I am curious about the opinions here of the value of a poster child pistol. By poster child, I mean a gun that was widely advertised with photos, in this case, the advertisement campaign announcing the 'William B. Ruger Endowment Special NRA Edition Mark II Pistol'. As a dealer back then, I was made aware of the coming introduction of the 'William B. Ruger Endowment Special NRA Edition Mark II Pistol' through Davidsons. The special flyer from Davidson's had a large color picture of the 'William B. Ruger Endowment Special NRA Edition Mark II Pistol'. The serial number of the pictured pistol could be seen easily which was NRA-00357. This first Bill Ruger comemmorative pistol was a combined project by Ruger, NRA and Davidsons. The first 500 serial numbers were available for a $100 donation to the NRA Foundation. I called Davidsons and asked if serial number NRA-00357 was available and was told it was already taken. Later, I was able to contact my salesman at Davidsons and asked again and yes!...it was available. I promptly made arrangements to secure that serial number. As the advertising campaign progressed, I collected a large number of industry publications that had color pictures of the pistol that clearly showed the serial number. Additionally, a special limited edition of the Blue Book of gun values was produced. The cover shows the pistol with the serial number clearly visible. As the purchaser of the serial number, I was allowed to buy a copy of the special edition Blue book, serialized 357 and personally signed by Wayne La Pierre and William B. Ruger Jr. I collected dozens of publications showing the pistol with serial number legible including Guns and Ammo, Shooting Industry, Gun List, American Firearms, American Handgunner, Davidson's Flyers, American Hunter, Shooting Times, Woman's Outlook, America's First Freedom, American Rifleman, Shotgun News, Special Advertising Clip Art from Ruger, plus, there are probably more publications that I missed that could be tracked down to add to the collection. The gun is still in mint condition in the original case which also bears the serial number. This is a unique gun, seen by tens of millions via the extensive advertising campaign. There is no comparison that I know of to base a value on. I had the gun at auction for $10,000.00 (ten thousand) and was tentatively sold at $7,500.00. The buyers wanted to make payments to which I agreed. Their first check cleared but, then, they defaulted. I waited nearly a year and contacted them asking what they wanted to do. I offered them their money from the first payment back but, they said they still wanted the gun. They sent another check but, that bounced. The last contact I had with them, they still wanted the deal but, I have given up on them. Upon selling, I will refund their total investment. Now, I am going to put it back up for auction and would be much obliged for your opinion as to what value to put on the gun and collection of industry publications that show the gun and serial number clearly. I am thinking back to the first selling price of $7,500.00..cash or cash and trade. I am grateful for any input you are willing to share. Thanks very much
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