Model 28 pricing has been increasing dramatically over the past two years - I would not be suprised if a mint 28 with box, paperwork and tools went for $500 or more. If you bought it in new in '82 it could be a 28-2, still pinned and recessed, which will bring a bit more collector interest, but a NIB 28-3 (the dash 3 was intro. in '82) will still bring a nice price. I am assuming actual mint, no turn line, unopened tool bag, all the paperwork and a nice box.
Tough decision, but you bought it for yourself on your birthday, will it give you more pleasure to shoot it or keep it as a safe queen? As an alternative consider getting a shooter grade HP and putting your mint one in the safe, I still see, though not as often as in previous years, nice 28's that are mechanically fine but may only have 60% - 80% finish left go for $350 or so.
Tough decision, but you bought it for yourself on your birthday, will it give you more pleasure to shoot it or keep it as a safe queen? As an alternative consider getting a shooter grade HP and putting your mint one in the safe, I still see, though not as often as in previous years, nice 28's that are mechanically fine but may only have 60% - 80% finish left go for $350 or so.