Help dating a S&W revolver - The Firearms Forum

wildrose_68 · 07-12-2012, 02:30 PM

I do not have the standard catalog for S&W. I've looked through numerous threads without luck.
Attached are pictures of two .357 that I think might be police service pistols. Neither have MOD stamped.

wildrose_68 · 07-12-2012, 02:34 PM

3 1/2" barrel - sn: S 79494
4 3/4" barrel - sn: B 54473

Alpo · 07-12-2012, 03:33 PM

The lack of a Model number means they were made before 1957.

Your S79494 was made in 1950 or 51.

The only B prefix I can find is for an Escort, which is a 22 pocket auto, which leads me to believe you have misread the number.

Ignore those numbers stamped on the barrel. What's the number stamped on the bottom of the grip? That's the serial number. It might be other places, but it will be there.

todd51 · 07-12-2012, 03:52 PM

Alpo look at that last picture with the stamp "REG 3215". Would that make it one of the 5224 .357 Registered Magnums? If so it may make a big difference in value. The registered magnums .357 were made from 1935 through 1939. Serial no. range 45768-62489.

Alpo · 07-12-2012, 04:05 PM

Yes. I was just over to the Smith board, asking if Registered Magnums were, in fact, stamped REG.

That one's some money, that is.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/lounge/...ed-magnum.html

wildrose_68 · 07-12-2012, 04:09 PM

Just took off the grip...
back of the S&W medalion says "S&W US PAT 2081438"

wildrose_68 · 07-12-2012, 04:09 PM

Where is the Smith board?

Alpo · 07-12-2012, 04:12 PM

On that 3 1/2" one, on the top strap (the rib between the front and rear sights) is it smooth, got long lines, or is it checkered? Is there a name stamped on the barrel, on the right side? Highway Patrolman?

Alpo · 07-12-2012, 04:13 PM

Follow my link.

Alpo · 07-12-2012, 04:15 PM

Number is on the bottom of the grip frame. You don't need to pull the grips. Those are Magna grips, and the entire grip frame is visible. The steel piece between the two pieces of wood.

wildrose_68 · 07-12-2012, 04:21 PM

Thanks. Followed the link, should I be happy? The owner's dad had this gun and had it price high. Do I want to know how much?

Alpo · 07-12-2012, 04:29 PM

All I know for sure is Registered Magnums are out of my price range. Or, anyway, out of what I'm willing to pay. I'd say an easy 12 hundred, going on up into the thousands. It don't look like it's in the best of shape - it appears to have been a "using gun" rather than a "collecting gun". But, as Todd said, there was only 5200 of 'em. That means they are valuable no matter what shape they are in.

todd51 · 07-12-2012, 04:33 PM

I won't even attempt to guess at the grading/condition of that revolver but if it is in fact a genuine .357 Registered Magnum, which it appears to be then according to the 29th Blue Book (latest I have around here) It is some where between $5500/95% to $2150/60%. I know that is a big spread but so many things go into establishing a value for a gun like that.

wildrose_68 · 07-12-2012, 04:33 PM

Thank you for your help. And thanks for noticing I am female, lol.

todd51 · 07-12-2012, 05:16 PM

Well it was either that our you had a liking for cheap wine and I doubted that was the case.

Alpo · 07-12-2012, 05:31 PM

I'm still curious about that 3 1/2. Whether it's a Highway Patrolman or a pre-27.

todd51 · 07-12-2012, 06:55 PM

I didn't know sooooo, I got the book out (Standard Catalog of S & W 3rd). It says that the Pre Model 28 Highway Patrol man first hit the market on April 15, 1954. So with this pistol's birthday in the '50/51 range just a Pre Model 27 as you thought.

Alpo · 07-12-2012, 07:20 PM

Actually, now that my brain has started working again, I think Highway Patrolmen only came in 4 and 6 inch. So that 3 1/2 couldn't be one.

You know you're just flying along, doing wonderful, and then do something stupid like that.

Oh well.

Jim K · 07-12-2012, 07:39 PM

A registered .357 Magnum is well before the use of model numbers; factory registration (yes, that marking is correct) was discontinued in 1939, while model numbering began in 1957. 3 1/2 inch was one of the standard barrel lengths

That Registered Magnum would be worth around $6000-7000. The "B" is not part of the serial number.

The later gun was made 1950-51 and would bring around $1200-1300.

I see nothing to indicate that either pistol was used by a law enforcement agency; factory letters would tell whether either gun was shipped to an agency, but not if it was purchased by an agency from a dealer, as some were.

Jim

todd51 · 07-12-2012, 08:05 PM

Hey Alpo. About that brain kicking in thing, did I ever tell you about the old fellow that couldn't flush seat his wad cutters?

Alpo · 07-12-2012, 09:45 PM

That does kinda sound familiar.

wildrose_68 · 07-13-2012, 10:03 AM

Naw, don't like the cheap stuff.

