I got a 1955 pre-25 a while back in a trade, the previous owner had not taken the best care of it, and allowed it to accumulate rust.

The major spots that look to have rust is under the barrel, the rear left side, and under the trigger guard. It looks like the previous owner attempted to remove the side rust with steel wool, and removed some of the finish. Ever since I got it I've been slowly removing the surface rust with CLP and a brush, but there are dark spots left on the top strap, left side, and back strap, and a few other places. In other places the bluing is still bright and shiney. Also it doesn't appear to be fired much, the rifling is good, and looks good under the side plate. Also the grips are pretty beat up, and there is a small chunk missing on the rear of the right piece.

It appears to be a 6.5", and SN is S1596XX. I was just wondering what the approximate value was these days, since I cannot find a used one in this condition for sale anywhere, or many 1955s at that.

I've been thinking of sending it to S&W for a bright polish refinish, how bad with this affect the value?

Also I've been thinking of putting this up for sale, so if you are perhaps interest in buying or trading, let me know.

Here are some not so great pics (and pretty much only of the bad areas )

Naked gun;



Closer up;



Trigger guard;



Under the barrel;



Top strap;



Grips(without screw);



Missing chunk shown;

I got a 1955 pre-25 a while back in a trade, the previous owner had not taken the best care of it, and allowed it to accumulate rust.

The major spots that look to have rust is under the barrel, the rear left side, and under the trigger guard. It looks like the previous owner attempted to remove the side rust with steel wool, and removed some of the finish. Ever since I got it I've been slowly removing the surface rust with CLP and a brush, but there are dark spots left on the top strap, left side, and back strap, and a few other places. In other places the bluing is still bright and shiney. Also it doesn't appear to be fired much, the rifling is good, and looks good under the side plate. Also the grips are pretty beat up, and there is a small chunk missing on the rear of the right piece.

It appears to be a 6.5", and SN is S1596XX. I was just wondering what the approximate value was these days, since I cannot find a used one in this condition for sale anywhere, or many 1955s at that.

I've been thinking of sending it to S&W for a bright polish refinish, how bad with this affect the value?

Also I've been thinking of putting this up for sale, so if you are perhaps interest in buying or trading, let me know.

Here are some not so great pics (and pretty much only of the bad areas )

Naked gun;



Closer up;



Trigger guard;



Under the barrel;



Top strap;



Grips(without screw);



Missing chunk shown;

In my opinion, the collector value is presently very little other than shooter. A factory refinish would probably enhance the value, but as a shooter rather than a collector. At present it probably falls in the $300- $400 range depending on where you are. The value after refinish wouldn't be much more, maybe $400 to $475.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

If that gun were mine and I had very little money in it (which I would), I'd see about getting it cut to a 3.5 or 4" and refinished. Replace the grips, and you'd have a really neat shooter.

Hmm, that's an interesting idea, but I already have a 4" 625, so it seems like a bit of work to get another 4" .45

What a shame. It has no collector value now. With a factory refinsih and documentation, with the grips restored professionally, in my opinion it would be worth more. I believe it would increase the value more than the additional cost of refinsih. But would take longer to sell. If you don't want to mess with it (and who does if one doesn't want to keep it), put it on an auction site with a reserve for the least you'd take for it. You'll resolve two issues:
You'll find out what it's NOT worth if it doesn't sell or you'll find out what it is worth if it does sell AND you'll be rid of it! I think it will sell faster as a project gun and you'll have no additional money outlay.

Another option is trade it towards something else you want; maybe a different project gun.

Personally I like 50's vintage guns so I'd make it a project: send it to S&W for a factory barrel shortening to 4 or 5", with factory ramp front sight and have Brown restore the grips, especially if they are numbered to the gun, (which is highly unlikely since very few target grips were). But, even if they aren't #'d they are proper vintage/style and are probably the originals. Then I'd shoot it and if I had a 625, I'd sell the 625.

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Jim
S&WCA #819