1960's Prices
At one time in the United States, handguns could be ordered by mail. Advertisements were in all magazines. Here is one such ad.
Yes, there are decimals in those prices. Read them and weep.
US MOD 1911 ARMY
The old reliable standby for more than 50 years; 7-shot, outside hammer, grip safety, new style Parkerized grey finish or blued. Perf. mechanically, VG bore. $55.00
S&W TRIPLELOCK
GOLD SEAL MILITARY MODEL
6-shot, solid frame, swingout cyl, DA, rebounding hammer; 6 & 1/2 barrel, extra housing integral to barrel into which crane and cylinder pin lock, making the action strong enough for the heaviest handloads. On the Gold Seal series, hammer & trigger have inserted bearing points to reduce friction, which together with the superior workmanship of these pre-war guns makes for exceptionally fine smooth crisp actions unequalled by most guns today. Made for the British Army, have now been rechambered. Almost VG in and out $60.00 Bore VG or better $67.50
Yes, there are decimals in those prices. Read them and weep.
Labels: Guns I should have bought, History, M1911's, Smith and Wesson
posted by Xavier at 8:10 PM
6 Comments:
The guns are a good price but look at the cost of ammo.
$2.75 and $$6.45!! per 50 is a lot of '60s $ per bang!!!!
Any one know if this was a typical price foe the time?
What cost $55.00 in 1960 would cost $348.52 in 2005.
What cost $60.00 in 1960 would cost $380.21 in 2005.
What cost $67.50 in 1960 would cost $427.73 in 2005.
http://www.westegg.com/inflation/
That's according to the Consumer Price Index, which is undoubtedly cooked by the feds in order to save on pensions and Social Security cost of living adjustments.
standard - A 1911 for $348? Where do I sign?
These are surplus pistols, hence the low prices.
I ran the price of a Remington 870 Wingmaster when it was first introduced (1951) through an inflation calculator, and the cost was within cents of what a Wingmaster costs today.
Of course todays Wingmasters have many features that the basic 1951 version lacked, such as a vent rib, interchangeable chokes, a recoil pad, and checkering. Sometimes you do get more for your money with today's guns.
Changes in relative price
If we have found a new way to make it will have got a lot cheaper
If it’s made buy a machine it will have got a bit cheaper
If it’s got much handwork in it is got a LOT more expensive
Since the 60’s we have on average got a lot richer. The down side is that products and services that use lots of manpower (hand fitted guns, pluming, hospital care, most government services) have got relatively more expensive. In lots of cases more expensive than we have got richer!!!
I bought a new S&W K-22 in eight grade (1962) for $98.00. I still have it but lost the box years ago. Which is why folks are seling them on Ebay
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