Value of a Model 28-1
- Thread starter kresky
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
- Joined
- Jun 28, 2007
- Messages
- 27,669
- Reaction score
- 21,360
The consensus of the S & W collector's community is the model 28-1 doesn't exist...so now, of course someone finds one 
.
Before your friend sells it, he may want to obtain a factory historical letter, with photos of the gun (and especially the model stamping on the frame) with the request:
Firearm History Request - Smith & Wesson
That would give both of you documentation of its originality. Price is another question entirely. Good luck!
.Before your friend sells it, he may want to obtain a factory historical letter, with photos of the gun (and especially the model stamping on the frame) with the request:
Firearm History Request - Smith & Wesson
That would give both of you documentation of its originality. Price is another question entirely. Good luck!
DWalt
Member
A "-1" could have been placed there later by a third party. Or maybe not. A factory letter is the only viable method of determining exactly what it is. Without it, it would be foolish to break the bank.
Maybe someone reading this has a 28 with a near-by SN (either side), and will chime in regarding what they know they have and how it is marked.
A little additional information- the OTHER N-frame, the Model 29, underwent a change to the left hand thread for the ejector rod at S220000, and thereafter became a 29-1. As both the 28 and 29 were in the same SN sequence, it seems unlikely that the 28 with the same change would have a serial number below S220000. But as everyone says, "Never say never - anything can happen at S&W"
Maybe someone reading this has a 28 with a near-by SN (either side), and will chime in regarding what they know they have and how it is marked.
A little additional information- the OTHER N-frame, the Model 29, underwent a change to the left hand thread for the ejector rod at S220000, and thereafter became a 29-1. As both the 28 and 29 were in the same SN sequence, it seems unlikely that the 28 with the same change would have a serial number below S220000. But as everyone says, "Never say never - anything can happen at S&W"
Last edited:
CAUTION...LETTER Req'd prior to BIG BUCKS VALUATION
I have S192649 and S203544, both of which are 4" Model 28's with no dash. Also, S192520 and S209632 are Model 27's with no dash. My only N Frame 357 "-1" gun is an 8.375" 27-1, SN S221453. That being said, it would be way cool if it was an original 28-1. Several years ago, I used to check every HP I came accross, just to make sure it was not marked 28-1. Furthermore, just for N-Frame reference, S187078, S200143, and S211004 are all Model 29's with no dash...
I too would love to see some photos.
Good luck,
I have S192649 and S203544, both of which are 4" Model 28's with no dash. Also, S192520 and S209632 are Model 27's with no dash. My only N Frame 357 "-1" gun is an 8.375" 27-1, SN S221453. That being said, it would be way cool if it was an original 28-1. Several years ago, I used to check every HP I came accross, just to make sure it was not marked 28-1. Furthermore, just for N-Frame reference, S187078, S200143, and S211004 are all Model 29's with no dash...
I too would love to see some photos.
Good luck,
Last edited:
DWalt
Member
I guess you could check to see which ejector rod thread type that Model 28 has, as apparently the LH thread would be indicative of a 28-1 if such exists. I think there is some visible indication in LH vs. RH threads in the appearance of the knurled end of the ejector rod. I guess that could possibly be spurious also (possibly switching the entire cylinder and crane assembly), even if it is LH. Would, or could, there be any other unstated engineering changes defining any N "-1" SN other than RH to LH threads of the ejector rod? And why would there not be any marked 28-1s known after SN S220000? I would think there should be, if examples of the Model 27-1 and 29-1 are known, as previously stated. There's a lot that seems illogical and very suspicious.
Last edited:
highpower3006
Member
I have serial number S200207, a no dash model 29.
None have surfaced to date. If you don't have pictures and a letter, it ain't real. Thanks for the thought though.......
DWalt
Member
As something like this would be so easy to fake, I think it would take a papal blessing (as the Pope is always right) to affirm it exists.
robertwhite
Member
Can someone please explain what the significance of a 28-1 would be? There are -1 of many S&W revolvers, so what am I missing? I have a pre 28 bearing serial number 181xxx, so serial number wise, I just don't get the -1fascination.
They are unicorns Robert. There are none known to exist, and any of us 28 fans would probably trade most anything to get one if it did. No dash serial numbers come within about 2000 Nframes of the first 28-2s. If they were ever made, it would have been very, very few. Kind of like the real nickel ones....
Thanks for the replies/information. From what I was told by the owner, a family member gave this revolver to him years ago. He is not a collector or possess an interest in S&W as so many of us do. He would not know the difference between a model 27 and a Registered Magnum. I knew that there was much interest in 29-1's and 27-1's. I have the "Standard Catalog" and the information on the 28-1 that it provides but did not know that there were know documented guns. I had searched this and other internet sources for info regarding the 28-1 without results. I am glad that I posted before making him an offer because I could probably buy this revolver for a very good price. Being an honest person, the information will be forwarded to him and we will letter the revolver. If the owner is available today (he is a neighbor) I will make all efforts to take photos and post them on the forum. I don't make any claims that this revolver may not have been altered but the letter from Mr. Jinks will resolve that issue.
Good on you.May it be that unicorn and your neighbor takes into consideration your character.
Actually, a letter will not resolve the 28-1 issue because the factory did not put the model variation (i.e. dash number) on the invoice. A shipping date in 1962 would be supportive of a 28-1 as most, if not all, -1s shipped in that year. The serial number suggests the revolver was shipped in 1960. Also, is the revolver stamped MOD-28-1 or MOD. 28-1 and does it have an L stamped on the rear surface of the cylinder?
Bill
Bill
Similar threads
