have just aquired a nickel mod 58.s/n s260xxx.dates to 1965 or 1966 .finish looks original.all markings on sharp,no bluring or faded out places,all edges sharp.end of cylinder is marked with letter f.all other nickel smiths i own have n stamped on end of cylinder.on right side of grip frame is a small 1 stamped and a larger upside down 2 under bottom of mainspring cut.left side has large 1 stamped near bottom of grip frame.gun is a shooter so not worried about collector value,just curious.also,barrel pin is rounded on both sides,not polished flat.thanks in advance for your help.

Do you have a question?

an S serial numbered nickel model 58, there are hard to come by. they are a collector gun. the number's on the frame inside the grip area are most likely factory assembler mark's. i think it should have a large N (nickel) inside that same area. if you can post some pictures...

__________________
George Jamison

Welcome to the forum!

The barrel pin should be rounded on the ends.

Pictures are always appreciated here.

sorry i did not make myself more clear on question.was trying to determine if nickel finish is original.as stated,all s&w revolvers i have that are nickel (except mod 58) have an n stamped on rear of cylinder.the reason i mentioned the barrel pins still being round is that i have read on this forum that a sign that a gun has been refinished is the barrel pins have been flattened when gun was polished.sorry for the confusing question.thanks for your help

If you could post pictures of the left side of the grip frame, and the back of the cylinder, it will help people here make a better determination of what you have.

I believe that all of my nickel S&Ws have an N stamped on the grip frame. The lack of the stamp would not be 100% conclusive as we know stamps are sometimes incorrect or left off but it does raise suspicion.

Are the trigger and hammer case hardened rather than plated? These parts were not plated by S&W but refinishers often do. Same with the elector star. Lettering still sharp and deep? Screw holes dished? A very well done refinish (most are not very well done) is almost impossible to discern.

You may have to drop $50 to know for sure.

Thanks for all the replies.The trigger and hammer are both case hardened.The extractor star is blue.All the lettering is deep,sharp and clear.The screw holes are not dished out.The top of the frame and the barrel have a brushed nickel finish.The rest of the gun is bright nickel.I have no way to take pictures presently.I was laid off from work in June,so cannot spend money for factory letter.I really enjoy the forum and have learned much from it.Thanks again for everybodys help.

Based on your description I see no reason to question its originality.

Sorry to hear of your employment situation. A lot of that going around lately and I've been through it more than once, myself. Never easy but try to keep your spirits up and keep trying until things get better. They always do with time and effort.

The face of the cylinder and left side of the frame in the area of the stock pin should have an N.

In any case, it sounds like you have a really nice gun, and if the work is good, since it is not a collector's piece, it doesn't matter whether the finish is original or possibly a change of finish by S&W at a later date.

Good luck with your employment situation. I hope things take a turn for the better - sooner, rather than later.

Guys...I believe if the frame is stamped the N should be on the RIGHT side.

Welcome to the forum...your gun sounds legit

Curtis,
there have been a lot of factory nickel guns posted here with the N on the left side near the locating pin. I am not an expert on nickel (or anything else for that matter). Just reporting what I see.

The N, indicating a nickel finish, is usually stamped on the lower (front) left side of the grip frame. I don't remember ever seeing an N stamped on the right side of the grip frame.

A lot of N-frame revolvers prior to 56 have a B stamped there indicating a blue (or bright) finish.

Bill

Here is what Doc refers to:


And the "N" at the back of the cyl....

__________________
ken
SWCA #1959

...again. I just pulled the grips on two older nickel guns and the N is on the left side. My mistake