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04-10-2018, 09:09 PM
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S&W .45 Target Model of 195o Pre-Model 26
I received my letter today for the S&W Historical Foundation on subject revolver. I posted on the Forum the day I acquired it, and here is a link to the post with pictures: 1950 .45 Target Model (light Barrel) Pre-Model 26
Below are copies of the letter. One of the special order requirement was a bright blue finish. The 4th Edition states the bright blue finish brings a premium to the value of this revolver but does not provide any additional insight.
If anyone knows the approximate premium, it would be nice to know.
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04-10-2018, 09:38 PM
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My interpretation of the premium value add to a gun with the Bright Blue finish is in the context of what was the standard finish of that model at the time of production ?
In other words, if it was a post WWII gun that was normally finished in the more satin service blue and it was special ordered (at extra cost to the consumer) with a Bright Blue finish, it commands a premium due to the scarcity compared to other similar guns made at the same time that had the standard finish.
The SCSW says Bright Blue became the "standard" finish again in 1956 so if all guns made around the same time were Bright Blue I don't know that it would command much of a premium except that would be more aesthetically pleasing.
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04-10-2018, 09:56 PM
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I have two, one with satin blue (S78XXX) and a later one in bright blue (S146XXX). Haven't lettered either but assume the satin blue is from 1951ish and the other from 1955/56. As Walter Rego suggests there may not be much premium, if any, for bright blue made about the time the factory went to all bright blue for the model. Hopefully others with better knowledge on the bright blue finish value will weigh in. However, the target trigger and target hammer and the unusual info about the shipping location combined with the bright blue would be worth a premium to me. How much, maybe $200 or so. Great classic revolver, enjoy!
Jeff
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04-11-2018, 08:11 PM
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Great letter.
The letter doesn't state the bright blue finish was a premium option, just that it has it, like it has a Patridge sight, Th, TT, and checkered stocks; all of which were standard items on that model and that vintage.
After the war and Prior to ~1955, the bright blue was a premium option costing about 15% extra (except on the 357 Magnum). These are the only models that would have a premium resale value.
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Jim
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04-11-2018, 09:34 PM
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You are correct about the wording of the Letter. I maybe confusing thinks and possibly the "Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson" 4th Ed. on page 194 led me down the path when it reads "Bright blue available on special order, will bring premium."
It failed to add the knowledge you added with clarification on revolvers prior to 1955.
Thank you for your help.
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04-13-2018, 04:53 PM
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My understanding is that the target trigger was an option on that model. My pre-26 has a TT and TS and was shipped as such. Did the target trigger become standard on later production 1950 models that overlapped with the production of 1955 models (which had the TT as standard)? Every pre-26 that I have seen for sale has a standard trigger.
Last edited by sodacan; 04-13-2018 at 04:59 PM.
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04-13-2018, 05:46 PM
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I think the target trigger for N-frames became available with the introduction of the 1955 45 Target revolver in early 1955. Prior to that time, only the target hammer was an option.
Bill
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