Pre 1957 Highway Patrolman (model28)

[Harleyman1956]

I have been doing research on a pre 1957 model 28 or Highway patrolman. It is very unusual from what I have been reading. It is a nickle plated gun with a 4" barrel and no markings of F.H.P on it. I need help finding out exactly what I have and what it is worth. Thanks

 

[armorer951]

The experts here can tell you a lot more about the gun if you can provide a serial number.

 

[kobsw]

It's hard to tell by your pics but a factory nickel gun should still have a case colored hammer and trigger.

Plus the extractor star and the rear site/base should be blue.

That's the extent of my knowledge but other will be along to help you out.

The model 28 is a great gun so good on you for snagging one.

Kobsw

 

[Doc44]

The twenty-five Model 28s shipped to the Department of Public Safety in Tallahassee, FL on May 11, 1959 with a nickel finish have a 5-inch barrel. The serial numbers range from S189000-S192000. The fifty-plus Model 28-2s with a brush nickel finish were shipped in July 1972 and have a serial number beginning with the letter N.

Based on the photos, it appears as though your Model 28 was originally shipped as a blue revolver and was refinished in nickel (probably outside of S&W as the factory did not offer a change of finish on this model).

You could find out for sure by obtaining a letter of authenticity from Roy Jinks.

Bill

 

[bamabiker]

First of all, welcome to the forum.
You more than likely have a Highway Patrolman that has been nickeled after it left the factory. Not that unusual, see them on here regularly.
I have a M28-2 that has been nickeled and while not a rare bird worth thousands it is one of my favorites to shoot.
If you just can't believe that you'll have to get a factory letter to see how it left the factory and to prove it to the masses on here.
Mine dressed up-

 

[Harleyman1956]

The experts here can tell you a lot more about the gun if you can provide a serial number.

Thank you. Her SN is S 177094, any help finding information on her would be greatly appreciated.

 

[bamabiker]

"S" is part of the serial number.

 

[sodacan]

Looks to be a refinish. One clue is that nickel guns of that era had blue front and rear sights. Also, even though target stocks were an option on HP's, the set on that gun is of a later vintage. Value is hurt by the refinish and stocks, but as an early shooter grade model, it's still has some good value. An arbitrary figure could be $650.00. If it was an original nickel gun, we'd be talking thousands You'll get all kinds of opinions on that.

 

[Harleyman1956]

Okay I accept that the gun was probably plated outside of the factory. Does that effect the value in any way?

 

[JP@AK]

Harleyman1956

Welcome to the Forum.

Postwar K frames and N frames had letter prefixes in the serial numbers. The S was first on both frame sizes, to indicate the new sliding hammer block safety that was added in 1945. S prefix N frames lasted until c. 1969, when they were replaced with an N. Yours probably dates from early 1957.

I agree that your HP has been refinished. Great guns, though.

Stick around. Lots of helpful guys here, ready to share information.

 

[Jack Flash]

Okay I accept that the gun was probably plated outside of the factory. Does that effect the value in any way?

Its value to a collector is reduced. Its value as a shooter / carry gun might actually be enhanced since nickel stands up to holster wear, etc, better than the original blue finish.

As for guesses about what it might sell for on say GunBroker or the like:
We usually say that any N-Frame in working order is worth $500
Add to that it is a 4" (usually worth a little more)
It is an earlier model / S serial number (usually worth a little more)
It has very nice / desirable Target Stocks that could bring $100+ just by themselves (it would help to see the other side)

My guesstimate is a rock-bottom price of $600 with the stocks, but probably $50 to $100 more to the right buyer.

 

[Narragansett]

That is a good question. My guess would be on an early S model it would be worth more in its original condition. Nickel is not for everyone and I am one of those non nickel fans. Depending on the condition at the time of refinish I would say a factory refinish to original would have been a better bet as far as value goes. The M28 is one of the best revolvers S&W ever made. A no frills M27 without the options or finish. Just enjoy it, you have a fine gun

 

[tenntex32]

Its value to a collector is reduced. Its value as a shooter / carry gun might actually be enhanced since nickel stands up to holster wear, etc, better than the original blue finish.

