A "similar" Sterlingworth likely does not exist. That is not a commodity item, like an original SW or even a restored SW. It is a purely custom American SxS based on a SW platform.
Therefore, as a one-of-a-kind custom gun, it is worth whatever the seller and buyer agree upon. The way I would value such a gun is to decide 1) it is perfect for me and I would like to own it or one just like it. Then 2) what would it cost me to reproduce it? And 3) does the cost to own it represent a bargain with respect to the cost to duplicate it?
In this case, having employed celebrity craftsmen, the owner is probably justified in claiming "no expense was spared." IMO, if all the work was commissioned from professionals, the gun could possibly be duplicated for the asking price, but with all the risk, angst and possibly frustration of a 2-year+ project.
Without passing personal judgement on the individual gun, the fact is, one person thought it was a worthwhile project. I don't see anything distasteful or out of the mainstream about it and I'd be surprised if he doesn't get $5K out of it.
Last edited by mike campbell; 10/24/12 11:48 PM.
