[HK23BEACH]

Like someone to maybe give some input on this 1955 Smith model 31 with 3 inch barrell.Has the complete box and all original paperwork.The ORIGINAL BOX.Even the original warrenty card to mail in!Maybe shot 3 times.It is a 32 cal.Perfect condition!
I have a chance to buy it.Would 325.00 be too much if so some idea!

Thanks for the help!
HK23BEACH

[rgs1975]

I'd buy that in a split second for twice the money. BUT, you have to take that with a grain of salt because I'm in CA and these are nearly impossible to find here. Consequently they sell for more money than they would in other states. Add to that the fact that I've been looking for one for over a year and I'd pay crazy money for one right now lol.

[Moonclip]

Thats a good pirce, you should probably buy it.

[Shade00]

You kidding? Worth that in a heartbeat. Buy it!

[machinisttx]

I'll be buying one this week at that price, but it's not in as good of condition. I am getting a free shoulder holster with it though.

[Walkalong]

In a heartbeat.

[foghornl]

What??? It ISN'T ALREADY residing in HK23's Artillery Locker?

[Gordon]

Best Kit Gun - ever!

[bflobill_69]

In the condition your describing, that is a STEAL...

Bflobill_69

[machinisttx]

I picked mine up today, and the wife claimed it.

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b20/imakechips/smith%20and%20wesson/100_0835.jpg

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b20/imakechips/smith%20and%20wesson/100_0836.jpg

[Guillermo]

buy it

or you will be sorry

:(

[Old Fuff]

In 1955 the Korean War was over, and accelerated production associated with it were in the past. Smith & Wesson was still a family-owned company, without higher corporation overlords. Labor and other overhead costs had not risen to the point where substantial cost-cutting compromises were necessary. While all production wasn't perfect, the odds are way, way in your favor.

[PigPen]

I am not a collector so I really don't know the price or availability....Perhaps it is OK! Good period with S&W quality, as new quality, complete with box and all, about 50 years old.

Now. What do you do with a 32. It's not as cheep or as versatile as a .22 It isn't as effective as a .38. It's a caliber looking for a collector. Now if it was at least a .38....well now...!

Sorry to rain on your parade but I feel that you wanted the truth.

PigPen

[Old Fuff]

PigPen:

I got news for ya'.... :)

.32's can be a lot of fun, and they are easy and inexpensive to reload.

On the other hand, the Model 31 Regulation Police was made in relatively small quantites after World War Two, and this one is like-new and in-the-box.

Yes, some collectors just might be interested, and they have deep pockets...

Which translates into $$$$$$$$$

You don't like $$$$$$$$?? ;)

[Shade00]

I would love to get a Mod. 31 one day, but the Mod. 34 (or 43) must come first.

I am not a collector per se, as I do not have the funds to be one, but if I have the opportunity to buy a really nice firearm with the original box and papers for a good price.... well, I'll be extra happy. :)

[HK23BEACH]

Thanks everyone for the imput and helping me.I did get the gun.It was a 31-1 in the original paper box with papers.It still has the new grease on it.It also has the matching type Bianchi tan holster.The gun is in unbeleiveable condition.Oh!I saved 4 bucks...Only 321.00 I am very happy,now to find ammo?Thanks again for the great help!OH!!! I called SMITH & WESSON they said it was made in 1952? I don't really understand how it could have been made then and it was in a box with 1955 stamp marks.Oh! Well I will research that somemore.Thanks again!
Hk23BEACH

[Old Fuff]

Depending on demand, there can be a big difference between when a gun was made, and when it was shipped. The serial number can be, but isn't always, an indicator when the gun was made, but not necessarily when it was shipped.

At the time (early-middle) 1950's the company's line of .32 revolvers weren't particularly popular, as users for the most part were moving in the direction of larger calibers.

Before you shoot it I will mention that the book value of a as-new/original box and papers Model 31 is between $375 to $400. You might want to keep it as a collectable, or sell it to a collector, and use the money to buy a more useable shooter. You might also swing a flaming trade with a collector. ;)

[SlamFire1]

A new in the box, with papers, M31.! :what:

That is an investment, not a shooter. There are very few revolvers of that vintage in mint condition.

Like new guns continue to increase in value, at a rate much faster than lesser guns.

Think twice before pulling the trigger.

[Shade00]

I concur, but also argue that it will be difficult to refrain from shooting such a gun. But... I think I could do it, especially if she's got that beautiful original blue. :) Show us some pictures.