As for guesses about what it might sell for on say GunBroker or the like:
We usually say that any N-Frame in working order is worth $500
Add to that it is a 4" (usually worth a little more)
It is an earlier model / S serial number (usually worth a little more)
It has very nice / desirable Target Stocks that could bring $100+ just by themselves (it would help to see the other side)

My guesstimate is a rock-bottom price of $600 with the stocks, but probably $50 to $100 more to the right buyer.

Man you guys must have older n-framed .357 examples coming out your ears where you are from. Here in N. Texas a somewhat early example such as this, even if a refinish nickel, would not last very long in a gunshop or on a gunshow table at a $700 price.

Heck they want that much or more just for a new scandium j-frame.

Dale

 

[Narragansett]

Man you guys must have older n-framed .357 examples coming out your ears where you are from. Here in N. Texas a somewhat early example such as this, even if a refinish nickel, would not last very long in a gunshop or on a gunshow table at a $700 price.

Heck they want that much or more just for a new scandium j-frame.

Dale

I have 3 and they were all bought off of this forum either in want to buy or want to sell forums. There are several for sale now. In RI, I never see older quality stuff for sale

 

[Harleyman1956]

Wow, I am amazed at the help that I have gotten from "y'all". Thank you very much

 

[daddio202]

I am surprised that up to this point nobody else has pointed out the fact it looks like your barrel has been shortened. My guess is this was done at the same time it was in for a re-nickel. Smith and wesson always centered thier barrel stamping perfectly on the barrels. I may be wrong but it looks to me that the Highway Patrolman stamping is too close to the muzzle to be centered. My bet is that originally it was a blue 6 inch model. Whoever did the work did a fairly nice job but it is not factory original. If it has been shortened it is a good shooter grade gun but value would be $400 tops if I were looking to buy it. You can still get a lot of enjoyment shooting it. Enjoy

 

[kobsw]

I am surprised that up to this point nobody else has pointed out the fact it looks like your barrel has been shortened. My guess is this was done at the same time it was in for a re-nickel. Smith and wesson always centered thier barrel stamping perfectly on the barrels. I may be wrong but it looks to me that the Highway Patrolman stamping is too close to the muzzle to be centered. My bet is that originally it was a blue 6 inch model. Whoever did the work did a fairly nice job but it is not factory original. If it has been shortened it is a good shooter grade gun but value would be $400 tops if I were looking to buy it. You can still get a lot of enjoyment shooting it. Enjoy

daddio, nice catch and I agree with your observation and value.

Regards,

Kobsw

 

[sodacan]

I am surprised that up to this point nobody else has pointed out the fact it looks like your barrel has been shortened. My guess is this was done at the same time it was in for a re-nickel. Smith and wesson always centered thier barrel stamping perfectly on the barrels. I may be wrong but it looks to me that the Highway Patrolman stamping is too close to the muzzle to be centered. My bet is that originally it was a blue 6 inch model. Whoever did the work did a fairly nice job but it is not factory original. If it has been shortened it is a good shooter grade gun but value would be $400 tops if I were looking to buy it. You can still get a lot of enjoyment shooting it. Enjoy

I'm glad at least one of us is paying attention. Based on that, I would lower my value estimate to $500.00, max. Should still be a nice shooter, however.

 

[tenntex32]

I am surprised that up to this point nobody else has pointed out the fact it looks like your barrel has been shortened. My guess is this was done at the same time it was in for a re-nickel. Smith and wesson always centered thier barrel stamping perfectly on the barrels. I may be wrong but it looks to me that the Highway Patrolman stamping is too close to the muzzle to be centered. My bet is that originally it was a blue 6 inch model. Whoever did the work did a fairly nice job but it is not factory original. If it has been shortened it is a good shooter grade gun but value would be $400 tops if I were looking to buy it. You can still get a lot of enjoyment shooting it. Enjoy

Even with the detractors in my neck of the woods it would not be a $400 gun. Heck now yer talking Airweight J-frame money! I'm not trying to start an argument, I'm just saying plop this revolver down next to a $400 Airweight and this one will be gone way before the airweight, at least in my parts anyways.

Dale

 

[Warren Sear]

With the grips, worth an absolute minimum of $500.