My grandfather willed me his gun collection and I am getting rid of a few. I have a Revolver that says model 1955 on it but some things arnt coming together for me. I am trying to get a solid value but am having trouble solidifying the exact model

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On the crane MDL 22-2

So a model 22, 2nd revision

You have a Model 25-2, Model of 1955. It is a target revolver chambered for the .45 ACP cartridge. It normally uses a steel "Moon Clip" to hold either three or six cartridges together, establish headspace, and allow for extraction of empties. Yours appears to have the standard 6 1/2"" barrel.

The gun will also chamber and fire the .45 "Auto Rim" cartridge, which is a variant of the .45 ACP that has a rim which serves the same function as the "Moon Clip".

These are sought-after and quite collectible. I imagine on an auction site, the gun might bring from $840-$1200 if in fine condition. ''BTW, the grips are incorrect for the model. I believe that crane stamp to be "25-2" but it's hard to read.

You have a Franken-gun. Too bad it was not left original. Model 22s are valuable collector items. They are worth a whole lot more than a Model 25-2s.

Other than the model number notice that the top front corners are beveled to match the fixed sighted Model 22's barrel. That's only visible in the side plate side picture. Notice the pin retaining the front locking lug has been driven out then replaced. Also it has a standard service hammer and trigger. All the 25-2s I've seen had target hammers and triggers.

Edit to add: Based on your screen name I guess you knew it was a Frankenstein-gun.

Welcome to the Forum.

Look a little closer, folks.

I believe that is a M28-2 that has been converted to .45 ACP, using a .45 ACP cylinder and a Model of 1955 barrel. It looks like the top strap is smooth instead of being grooved.

Frankenstein09, is there a serial number stamped on the rear of the cylinder?

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

Crane stamp looks like it says "28-2" when I zoom in.

I thought the model 22 was "1950" and the 25 "1955"?

The M22 was the 1950 short action version of the 1917, with fixed sights.

The M25 was the heavy barrel target revolver, with an adjustable rear sight.

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

Good eye! The top, bottom, front, back and inside of trigger guards on 28s have a rough finish that looks like bead blasting. It is also more logical that it would be a converted 28-2.

Just in case it helps deyomatic memorize models, a lighter barreled Model of 1950 target .45 acp preceded the Model of 1955. That revolver became the Model 26. 1950 target .45 ACPs are not as scarce and 1950 fixed sight .45 ACPs but they are still collectors' items. There were 2,6xx Pre-26s and 26s combined.

If it is a converted 28-2 it was well done and looks good. It may not have any collectors value but still a worthy shooter. Decent model 28s are no longer cheap and nice 45 caliber barrels difficult to find and spendy. Even shooter grade model 25s go north of $800, same with model 625s.

These facts plus because it is wearing nice smooth targets would give the gun some good value as a shooter. IMHO more than a nice model 28-2. Someone looking for a shooter 45ACP would probably give somewhere around $700, if functions check out. There just aren't very many better deals on nice adj sight 45 revolvers around.

I converted a 8 3/8" model 629-1 I picked up cheap to a dual 45 with 4" barrel, it has become my very favorite pack around big bore. I have a 1955 that I got years ago with some wear that sports a 29 cylinder done to dual 45. (yes, I have some small regret on that one). I also have a model 28-2 with minor finish issues that is getting a 1955 barrel and 45 colt reamed model 29 cylinder. Plus, a 1917 that had barrel issues that I am going to mill for adj sights and install a cut down 1950 barrel. Why?. Because decent adj sight 45 are not cheap and they are great guns.

To summarize the good information above :

Your grandfather converted or bought a model 28-2 from 1966 that was modified by changing out the .357 barrel and cylinder with parts from a model 25 in .45 ACP. The 1955 on the right barrel indicates the year this type of model 25 was first produced, not the age of the gun; this revolver was available new in 1966, so whoever performed the conversion probably had the extra parts and wanted a .45, didn't want to buy a factory gun, or both.

Modified guns such as this are sometimes called "Frankenguns", which fits with your user name. It is not worth as much an an original model 25 but would probably sell quickly in the $600-700 range, as the work appears well done. If you shoot it, you may decide to keep it . Good luck in your decision.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

wow very impressed with all of you guys. my grandfather was a police chief, military marksman instructor and gun smith. I got a few pieces that appear to be "frankenguns". some really cool pieces if left alone would be worth some pretty coin. I have a colt commander that might be worth more in parts haha. thanks guys.