[Will5A1]

HK23 - congrats on getting a great revolver, and please do post pics if you can.

Is it stamped 31-1 on the frame inside? The reason I ask is that S&W didn't start the modern model numbering system until 1957 - if you have a serial number that S&W tells you dates to 1952, and it is stamped on the frame 31-1 (the dash 1 wasn't introduced until the early '60s), you have an exceptionally interesting revolver there; I can think of only one possibility to account for that - the serial number was transferred from an earlier revolver upon return to the factory (gun damaged by fire, blown cylinder, etc.) and as the original revolver was not repairable the factory would, at the customer's request, transfer the old number to a new frame.

If that is the actually the case the gun is, I beleive, an investment, and better left unfired. It is deserving of a factory letter also. Maybe I'm missing something in your posts, or others will have a different opinion, but I can't figure it any other way.

Please do post pictures and let us know.

[Old Fuff]

Smith and Wesson’s can be an enigma, within an enigma…

To start with they serial numbered frames before they were made into complete guns. So it is quite possible that a frame with a 1955 era number didn’t get made into a revolver until years later. If this happened after 1957 the model number would have been added then when the revolver was completed. Or in this case the Model 31-1 was created in 1961 (Serial # 712,954) when the improved I-frame was discontinued and the J-frame replaced it.

There is one way to know for sure. For a reasonable $30.00 fee S&W will have they’re historian, Mr. Roy Jinks research the original records and determine exactly when the gun was shipped from the factory, and to what distributor or dealer. Note that this information comes from shipping, not production records. If there is anything special about the gun he’ll find it.

For additional information and instructions concerning factory historical letters go to the following link:

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CustomContentDisplay?storeId=10001&catalogId=11101&content=25301&sectionId=10504

[HK23BEACH]

I will get a picture to show everyone by this weekend maybe sooner.I will be calling S&W back tomorrow to get a verification on the serial number.I really appreciate everyones help.I will reply tomorrow with what I find out.
Thanks!
HK23BEACH

[Old Fuff]

If you would, please post the serial number, located on the butt. If there are any letters include them, and use xx for the last two numbers.

[HK23BEACH]

H423xx is what I have.Matches the box also!

[Old Fuff]

Ah... Nothing like getting all of the information. The "H" makes a big difference.

The "H" series of nunbers started in 1969 at H 00001, not in 1952 or 1955.

H 42,3xx should have been made in 1971, or perhaps 1972

This gun truly should be lettered to find out happened..

[Guillermo]

Old Fuff has spoken

get it lettered
(not to be confused with "pinstriped")

[Old Fuff]

Old Fuff has spoken

But sometimes a cog slips... :eek:

Hopefully if I turn out to be right HK23BEACH will not be disapointed. Because of the relatively few pieces that are in the condition his find is, little or no value will be lost. A letter serves to confirm all of the important details, and would increase the value of the entire package well beyond the cost of the letter itself. This is the reason any exceptional collectable should be documented. Then of course it is often interesting to find out about a gun that has been handed down through several generations of a family.

This thread also shows the importance of listing all the important information about a gun, such as the serial number, other markings, cylinder or magazine capacity, barrel length, stocks, finish and whatever else may be available.

Pictures are also a great help because details missed by the gun's owner may be recognized by others. In this case the fact that the revolver was made on the J-frame platform would have attracted attention and quickly led to a better identification. :)

[HK23BEACH]

Old fuff I appreciate your help.
Basically what happen I was given the serial number by a friend who usually knows guns.He gave me the number by the cylinder and the model number when you open it.I went on what I was given.He also somewhat went on the information on the paper box printed 1955.So that is how it got started.I did not know he had the incorrect number.The correct serial#is on the butt.I appreciate everyones help! I am a little disappointed it wasn't from the 50's.However it is a really like new 31-1.I am still happy with it!
I will get some good pictures for everyone to see!
Thanks again!
HK23BEACH

[shooter514]

hey guys new here.... not to jump on someone else post but i have a mod 31-1 i just got back from my mother (gave it to her for home defense 10yrs ago) and could someone tell me what year mine is?? #7919xx its in nice condition maybe 80-90 % thanks...

[jhvaughan2]

However it is a really like new 31-1.I am still happy with it!
If you are not, PM me and I'll take it off your hands...with a profit. ;)
Good find! Enjoy.

[SaxonPig]

Nice gun but it can't be from 1955. Model numbers weren't used until 1957and the -1 would be after 1960.

I bet you read 1955 on the box lid? That's the copyright date on the printed material.