for the right price and you have to pick one up as an investment.  I also have a B model, just so that I have one, but I really like the A models the best.

[45flint]

Some collectors focus their attention on one or two models, me included. For some it is far too difficult to concentrate on more than two & make sound purchases; me included. I need to know everything I possibly can about each model, set goals for completing a collection, decide which guns within that model are paramount (which for me are transitional models), & finally, go after only those guns. Otherwise my collection would be in vain.

Another version would be to find out which models (again only choosing one make) were the most sought after in their heyday.  Daisy is a prime example! Can you imagine trying to find every vintage daisy ever built? This is why I narrowed my search.

As for the Supergrade; I am in no hurry to pull the trigger. I know of at least 5 that are for sale & no disrespect to Supergrade collectors, but there are other models that appeal to me more, at least for the moment. So Steve, I really don’t think you would have trouble finding one if you really tried.

Yes I agree I could easily get a SuperGrade but to me they are inflated to the point it makes no sense. 

[Yng@hrt]

^^^I respectfully disagree. The SuperGrade is & will always be the pinnacle of the American air rifle & as such warrants those prices. Why wouldn't a SuperGrade's price be warranted when a Daisy model 21 in excellent condition commands the same price? All guns my friend in above average condition are commanding prices never seen before. 

[BillK]

So. what is a fair market price on a Super Grade now?

[Yng@hrt]

I was quoted 5 month's ago anywhere from $1,200 to $3,000 depending on condition & whether it was a model A or B.

[45flint]

Saw a A last week on the Bay at $1699 which was about as good as it gets.  Was taken off after a week don’t know if it sold.  I bet those that own them are asking the same thing? With collectibles like this condition can make a huge impact on value.

I think Marty is correct in that the economy is doing well right now so there is a lot of money to chase collectibles. 

[19Sheridan57]

   There are always some items that are just more desirable , better, built, better looking , rarer,  than other items, & they command a premium. A 1955 or 1957 Chevy will bring much more than a 1956. A Sheridan Model B will bring more than an A , even thought the A , in my opinion, is a nice rifle. There were fewer Model B's made, so they are harder to find. These rifles were never cheap, even when brand new ! What someone will pay can always drive the price up, just like you see in auctions.
  I had a stable full of Sheridan Model C's, but didn't have an A or B. My first was just a good shooter. Then, I wanted a very nice one ,  so I found one & paid more for it. Then, I had to have the other model. I will still buy one, if I think they are a good price. They are not cheap & according to condition will bring anywhere from $1000 to $3000 , with most selling around the $1500-1800 price range.

[45flint]

I enjoyed having it, shooting it a bit, and owning something everyone else wanted, but nobody else had.  The interest in these things has little to do with shooting, as it isn’t the best choice even among pumpers.

Curious what you consider the best pumper and where the Super-Grade falls short here?

[Yng@hrt]

But those  of us of a certain age have an affection for Sheridans or Benjamins, lots of old guys get all warm and fuzzy when they see a tootsie roll pump arm.  Many of us are able now to afford this stuff, as opposed to our younger days.

Guilty as charged Jon.
That tootsie roll is a gun magnet.
I love watching old westerns so now the model 1894 has turned into another magnet.

[avator]

I guess I look at it a bit differently than some.
I mean.. there is no doubt that I would love to own a minty fresh Super but, would I give up 16 to 30 prewar Crosman 101s for one?

Nope.
Not even 10.

[eeler1]

I enjoyed having it, shooting it a bit, and owning something everyone else wanted, but nobody else had.  The interest in these things has little to do with shooting, as it isn’t the best choice even among pumpers.

Curious what you consider the best pumper and where the Super-Grade falls short here?

In terms of contemporary guns, really the only comparable gun would be the Crosman 108, which I have never owned and so can't compare.

Crosman made an early run of 392/7's with the soldered compression chamber and a better trigger unit, that would shoot as well if not better than the A.  Actually, I'd buy one of those before any other pumper if I wanted a shooter.  Wish I had one now, actually.  Let me know if  you do and want to divest of it.

No, Model A doesn't fall short.  Plenty accurate and powerful.  Just saying that the A isn't 3 times better than the C in terms of shooting.  Both will be similar in accuracy and power.  Better quality?  Sure.  Power and accuracy?  Not so much better than other guns.

Let's see, maybe the Daystate Sportsman, Sharp Ace or Innova, or in modern form maybe the FX Independence, all of which have superior triggers, comparable or better power, and similar or better accuracy.  And can be easily scoped. 

Loved my Model A, but shot it only for show on special occasions.  Shot the C or the Benji 312, even the Cros. 140, way more often.

[19Sheridan57]

 VERY NICE Crosman 101 & 102"s have increased in price in recent years , too, but don't bring as much as the Sheridan A's & B's. Maybe one day , they will be in the $1500 range. Ten years ago, a nice Sheridan Model A would fetch $700 .

[45flint]

VERY NICE Crosman 101 & 102"s have increased in price in recent years , too, but don't bring as much as the Sheridan A's & B's. Maybe one day , they will be in the $1500 range. Ten years ago, a nice Sheridan Model A would fetch $700 .

Interesting that if you put that $700 into a inflation calculator in 2008 the price would be $820 today.  That’s really quite unusual.  I don’t think you get that unless the market is restricted by the factors above.  To me the most obvious is hoarding.  The risks of buying now is at some point a hoarders stash will come to market.  If you watch the Antiques Roadshow they often return old shows and compare where the prices are now. Surprisingly there are many that go down. 

[moorepower]

All it takes is 2 guys or gals with $$ that want the same thing.