A friend of my nephew is selling this gun, and so far I only have these pics. Hoping to see it in the next couple days. Problem is that it does not have the model # on the frame. He was told by the local shop that its a model 19, 3". Its been used and carried and has initials professionally engraved in it, so any collector value is gone, but looks like a nice gun. Any help appreciated. any idea on year made also appreciated. Does it look original nickel or re done? What is a fair value for it?

Well, it's not a (pre) 19, as it's an N-frame circa 1954. Assuming the caliber is .357 Magnum, that makes it a pre-Model 27, or as it was known at the time, the .357 Magnum Model of 1950.

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SWCA #590
"Colligo ergo sum"

Exactly. A very desirable piece, well worth collecting. The engraved initials on the side plate detract from collector value considerably, but the piece is in nice condition overall. Grips are not original to the revolver though, they look to be 1970's or so.

Pics sure make it look like a blued gun to me.

3 1/2" barrel.

Grips are later manufacture.

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My sgntr is mor thn 30 chrctrs

Yup; the local shop don't know their rearend from a hole in the ground.

As noted earlier, this is a pre-27 in .357 Magnum with the very cool 3.5" barrel. The lazy ampersand (&) means that it's probably pre '68 or so (I may be incorrect on that one). Even with the whittling and the non-period grips that's at least a $600 piece.

All in all a very desirable revolver that can be used and carried without offending any collectors.

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Stu

Very desirable 3.5" Five screw pre 27 even in rough cosmetic condition and wrong grips would make a very nice shooter.
Im guessing the pawn shop offered $100.
Its not cost effective to restore the gun but if you like to shoot short barrel N frame 357's its a very good gun.
I personally lose interest over $500 but, The more it went below $475 the more excited I would get.
Thats just my .2 cents and worth exactly what you paid for it.
Good luck.

There is no .357 "Model of 1950." It's just a .357 Magnum made prior to naming it as the M-27 in 1957. That's it: the gun was called just the .357 Magnum.

This one has the front sight secured with two pins, indicating a pretty old gun. Someone else will know more about the date when that was last done. The checkering on the top strap and sighting rib is unique to the .357/M-27, and if the local shop didn't know this gun, don't even bother asking them any other questions: they are flat-out incompetent!

Looks like a blue "357 Magnum" with a 3.5" barrel made around 1953 or so with a previous owner's initials engraved on the side plate.

Is the ejector rod bent?

I cannot tell from the pic, hope to actually hold it in the next day or so.

Phil:
The B on the barrel would indicate that the gun is Blue
not Nickel
DBW

It is entirely possible your pre-27 was once owned by Manuel Edwardo Delgado. It is a shame he engraved his initials on it.

The 3 1/2 Pre's have really come into their own in the recent years.

Well, I did buy it. Just have to get my stupid purchase coupon from the county now..... It actually looks better than the pics. Definitely shot a bunch but other than some holster wear and turn line it looks good. I gave the kid more than he was asking, so he was happy and so am I.

Actually, judging by the cartridge head imprinting on the recoil shield, I don't think the gun was fired very much. Unfortunately some cretin has been "inside" the gun, as evidenced by the buggered screw slots and the flat-head sideplate screw being misplaced (should be under the grips). Might want to juggle the screws back to where they should be, restore or replace the buggered one(s).

Nice gun--fire 6 shots fast double-action from the hip with full-charge .357 ammunition if you want a first-hand demonstration of what "muzzle blast" means. Short barrel .357s are easier to carry but hard on the nerves/ears if you shoot the hot stuff.

Philmontscout, Please enlighten me on your county's purchase coupon deal. I'm from the deep south and down here the city/county/state has no idea if I purchase a firearm. Only contact I have firearm wise with any local government is once a year when I go down and renew my pistol permit for CC at the sherrifs office.
I take it you spent some time at Philmont. Wanted to go myself but never had the time/money during my 24 years as a scout leader.
Larry