Nickel 4th model 44 HE GB auction

[raljr1]

Just a moment...

I made a run at this suspecting that it was aftermarket nickel and confirming the same with Mr. Jinks.

The seller implied that the N stamped under the grips indicated factory finish. Typically when I see a stamp for renickel from the factory, it is inside a rectangle

I was shocked that it brought what it did. I hope whoever bought it is pleased. I was willing to spend about $1500.

What do you guys think?

 

[22hipower]

Sure looks nice. That N on the grip frame and the black sights and ejector star would have gone aways toward convincing me. Would there have been a B in the ejector shroud in this timeframe for a blued one and none for a nickel one? Can't remember if that carried over from pre-war to the post war guns before model numbers. But if Dr. Jinks says it didn't leave as nickel that would pretty much cinch it. I've never seen one in nickel in the wild but perhaps there are some.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[raljr1]

Sure looks nice. That N on the grip frame and the black sights and ejector star would have gone aways toward convincing me. Would there have been a B in the ejector shroud in this timeframe for a blued one and none for a nickel one? Can't remember if that carried over from pre-war to the post war guns before model numbers. But if Dr. Jinks says it didn't leave as nickel that would pretty much cinch it. I've never seen one in nickel in the wild but perhaps there are some.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

I just checked my blued 4th model from the same time period. No B marked aywhere.

 

[Truckman]

My untrained eye leans toward refinished...What kind of front sight is that, especially the pin?......Ben

 

[raljr1]

My untrained eye leans toward refinished...What kind of front sight is that, especially the pin?......Ben

Ben, i am certain it was refinished. That's why the price surprised me.

 

[pasound]

Posted this one before, long ago. My 44 HE, 6 1/2", lettered, shipped 9/12/1923. Factory nickel. No "N" mark. From what I understand, the ones to be blued had the "B" stamp.

 

[paplinker]

I think refinished.

I believe target nickel guns that early have the double proud front sight pins that are into the bbl area. This one is a single into the sight base.

Even the sight base is nickel. I think that does not begin until the -2 series?

 

[pasound]

A few years back, there was a good debate whether this was factory or not. Got the letter to solve it.

 

[Shotguncoach]

There were a couple of us bidding on that one. I took it to just over $1,100 and then bailed out. The picture of the front sight was one of the reasons I didn't go higher.

I'm also surprised at how high it went.

 

[Modified]

My untrained eye leans toward refinished...What kind of front sight is that, especially the pin?......Ben

That looks very much like some King sight blades I have.

 

[Muley Gil]

Posted this one before, long ago. My 44 HE, 6 1/2", lettered, shipped 9/12/1923. Factory nickel. No "N" mark. From what I understand, the ones to be blued had the "B" stamp.

That applies to pre WW II revolvers. Generally, the postwar revolvers that shipped nickel were stamped with a large N on the grip frame and on the rear face of the cylinder.

 

[DARE]

My .38/44 HD from the same period (shipped November 1955) has N on the toe of the left grip frame and an N under the star.

 

[paplinker]

This thread shares some of the same questions.

RK Mesa's gun is what I expect on a early front sight.
Wonder if the posters gun lettered or was later renickeled.

https://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-h...um-pre-27-nickel.html?highlight=nickel*pre*27

 

[raljr1]

Here is my 357 from the same year, this is why I knew something was not right.

 

[gmarshall99]

I was watching / bid on it also. Went past my budget quickly.

 

[Club Gun Fan]

I hope whoever bought it does not letter it. It did however, ship one day after my birthday plus 3 years.

 

[Kinman]

Judging by the pitting in the area around the hammer I would also agree that it is a re-finish.

 

[DARE]

"The Don" has spoken. Nuff said.

 

[Truckman]

It did however, ship one day after my birthday plus 3 years.

We didn't know S&W was in business that long ago......Ben

 

[handejector]

The seller implied that the N stamped under the grips indicated factory finish. Typically when I see a stamp for renickel from the factory, it is inside a rectangle

I was shocked that it brought what it did. I hope whoever bought it is pleased. I was willing to spend about $1500.

I believe it is just a late Factory renickel. That is why it is not marked with the usual marks.

It doesn't surprise me that it brought that. Original Factory nickel Pre 24s will bring huge money because they are very rare. So, where ya gonna get one? You would have to start with a used gun and have it nickeled, and the Factory won't do them anymore.
So, now we're back to where ya gonna get one?


Maybe the seller knew what it is, and maybe he didn't. Nothing he said is untrue----

Greetings fellow freedom lovers from Hall And Sons! I'm thrilled to offer a beautiful, vintage revolver. The Smith and Wesson Pre Model 24 ( Model of 1950 Target ) in 44 Special caliber. Born between 1955-1956, it has the Nickel finish, N stamp under the grips, pinned 6.5 inch barrel, S Prefix serial number, pinned post front sight, white outline adjustable rear sight, Target Trigger, smooth walnut factory Magna grips and 5-screw frame. No factory box. Condition is extremely good with only light signs of handling. High definition pictures don't lie like gun sellers do, check out all the high quality photos.