I have a model 53 Smith and Wesson revolver that my father got in the early 1960's. Its in the S & W box, which is rough, and has masking tape on the front, with my fathers name and address on it. Corners are worn and the metal corner is pulled away from the cardboard, on one side, Box is not numbered to the gun but it is a model 53 box. The gun comes with two cylinders 22 LR and 22 Jet., and the 6 inserts to fit in the jet cylinder, to fire 22 LR in it. Both cylinders have very faint turn lines. Instruction sheet is included in the box. Left grip has very small nick on the bottom. Gun has been fired but its in excellent condition.
Also included with the gun are 4 full box's of Remington 50 round loaded ctges, and another box with 32 rounds of loaded ctges and 16 fired cases. I believe that the gun was fired 16 times with the Jet cylinder. Ser # is K4466--, and rubber stamped in the box, is April 65.
I know that this is a unique gun, can somebody tell me what I should ask for this package?

Barrel length is a consideration on price. Boxes of ammo run around $75 for factory ammo. The extra .22 cylinder is a HUGE plus. These early 53s with the diamond target grips command a premium. The box and instruction sheet is certainly a bonus.

What you should ask and what you will get may be two different amounts. These are wonderful revolvers. I would expect your package to sell for $1250-$1400. Maybe a bit less if the barrel length is 8 3/8", but who knows?

The barrel lengths of the mod 53 were 4", 6", & 8 3/8". The 4" is the hardest to find and will command a higher price. The most important consideration when buying one of these guns is the barrel erosion! Factory ammo was VERY hot and would flame cut the forcing cone area of the barrel(end of the barrel where the bullet enters)! This occurred after very few factory rounds. If your barrel is eroded, the gun will not command a good price!
This picture show no erosion!

This picture shows erosion after many rounds!

jcelect SWCA#LM723

Five or six months ago, the .22LR cylinder for the M-53 sold all by itself for just under $400. I quit bidding at $200. I can have a custom made cylinder made for less than $300.

With top quality hearing protection the Jet is a pleasure to shoot. Of course the chambers and the ammo have to be totally lubricant free or the brass cases will back out and seize the cylinder.

I too think that you are looking at selling rather quickly in the $1250 to $1500 range. ............. Big Cholla

I do not see the erosion, I see a dirty throat. IF that is indeed erosion, then it does not look like a big deal. I cannot see any damage done unless you measured the throat. What exactly am I supposed to be looking at?

James

I am sorry for the poor pictures but it was the best I was able to do! What appears to be dirt on the back end of the barrel is flame cutting which is probably .015-.020" deep at the ID of the barrel! This gun has had a lot of rounds down the barrel, but the problem appears with less than 100 rounds.
jcelect