[Jim NE]

It looks in good shape...I'll check to see if it's an original finish. If it IS an original finish, it's in excellent condition. Does NOT have original grips (rubber aftermarkets.) They're asking $500 but may go to $450. Is it worth it? If not what IS it worth? Many Thanks! - Jim

[rcmodel]

$500 is more then I would pay for one without the factory grips, box, and papers.
$450? Maybe, if I just had to have the first one I came across.

These are asking prices, not selling prices:
http://www.gunsamerica.com/912774648/Guns/Pistols/Smith-Wesson-Revolvers/Pocket-Pistols/S_W_Model_34_No_Dash.htm

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=263219388

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=263934097



I paid $250 for this one two years ago, and figured it was worth $450 then.

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j219/rcmodel/KTOG/Model1953KitGun.jpg

rc

[Jim NE]

RC, thanks for the info and perspective.

Also, when looking through the Standard Catalog for S&W they made some reference to a "improved I frame" as well as a j frame on this model. Was the improved I frame just another name for a j frame, or were there actually 2 different frames used in making this gun? It said something about different cylinder lengths. Was the improved I frame more rare or something?Thanks again.

[Gordon]

Hey that is a nice flat latch Kit gun! My first pistol wuz a Model 34 snub I received from an NYPD detective uncle RIP!Still have it after almost 50 years, pretty blue worn from out and in the Chic Gaylord holster but still smooth.

[rcmodel]

S&W made the I-Frame in 6-shot .32 at first.
It had a flat mainspring like the all later larger S&W's.
The Improved I-Frame used a coil mainspring like all later J-Frames.

Finally, the J-Frame was a lengthened Improved I-Frame long enough for a .38 Spl cylinder window.

Finally later lengthened again in 1995 to accept a .357 length cylinder.

As for the Kit Guns?
They can be traced clear back to the .22/.32 Bekeart Target model made 1911 - 1941.
Which was followed by the pre-war .22/.32 Kit Gun in 1935 - 1941.
Which was followed by the .22/.32 Kit Gun post-war in 1946 - 1952.
All of the above were I-Frame

That was followed by the Model of 1953 .22/.32. (Improved I-Frame)
Which was replaced with the J-Frame in 1961.

Also the normal progression of five-screw, four-screw, and three-screw models through the years

Mine is an Improved I-Frame made about 1957, with the Flat Latch, which went away in 1966.

rc