Claridge Hi-Tec 9mm Sells For $4,691.00

The price I'd pay for that thing is way lower than 1300...
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I'm a collector. I'd definitely pay $1,000 for it. I might pay $1,300 for the exact one I referenced with all the goodies. But, $4K+ is way way outside of what I'd pay for it. FWIW, this is not a piece of junk - it's actually a well made pistol.
 
It's not even a movie gun.

I'm left scratching my head here.

What's with the raygun nozzle muzzle device?
 
Lots of people pay a lot more than I would for various non-essential items like guns, boats, cars, big houses, furniture, fishing poles, shoes, clothes, etc, etc, etc.

I personally pay a lot more than most people would for various non-essential items like guns, boats, cars, big houses, furniture, fishing poles, shoes, clothes, etc, etc, etc.

You only live once, if you can afford it go for it.
 
Lots of easy money in a bull economy for the last few years has manifested as unpredictably high prices on collector assets like cars, guns, fine art, and more.
 
Kind of cool looking until you get to that drill bit/toilet plunger/ray gun thingie the end.
Without a rock n' roll fun switch on it I wouldn't give half your low ball figure.
 
I wonder why that Claridge S9 sold for so much. What are the current realistic going price for one just like it without the box and extras?
 
The 9mm Luger is "on the edge" of cartridges that require a locked breech, or to put it another way, of cartridges that can be used in a blowback pistol. It has been used in reasonably normal blowback handguns (Astra Model 600) and others, but is really better in a locked breech pistol to avoid excess weight and discomfort in firing. The Goncz/Claridge design is in the category of a 9mm using an unlocked (blowback) breech. Not many were made under either name and they are mainly notable for some movie use. In the movies, they provided a "sexy" appearance, but as practical guns, I suspect they would not stand up long under intensive firing. As for me, I have neither the money nor the inclination to buy one to see.

Jim
 
I appreciate the opinions on the gun. It is a bit rare and unusual. What would be the best source to get a feel for approximate value on one?
 
"...iconic pistol." It even shoots boring 9mm. The only way this thing wouldn't get laughed at at the range would be if it was a ray guy or full auto. $4000 :rolleyes:
 
ap3572001 said:
What would be the best source to get a feel for approximate value on one?
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Monitoring completed Gunbroker auctions in which the item sold, and sales at auction houses specializing in rare firearms.
 
Well. I saw two on Gunbroker ( that are recent ) ... one sold for an insane 4600.00 , the other went up as much as 3300.00 with reserve not met. However both were like new in box. I am trying to establish a value on a nice example of exactly the same gun as the other two , but without the box and all the accessories. ( just A factory magazine and one barrel attachment ). A ball park value on a conservative side. I also would like to know if stainless receiver makes a difference and HOW many S9 pistols were made.
 
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ap3572001 said:
I am trying to establish a value on a nice example of exactly the same gun as the other two , but without the box and all the accessories. ( just A factory magazine and one barrel attachment ). A ball park value on a conservative side.
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It's often difficult to establish the value of a legitimately rare and sought-after firearm like this one. It can turn into a long-term research project. There often isn't an easy answer.

A "nice" example of most guns is usually worth ~75% of the value of a LNIB example, but this estimate is subject to the vagaries of what constitutes "nice" condition, and to the relative rarity of LNIB examples. Firearms with high LNIB survival rates (so to speak) generally have less "spread" between LNIB and NRA Excellent condition.
 
Thanks. From very few examples of Claridge Hi-tec S9 pistols with stainless receiver , I noticed that most are in excellent condition , have the box and a couple other accessories. This one is in excellent condition. Without the box and extra accessories. I was originally thinking about 50% knock for lack of original box and other stuff. I know what You mean . The gun is somewhat rare and not too many are for sale .
 
Lots of easy money in a bull economy for the last few years has manifested as unpredictably high prices on collector assets like cars, guns, fine art, and more.
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It depends upon where you're looking, and how 'high' you're looking.
The 'Average Joe' classic car market took a nosedive with the recession, and hasn't done much to recover. The GM products, in particular, are stagnant: Novas, Chevelles, El Caminos, and the less-loved Buicks and Oldsmobiles are down in value or just barely holding steady.
If you jump to more desirable models (like Nomads or Carry-All panel trucks), and especially 'museum quality' or award winning cars, then the sky is the limit.

An 'Average Joe' '70 Nova SS with some upgrades, matching numbers, some miles on a rebuilt drive train, a straight body, complete interior, and decent paint might go for $13-18k. But jump to a 'museum-quality' resto-mod L78 Nova (SS 396), and you're looking at $65-80k just to kick the tires.

But back that pre-war Renault, White, or Curtiss out of the garage, and people start throwing money at you like it's a ticker tape parade.


It's the same thing in the gun world. Some things are in. Some things are not.
For example: I have an excellent condition, early 1936 Remington 241 that is a 'pre-Speedmaster' version, and has an out of sequence serial number.
All good stuff, that collectors like.
Eight years ago, similar examples were selling for $650 to $900+.
Mine has been up for sale, on and off, officially and unofficially, for about five years.
The absolute best offer I have gotten was $300. ...And that was from the previous owner, whom was experiencing some seller's remorse (but, apparently, not enough to match the value of what I gave him for it in trade :rolleyes:).

If it was a .22 Short-only, or Routledge version, it would sell in a heartbeat. ...For $1,200 ... $1,800 ... who knows where the bidding war would stop.
But as a .22 LR, the market has been saturated. The collectors that want them already have them. And the rest of the rifles are not of interest to modern shooters.
"Why would I buy that old thing, when I can get a new 10/22 and throw $2,000 worth of parts at it to replace the plastic!?"...
 
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