Model 34 Kit Gun 1953

[BenelliSlim70]

Hello I'm a new member with a curious nature. Found the gun online serial number low 5000 which should make it 1953 model but it's with a 3 1/2 inch blued barrel and I don't see any listing in my fifth edition catalog. The gun is in Very Good condition. No box or paperwork, not even a letter from S&W. A nice gun but it would seem $1,500 is WAY above market price. How much does the oddity of the 3.5 inch barrel add to its value? Perhaps an earlier catalog has more info?

 

[Kansasgunner]

Purely a guess, but the Airweight Kit Gun came with a 3.5" barrel. It added Model 43 to it's name after 1957.

 

[BenelliSlim70]

Thanks!! You've given me some homework. There's no lines on the back strap like some other kit guns I've seen

 

[BenelliSlim70]

Purely a guess, but the Airweight Kit Gun came with a 3.5" barrel. It added Model 43 to its name after 1957.

SHAZAM!!! I believe that you're right sir!! The 2" is the rare version!!! THANKS

 

[DARE]

Are you sure it is a Model 34? Model numbers did not start until around 1958. If it is a Model 1953 which became the Model 34 it should have a 2-inch or 4-inch barrel. If it really has a 3 1/2-inch barrel it is probably a Model 1955 .22/32 Airweight Kit Gun. They started at 5000 serial number. I had 5601 that shipped in November 1954. Still have 6211 that shipped in July 1955. Have included a photo.
The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, 5th Edition says value is $1400 for Excellent and $700 for Very Good on either gun.

 

[Dino44]

Checking GB recent sales history. One sold in July with a hammer price of $806.00. It was in the #224xx range with some finish issues but otherwise, looked very solid. Note; GB gun was .22/32 kit with 4" barrel.

 

[BenelliSlim70]

Are you sure it is a Model 34? Model numbers did not start until around 1958. If it is a Model 1953 which became the Model 34 it should have a 2-inch or 4-inch barrel. If it really has a 3 1/2-inch barrel it is probably a Model 1955 .22/32 Airweight Kit Gun. They started at 5000 serial number. I had 5601 that shipped in November 1954. Still have 6211 that shipped in July 1955. Have included a photo.
The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, 5th Edition says value is $1400 for Excellent and $700 for Very Good on either gun.

View attachment 790664

I believe you are correct. Pre-Model 43 Airweight. Thanks for the picture as well

 

[Hondo44]

Thanks!! You've given me some homework. There's no lines on the back strap like some other kit guns I've seen

I'm not aware of any Kit Gun with grooves on the back strap and I've seen hundreds of them. You might be thinking of K frame .22s.

And just FYI, from the beginning in 1955, the airweight Kit Gun is built on the J frame while the steel Kit Gun is built on the I frame until Oct 1960.

 

[BenelliSlim70]

I'm not aware of any Kit Gun with grooves on the back strap and I've seen hundreds of them. You might be thinking of K frame .22s.

And just FYI, from the beginning in 1955, the airweight Kit Gun is built on the J frame while the steel Kit Gun is built on the I frame until Oct 1960.

Thanks I appreciate the history lesson!!