Took better picture of the 858. Not sure of the mark in the right corner. Haven't seen that one before.

Alpo · 07-13-2012, 10:55 AM

I thought that was a US military acceptance mark - the ordnance bomb - stamped sideways, but on closer look, I don't believe it is.

wildrose_68 · 07-13-2012, 10:58 AM

Yeah, I know. As I was describing the mark to my husband he thought the same thing. Got the gun back out and looked and nope. Different completely.

wildrose_68 · 07-13-2012, 11:03 AM

Ordering Standard Catalog of S & W 3rd.
The guns belong to a friend of ours who died recently. He had been collecting for years. Looking to sell most for his wife.
My husband has me doing the research on them so I learn. So I apprieciate you guys understanding.

07-12-2012, 02:30 PM	#1
wildrose_68 Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 33	Help dating a S&W revolver I do not have the standard catalog for S&W. I've looked through numerous threads without luck. Attached are pictures of two .357 that I think might be police service pistols. Neither have MOD stamped. Attached Images -->

07-12-2012, 02:34 PM	#2
wildrose_68 Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 33	Re: Help dating a S&W revolver 3 1/2" barrel - sn: S 79494 4 3/4" barrel - sn: B 54473

07-12-2012, 03:33 PM	#3
Alpo Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: NW Florida Posts: 8,662	Re: Help dating a S&W revolver The lack of a Model number means they were made before 1957. Your S79494 was made in 1950 or 51. The only B prefix I can find is for an Escort, which is a 22 pocket auto, which leads me to believe you have misread the number. Ignore those numbers stamped on the barrel. What's the number stamped on the bottom of the grip? That's the serial number. It might be other places, but it will be there. __________________ Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy, and taste good with catsup - George of Lod, Year of Our Lord 297 I always take precautions. Beware the Evil Bullet Fairies.

07-12-2012, 03:52 PM	#4
todd51 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Central, Ohio Contributor Posts: 2,573	Re: Help dating a S&W revolver Alpo look at that last picture with the stamp "REG 3215". Would that make it one of the 5224 .357 Registered Magnums? If so it may make a big difference in value. The registered magnums .357 were made from 1935 through 1939. Serial no. range 45768-62489. __________________ Retired Praefectus Vigilum NRA Endowment Member

07-12-2012, 04:05 PM	#5
Alpo Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: NW Florida Posts: 8,662	Re: Help dating a S&W revolver Yes. I was just over to the Smith board, asking if Registered Magnums were, in fact, stamped REG. That one's some money, that is. http://smith-wessonforum.com/lounge/...ed-magnum.html __________________ Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy, and taste good with catsup - George of Lod, Year of Our Lord 297 I always take precautions. Beware the Evil Bullet Fairies.

07-12-2012, 04:09 PM	#6
wildrose_68 Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 33	Re: Help dating a S&W revolver Just took off the grip... back of the S&W medalion says "S&W US PAT 2081438"

07-12-2012, 04:09 PM	#7
wildrose_68 Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 33	Re: Help dating a S&W revolver Where is the Smith board? Last edited by wildrose_68; 07-12-2012 at 04:12 PM.. Reason: misspelled

07-12-2012, 04:12 PM	#8
Alpo Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: NW Florida Posts: 8,662	Re: Help dating a S&W revolver On that 3 1/2" one, on the top strap (the rib between the front and rear sights) is it smooth, got long lines, or is it checkered? Is there a name stamped on the barrel, on the right side? Highway Patrolman? __________________ Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy, and taste good with catsup - George of Lod, Year of Our Lord 297 I always take precautions. Beware the Evil Bullet Fairies.

07-12-2012, 04:13 PM	#9
Alpo Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: NW Florida Posts: 8,662	Re: Help dating a S&W revolver Follow my link. __________________ Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy, and taste good with catsup - George of Lod, Year of Our Lord 297 I always take precautions. Beware the Evil Bullet Fairies.

07-12-2012, 04:15 PM	#10
Alpo Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: NW Florida Posts: 8,662	Re: Help dating a S&W revolver Number is on the bottom of the grip frame. You don't need to pull the grips. Those are Magna grips, and the entire grip frame is visible. The steel piece between the two pieces of wood. __________________ Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy, and taste good with catsup - George of Lod, Year of Our Lord 297 I always take precautions. Beware the Evil Bullet Fairies.

07-12-2012, 04:21 PM	#11
wildrose_68 Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 33	Re: Help dating a S&W revolver Thanks. Followed the link, should I be happy? The owner's dad had this gun and had it price high. Do I want to know how much?

