[Evyl Robot]

All,

I will try to get some pics to post on this subject. A friend of my dad's has a S&W revolver that he has offered to sell me. He says that it is a 4-inch, blued model 10, fully covered in hand engraving. He said that the gun is over 80-years old, and I have been told that it is in like new condition.

It is my understanding that they did not actually produce the model-10 as such until the fifties? So, either the gun is not a model-10, or it is not nearly as old as he thinks it is, right? The gentleman wants $500.00 for it. I know that there is more research to be done to ID the firearm in question, but I wondered if this sounds like a good deal at first glance.

At any rate, I believe that I will go look at the gun, take the serial number, get some pics, and post them for your assessment. I don't know if this is an old M&P or what. I hope he's mistaken, and it's actually a 15. I wouldn't at all mind having one of those in the stable. Any input is welcome. I hope to have more info for you soon. Thanks in advance, as always!

--Michael

[slustan83]

They didn't start giving number designations until the fifties. I'm sure someone will chime in with the specific dates and such, but the m&p was available for quite some time before the fifties.

[Jim Watson]

S&W has been making the Military and Police since 1899. They just assigned numbers in 1957.

Engraving will add value if it is
1. From the factory or
2. By a recognized name in the field or is at least
3. Really, really good looking.

I have seen some 90% engraved guns that should be polished smooth.

You need a look at the gun and probably identification by experts here.

[SaxonPig]

As noted, prior to 1957 it's properly called the Military & Police Model but many folks say Model 10 for convenience or out of ignorance of the difference.

Value will be dependent on the quality of the engraving. The gun in nice shape is probably worth $200-$250 so lets say he's asking $250 for the engraving. If it's a decent job it's worth that (assuming you want the gun).

Most of these guns turn out to have been engraved by a jeweler in a pawn shop or even in Mexico back when guns moved back and forth across the border. If it's a real hack job the value of the gun decreases. If halfway nice it goes up some. If really nice it goes up a bunch. If factory original (which would be very, very rare) then the value soars.

I happen to have an engraved Model 10. Most here have seen it before but maybe they won't mind if I post it again for your benefit. This engraving cost $500 and it's a very decent job. Not spectacular, but good. Compare this to the gun being offered.


http://www.fototime.com/67B279F24F5BD4B/standard.jpg

[Evyl Robot]

Thanks everyone! I'll try to get some pics together.

[Oro]

Lovely SaxonPig. Lovely. I'm contemplating finding someone to engrave a 2.5" 66-1. Any suggestions?

Evyl - we look forward to pics. If it's on the high end of engraving quality, $500 could be a real bargain. "Pre-10" is also how some folks describe pre-1957 M&P models. I prefer just "M&P" and then "pre-war" for those birth to 1941, or "post war M&P" for those 1945 to 1957. I know it's somewhat cumbersome, and who renames their gun 60 years later? But hey, that's Smith and Wesson.

[SaxonPig]

Michael Gouse did mine. $500 and 6 weeks.

www.mtart.com

[Erik]

I vote to ban anyone who complains about SP's reposting of his M10. Outright. With no appeal. :neener: