Help with ID on this S&W revolver

[3rdpig]

Recently after doing some work for a client and knowing me for a gun lover, when I presented them with the bill they trotted out this old Smith revolver (pics below) and offered to trade me for the work I did...which of course I did, considering that the gun is probably worth twice the amount of my bill. And yes, I told them as much, but they didn't care, just wanted to get rid of the gun without the fear of selling it to someone that would commit a crime with it. Anyway, the old man said he bought it used in either 1962 or 1963. It's got no model number on it, just the S&W logo on the right hand side of the frame and "S&W 357 MAGNUM" on the right side of the barrel. Nothing on the left side of the frame and "SMITH & WESSON" on the left side of the barrel. Also on the right hand side of the frame is:

MADE IN U.S.A
MARCAS REGISTRADAS
SMITH & WESSON
SPRINFIELD MASS.

I've got an old set of Pachmeyer grips that fit it and the box they were in was marked "S&W N Frame", so it's either an N frame or the grips were mismarked.

Also, I'd like some clue as to it's current value. The gun is in good mechanical condition but the finish is pretty worn and the wood grips that came with it (not in the pics) look like aftermarket replacements. You should see the belt and holster he had it in, there were rounds in the cartridge loops and they were covered with green corrosion! He told me it's been in a box in his closet since the late 60's and I believe it. He had bought it for protection against bears and such when he used to go fishing and trapping in Alaska.

Thanks for any info.

 

[joab]

I'm not good with Smiths, but what do you think
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?item=42727827
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=42468022
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=42724031

 

[Old Fuff]

Well when it was made it was "the" flagship of Smith & Wesson's line of revolvers. You have a .357 Magnum (that it's name, as it was the only one made by S&W at that time). It is either a model 27, or more likely a pre-27. To get the details the serial number is needed, and it should be stamped on the bottom of the butt. You'll have to remove the stocks to read it.

 

[Peter M. Eick]

Looks like a "pre-27". Look at the side plate. You can see the 5th screw so it is a pre-1958/57 gun if I remember right. The sights tell you it is a post war gun.

Give us the serial number and we can get more accurate, but I would be pretty confident it would be a pre-27.

 

[Old Fuff]

Give us the serial number and we can get more accurate, but I would be pretty confident it would be a pre-27.

I would be too, except S&W was known to make guns later using frames that were made earlier. For that reason I'd like to know the serial number before making a judgment.

 

[Marshall]

It appears to have Pachmayr Presentaion grips. Do you like them? I have them on a Model 13, they fit my hand excellently.

 

[3rdpig]

Sorry, I meant to put the serial number in the original post and just forgot. It's 1008xx. The serial numbers all match. And here's another pic with the wood grips that were on it. They've got a big thumb shelf and since I'm a lefty they had to come off. I haven't fired it yet but the Pach grips I had laying around fit the gun and my big mitt. It's also got the lightest, crispest (is that a word) SA trigger pull I've ever felt on a standard revolver. Sorry for the blurry pic, it's hard to get a nice pic of a blued gun with no tripod.

 

[Old Fuff]

The wood grips are aftermarket replacements. The original ones were probably made of selected walnut and called “maga stocks,” or “maga service stocks.”

The serial number should include a letter prefix - such as "S". I will presume that it is S 1008xx, although I could be in error, so take the following with a grain of salt.

If my speculation is correct the revolver was made somewhere around 1953 or 54. It should be noted that the "S" serial numbers were used on a number of different models, and the number 100,800 does not signify that .357 Magnum production equaled that number. In reality it was much less.

As Smith & Wesson did not start identifying models with numbers until 1957 it is, as Peter suspected, a "pre-model 27." Given the era during which it was made it is an exceptionally fine revolver, finish wear not withstanding. The company lavished extra hand fitting on it far above that accorded to ordinary models.

I am not sure what you're fee came to, but I think you did well for yourself. I would consider returning it to Smith & Wesson and having it refurbished and refinished. They don't make guns that way anymore - at least affordable ones.

 

[Old Fuff]

Concerning pictures: When you can, go outside on a slightly cloudy day (to soften sharp shadows) and you will find they are better. You can also use the flash outside (called "fill-flash") if you want to, as it will help freeze movement. Then back a bit further away and crop the picture later if you need to, otherwise use the macro setting on your camera - if it has one.

 

[Gordon]

I'll give you $300
then I will send it ot S&W for a reblue and tune up = $250 if nothing is too badly worn. + $60 in postage= $650 total(by the time it gets to me in the beggning)This would be a wash in it's actual value at that point, being refinished(albeit factory refinished) would be about $600.
If the gun was in 95% or better(with original grips) it would be worth $700-800

 

[3rdpig]

Old Fuff, there is an "S" in front of the serial number, it's so far to the left of the actual number I didn't think it was part of it. I appreciate the info and agree with you in that it is a very finely made and fitted piece and it's definetly a keeper. I also agree that returning it to Smith is a good idea and one that I will definetly consider. I think I owe those nice folks a couple of freebies too.

Thanks to you and to everyone that provided info.

 

[3rdpig]

I'll give you $300
then I will send it ot S&W for a reblue and tune up = $250 if nothing is too badly worn. + $60 in postage= $650 total(by the time it gets to me in the beggning)This would be a wash in it's actual value at that point, being refinished(albeit factory refinished) would be about $600.
If the gun was in 95% or better(with original grips) it would be worth $700-800

Thanks, but I think I'll keep it. The next time I'm at the gun show I'll search for a set of original grips, but I've got the feeling from a quick search of the auction sites that they're not going to be easy to find, or inexpensive. But thanks for your offer and the appraisal.

 

[Old Fuff]

Given that it is a pre-model 27, with a five-screw frame, recessed chambers, pinned barrel, and all of that good stuff - I'd put the base value at $350 or better, and climbing. That of course might depend on where you are buying & selling of course...

In any case if it was factory refinished and they mark it as such, you'd have little or no trouble recovering your money. It is unlikely that S&W will make any more, and if they do it will be a special run, won't be exactly the same, and retail in excess of $1,000.00

 

[Old Fuff]

The next time I'm at the gun show I'll search for a set of original grips, but I've got the feeling from a quick search of the auction sites that they're not going to be easy to find, or inexpensive.

Post a "wanted" thread on this forum - you might get a hit. Anyway, finding K-frame stocks isn't too hard. N-Frame usually is.

 

[Gordon]

Original Diamond (which are correct) Magna std grips for N frame go for about $80 on E bay in excellent cond. Try item # 7211776582 I was just showing you what the gun is/could be worth! In 10 years that refinished $600 will be worth double!

 

[thatguy]

It is indeed a Pre-27 from around 1952-3 (don't have my book handy). Looks to be a 6" barrel which is the most common.

Given its condition and non-original stocks it would probably bring around $250-$300 if offered at auction. Very nice ones are seen at $400 or so.