Purchased a 1973 vintage 4 inch Blue Model 57 no dash and a 1980 vintage 6 inch Nickle 25- 5 at the gun show this morning. Both had aftermarket stocks on them and the seller agreed to bring the original stocks to the show tomorrow as part of the deal. When I removed the stocks to return them to the seller I was expecting to see an "N" on the left side of the frame on the 25-5 but was very surprised to see an "N" on the left side of the frame on the 57 no dash? The 57 does not look to have been refinished, edges are sharp, lettering is sharp, blue is bright in the spots it supposed to be and dull where it is supposed to be.

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Is it me or is the N on the nickel gun as it should be????

Edit: ok I looked at 2nd pic, guess you have a refinished gun.

It appears the Model 57 has had a change of finish from nickel to bright blue (unless it was originally supposed to be finished in nickel, but for some reason S&W finished the 57 in bright blue). Only a check of factory records through the lettering process will tell you for certain.

Bill

OldK, can you post some more pix in close up of that blued model 57? If the folks here could see the barrel markings, S&W insignia, serial numbers etc... it might help them figure if it is original or re-done.

The number on the butt sure looks crisp & un-buffed to these tired old eyes.

Doc opined that only a factory letter would show how she left the factory... but I cannot remember anyone posting a thread on pistols intended to be blued that were nickeled & vice versa at the factory over the years...but many of the experts here say, "never say never with Smith & Wesson" and the Winchester collectors will agree with that too...Has anyone ever seen that before?

By the way, congrats on picking up two nice old revolvers sir...Here's hoping that your model 57 is original sir.

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be safe,enjoylife,journey well

Any "N" on the back of the cylinder? Or under the barrel? Just curious.

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Mike 2796
SoFo Bunch member

No "N" on the cylinder or under the barrel - Serial number is on the cylinder under the ejector star. My camera and even more so my ability to take good pictures is very limited so not sure that would help. Not sure it is worth a letter but may decide to at some point or just let it go to someone else.