I have a Smith and Wesson Model 57 No Dash Serial Number N346XXX (1975/76) with a 6" barrel, in the original case, with tools and documents from S&W. It's also never been fired.

I've been dying to shoot it but I'm also flirting with the idea of selling it, so don't want to ruin the value by doing so.

How much are these going for these days? Since S&W released the Classic Series Model 57 has the demand for the older (no dash model) increased or decreased?

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Sorry if I posted something incorrectly, I'm a noob, just looking for some knowledgeable feedback on what I can expect if I do try and sell the revolver. Thank you in advance!

Un-fired,case,tools and paperwork? I'd say $850,or more. And yes,the no dash variant always commands somewhat of a premium. Nice gun!
f.t.

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South Carolina-God's country

Thanks F.T. By chance, do you know if there are any other things to look for, with regards to this gun, that would make it more rare? For example, some serial numbers start with "SW" (if I remember correctly) instead of "N" etc.
I've been researching some forums online and from what I can tell, the two big thing with this model are a nickle finish and no dash.

Any info is greatly appreciated.

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First thing that sticks out to me is that presentation case is for a 6 1/2",You can see how the 6" barrel does not fit right.Serial numbers that start with a "S" are from older Guns and will bring a premium over a "N" prefix Gun.Looking at the pictures I think the Gun is a "N" prefix by the case and stocks.

Yes, this one is N346XXX, so 1975/76 I believe.

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Damn I thought that was the original case it came in but I can totally see the gap now, where I paid no mind to it before.

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You could swap the case for a 6" or sell it outright and buy the correct box they turn up frequently. As far as shooting goes if you have others it may be wise to keep it NIB, otherwise blast away and have fun.

The M29's were 6-1/2" bbls. at that time. Wheren't the M57's too?

I believe so. I took it by a gun shop and they offered me 500 for it (w/ an old Model 36 too). I passed on that. I'm gonna throw it on GB and see if I can get something reasonable. I saw a few on there with no bids but priced at over $1,000.

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That gun would come with a 6" barrel not 6.5".

You could take some better pics and list it on this forum in the classifieds.

You're right. I thought he was talking about the cases, and the 57 coming in the same case as the 29.

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Does it matter that I'm in California? I'll put some pics up in classifieds a little later today. Thanks for the suggestion.

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I am not so sure that is not the original case. It is quite possible the Model 57 was shipped in a case made for a Model 29-2 with 6 1/2-inch barrel. Even is it isn't original and I don't know how you would prove it is or isn't, it should not impact the overall value.

Bill

The 6" M57 no dash's came with their own liner,Here is a picture of a NIB one:

Mine is a 1980 vintage. The gun points the other direction. I have the papers, etc. but they aren't in the photo. I bought it as a complete set. It's supposed to be all original.

I've seen more than one 6-inch Model 57 shipped in cases with liners for 6-1/2" guns. I am sure it is another example of the factory using what they had on hand that day.

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Blackdeuce...I believe your presentation case has been relined. The lining appears to be cloth and the original lining was a synthetic material that deteriorated quite rapidly. Still, a nice case.

Bill

Yep. That was my first attempt and Wally World didn't have much for fabric to chose from. I have the lid for the tool kit but it isn't in the pic, either.

one of my M57's that's a six inch came from the factory in the 61/2"presentation case....so..as bill mentioned...it does happen

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KK4EMO

My advice...Keep it and shoot it. The new and improved "Classics" are not better than what you already have. "Been dying to shoot it"....go , enjoy it , you will never have one like it again . It will cost you nothing to have the better gun. By what the others are posting the initial value of $850 has already started dropping. Non-original cases and lining could affect selling price. It's a beautiful gun- I wouldn't sell it.
Gary

Gary,
I totally agree with you. Unfortunately, my pops just passed away, so I need the money to help my mom out with some bills etc. In the meantime, I'm trying to do what I can so selling it would be a last resort. Plus selling a gun (or anything) when you HAVE to only guarantees you'll get bottom dollar. That's like tho! Otherwise, I agree with you fully Gary!

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That's *life tho

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I just got rid of a Model 57 no dash from the mid seventies. It had the exact same case, including the extra 1/2" cut out for the barrel of my 6" Model 57. I always wondered if they made the presentation cases for both the 6" and 6 1/2" in this time period, or if they just made them for the 6 1/2" and also used those for the 6" revolvers.

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1891SingleShot

1891SS,
They must have, because I have every single piece of paper from S&W that came with the gun, including the brochures for knives and holsters. It definitely came with this case. The cutouts look to accommodate either model. Makes sense they'd do that, save money etc.

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See my photo above,They most definitely made a 6" insert.Whether or not ALL 6" M57's came in them or not appears to be a toss up.

You "got rid of a Model 57"? This is not to denigrate your transaction, but I would have to give the revolver the respect it deserved. This is from a M-57 fanatic, so take it for what it's worth.

I have not parted ways with the Model 57, but circumstances (see above mentioned) have made that become an unfortunate reality I may have to face. Because it was my Grandpa's, then my Dad's, I want to make sure it lands in the hands of someone who loves the 57, that's why I didn't sell it to the local gun store.

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She's a Beauty for sure!

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if you need to sell, take good pics and list it here. it will sell quick if priced to sell.

Perrazi,
What angles etc. do you recommend I take pictures of to post? Any specific shots that people would want to see the most?

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I did get rid of it, but I traded it for a 3 1/2" Model 27-2 with box and paperwork in same condition, which was very little use for either one. I'm just more of a .357 magnum guy, I guess. Perhaps I should have re-phrased it to "After much thought, I traded it to a gentleman who would give it the attention it deserved."

FWIW, my 6" Model 57 had the same paperwork that the Original Poster's had, along with the tool kit, so I'm guessing that mine was also shipped in the 6 1/2" Presentation Box from the factory, but that's just a guess.

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1891SingleShot

Yep, I guess I read through the posts kind of quick last night, and didn't see yours until after I posted. So I guess both lengths were available, so it's hard to say one way or another whether the 6" barrels in the 6 1/2" cases left the factory that way. I guess it wouldn't surprise me either way.

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1891SingleShot

I sold that vintage revolver at a store in Oakland. In the mid-seventies I seem to recall that the presentation cases had a blue semi-stretch cloth over Styrofoam in the bottom and the same material over foam rubber in the top. I would also recommend that you not sell it because you will find it very difficult to replace any revolver that is not on California's approved roster. However, if you choose to sell it, I hope you would attempt to sell it via private party transfer and thereby keep it in the state. I know of an easy sale if you are near San Diego, I have a friend who has been trying to talk me out of mine for years.

Steve

By the way, all of the 57's I sold back then had liners made for the 6.5" barrel.

Best regards, Steve