07-12-2012, 04:29 PM	#12
Alpo Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: NW Florida Posts: 8,662	Re: Help dating a S&W revolver All I know for sure is Registered Magnums are out of my price range. Or, anyway, out of what I'm willing to pay. I'd say an easy 12 hundred, going on up into the thousands. It don't look like it's in the best of shape - it appears to have been a "using gun" rather than a "collecting gun". But, as Todd said, there was only 5200 of 'em. That means they are valuable no matter what shape they are in. __________________ Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy, and taste good with catsup - George of Lod, Year of Our Lord 297 I always take precautions. Beware the Evil Bullet Fairies.

07-12-2012, 04:33 PM	#13
todd51 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Central, Ohio Contributor Posts: 2,573	Re: Help dating a S&W revolver I won't even attempt to guess at the grading/condition of that revolver but if it is in fact a genuine .357 Registered Magnum, which it appears to be then according to the 29th Blue Book (latest I have around here) It is some where between $5500/95% to $2150/60%. I know that is a big spread but so many things go into establishing a value for a gun like that. __________________ Retired Praefectus Vigilum NRA Endowment Member

07-12-2012, 05:16 PM	#15
todd51 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Central, Ohio Contributor Posts: 2,573	Re: Help dating a S&W revolver Well it was either that our you had a liking for cheap wine and I doubted that was the case. __________________ Retired Praefectus Vigilum NRA Endowment Member

07-12-2012, 05:31 PM	#16
Alpo Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: NW Florida Posts: 8,662	Re: Help dating a S&W revolver I'm still curious about that 3 1/2. Whether it's a Highway Patrolman or a pre-27. __________________ Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy, and taste good with catsup - George of Lod, Year of Our Lord 297 I always take precautions. Beware the Evil Bullet Fairies.

07-12-2012, 06:55 PM	#17
todd51 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Central, Ohio Contributor Posts: 2,573	Re: Help dating a S&W revolver I didn't know sooooo, I got the book out (Standard Catalog of S & W 3rd). It says that the Pre Model 28 Highway Patrol man first hit the market on April 15, 1954. So with this pistol's birthday in the '50/51 range just a Pre Model 27 as you thought. __________________ Retired Praefectus Vigilum NRA Endowment Member

07-12-2012, 07:20 PM	#18
Alpo Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: NW Florida Posts: 8,662	Re: Help dating a S&W revolver Actually, now that my brain has started working again, I think Highway Patrolmen only came in 4 and 6 inch. So that 3 1/2 couldn't be one. You know you're just flying along, doing wonderful, and then do something stupid like that. Oh well. __________________ Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy, and taste good with catsup - George of Lod, Year of Our Lord 297 I always take precautions. Beware the Evil Bullet Fairies.

07-12-2012, 07:39 PM	#19
Jim K Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 6,408	Re: Help dating a S&W revolver A registered .357 Magnum is well before the use of model numbers; factory registration (yes, that marking is correct) was discontinued in 1939, while model numbering began in 1957. 3 1/2 inch was one of the standard barrel lengths That Registered Magnum would be worth around $6000-7000. The "B" is not part of the serial number. The later gun was made 1950-51 and would bring around $1200-1300. I see nothing to indicate that either pistol was used by a law enforcement agency; factory letters would tell whether either gun was shipped to an agency, but not if it was purchased by an agency from a dealer, as some were. Jim

07-12-2012, 08:05 PM	#20
todd51 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Central, Ohio Contributor Posts: 2,573	Re: Help dating a S&W revolver Hey Alpo. About that brain kicking in thing, did I ever tell you about the old fellow that couldn't flush seat his wad cutters? __________________ Retired Praefectus Vigilum NRA Endowment Member

07-12-2012, 09:45 PM	#21
Alpo Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: NW Florida Posts: 8,662	Re: Help dating a S&W revolver That does kinda sound familiar. __________________ Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy, and taste good with catsup - George of Lod, Year of Our Lord 297 I always take precautions. Beware the Evil Bullet Fairies.

07-13-2012, 10:03 AM	#22
wildrose_68 Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 33	Re: Help dating a S&W revolver Naw, don't like the cheap stuff. Took better picture of the 858. Not sure of the mark in the right corner. Haven't seen that one before. Attached Images

07-13-2012, 10:55 AM	#23
Alpo Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: NW Florida Posts: 8,662	Re: Help dating a S&W revolver I thought that was a US military acceptance mark - the ordnance bomb - stamped sideways, but on closer look, I don't believe it is. __________________ Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy, and taste good with catsup - George of Lod, Year of Our Lord 297 I always take precautions. Beware the Evil Bullet Fairies.

07-13-2012, 10:58 AM	#24
wildrose_68 Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 33	Re: Help dating a S&W revolver Yeah, I know. As I was describing the mark to my husband he thought the same thing. Got the gun back out and looked and nope. Different completely.

07-13-2012, 11:03 AM	#25
wildrose_68 Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 33	Re: Help dating a S&W revolver Ordering Standard Catalog of S & W 3rd. The guns belong to a friend of ours who died recently. He had been collecting for years. Looking to sell most for his wife. My husband has me doing the research on them so I learn. So I apprieciate you guys understanding.