A quick question about a few older Smiths.

[S&W620]

My grandmother is looking to sell a pair of my late grandfathers revolvers and has asked me to help her in the process.

My question is fairly simple. I'd like to know when each of these revolvers was manufactured as well as a fair asking price for these guns, let's go with good to excellent condition.

1.) Blued Model 19-3, .357 Magnum with a 4 in bbl. Serial number AK92XX.

2.) Nickel Model 29-03, .44 Magnum with either a 5 or 6 inch barrel (I haven't seen the guns myself, so this is per grandma). Serial number AVA8XXX.

Any help in dating or pricing would be much appreciated.

 

[Starter52]

Gun #2 was made between July and December 1987.

Gun #1 - ??? I think you have the serial number wrong. Model 19-3 revolvers were made from 1967 - 1977.

 

[S&W620]

Any suggestions as to what may be wrong?

Could I have heard the first "A" wrong, and could it have been an "8"?

Thanks for the help so far by the way.

 

[S&W620]

Any ideas on prices?

 

[Chindo18Z]

Lot of variables (mainly finish condition; presence/absence of original grips, box, & accesories; ABSENCE of any gunsmithing, modifications, or customization), but...

Assuming factory original good to excellent condition w/ factory wood grips:

1. M19-3: $375-$425

2. M29-3: $550-$650

If box & accessories (wrap, paperwork, screwdriver, cleaning jag, cleaning rod), then add $50-$75

Edited: Raised price on nickel M29; if nickel is immaculate you might ask for a bit more.

Hope this helps...

 

[Starter52]

8K92xx makes a lot more sense.

8Kxxxx guns were made in 1975.

 

[BlindJustice]

You might also ask on the Smith & Wesson Forum on the
S&W Revolvers 1945 to Present Board

They'll get you in the ballpark, if you get a look at them
when visiting Grandma, locate a good pistol shop where they
can inspect the gun so you'll have an idea as to the condition
of the guns mechanically, etc.

 

[Ala Dan]

I have a pristine S&W mdoel 19-3* .357 magnum, circa of 1975 that I gave
$350 for in late December of '07; complete with original factory box, docs,
blank warranty card, and brown S&W wax paper~!

* FootNote: its serial number begins with a 7K prefix~!

 

[harmonic]

You can go here.........

http://www.gunsamerica.com/

...........and find the current prices.

 

[Brian Williams]

If I had a chance to buy a gun or 2 that belonged to my Grandfather, it would be worth more money than you think.

 

[S&W620]

Thanks for the replies fellas.

Brian, I'd love to buy one of these and I'm still working on it, but being a poor college student precludes me from spending too much.

Thanks again guys.

 

[earplug]

Offer to do some chores around the home in payment.

 

[Chindo18Z]

S&W620: Here are some recent prices on Model 29s sold on GunBroker Auction Board. I've bolded the prices and the nickel examples...

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=91723121
Blue, 29-5, Full Lug Barrel 6.5" - $400, FEB 08, CA

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=90798519
Blue, 29-5, Full Lug Barrel 6.5" - $455, FEB 08, IL

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=90891620
Blue, 29-5, NIB 6" - $475, JAN 08, OK

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=90580808
Blue, 29-2, NIB 6.5" - $505, FEB 08, OR

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=92018402
Nickel, 29-2, 6.5" - $520, FEB 08, OH

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=91386055
Nickel, 29-2, 4" - $555, FEB 08, GA

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=93092627
Blue, 29-?, 6" - $575, FEB 08, WA

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=94029867
Blue, 29 Bounty Hunter, 3" - $586, MAR 08, KY

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=91495743
Nickel, 29-?, 4" - $625, FEB 08, TX

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=93112601
Nickel, 29-2, 6" - $650, FEB 08, IL

$400-$650 price range for ten revolvers from various parts of the country. Folks are asking $700-$900, but not normally getting those prices unless weapon is in LNIB condition, original accessories, or/and in the wood presentation box.

As you can see, nickel finish tends to command a small premium over blue.

Also keep in mind that these prices do not reflect shipping, insurance, FFL transfer fees, or taxes...all of which could add another $100 to the delivered price.

Advise your Grandmother to advertise locally, and have a gun/money-savvy friend or relative in attendence for FTF sales. Otherwise, I'd recommend a consignment sale through a reputable gun shop.

As others have suggested, see if you can come to a lay-away/pay-as-you-go arrangement with your Grandmother. It'd be nice to keep them in the family and in the care of someone who would treasure them.

Hope this helps.