|
|
10-10-2011, 09:29 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: 'Beachy' SoCal
Posts: 522
Likes: 12
Liked 761 Times in 280 Posts
|
|
44 pre-24 Four Inch
Here are several photos of my pre-Model 24, SN 118xxx, wearing a 4” barrel. I bought this some long years ago. At that time, I believed, and I still do, that it had been shortened post production. I bought it as such with a strong argument to that effect based on the barrel 'nomenclature centering' theory.
Today I have just read a thread of the expert group. It pertained to the Model 29 with 5” barrel. I noted a statement to the effect that off-centering of barrel markings could not be taken as proof of barrel shortening. Presumably that information has wider application, extending through the postwar N range in general. My pre-24 bears a matching serial number within the ejector rod housing. My question: Short of obtaining a letter, can it be ascertained from the photos whether in fact the barrel has been shortened? Thanks for any comments/help.
Iskra
Last edited by iskra; 10-11-2011 at 03:16 AM.
Reason: Amended to include the serial range of the piece.
|
10-10-2011, 09:44 PM
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: The SW Va Blue Ridge
Posts: 17,431
Likes: 90,856
Liked 25,074 Times in 8,580 Posts
|
|
To me, that looks like a factory front sight.
Are there any rework marks or dates, such as "12.66", on the gripframe, under the grips?
__________________
John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!
|
10-10-2011, 09:48 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: DPRK (CA)
Posts: 1,497
Likes: 372
Liked 1,273 Times in 466 Posts
|
|
If it was done post production, they did a nice job, so I think it can go either way. The grips are rather rare though and probably the most interesting part about the piece.
|
10-10-2011, 09:48 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: SW Montana
Posts: 626
Likes: 495
Liked 194 Times in 143 Posts
|
|
Very nice, thanks for sharing.
Frank
__________________
US RIDE FOR THE BRAND OR LEAVE
|
10-10-2011, 10:32 PM
|
|
Moderator
|
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 26,227
Likes: 1,065
Liked 19,251 Times in 9,403 Posts
|
|
If you could post a close-up of the barrel crown and end of the rib from the front and sides, that may give more information.
__________________
Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220
|
10-10-2011, 10:56 PM
|
|
SWCA Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: big sky country montana
Posts: 1,063
Likes: 720
Liked 6,414 Times in 545 Posts
|
|
Hi
could you post the serial number that mite help
there are a run of these with the same grips and sights and they were all shipped in late 1955.
jim
I have one that is serial number S-1078XX and it letters
Last edited by bmg60; 10-10-2011 at 10:58 PM.
|
10-10-2011, 11:21 PM
|
SWCA Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: California
Posts: 18,903
Likes: 11,992
Liked 20,635 Times in 8,601 Posts
|
|
I guess someone might have cut a 5" but I don't know who in the world would, they're not exactly common either! The fact remains the best answer you can probably get is only with 99% certainty w/o a letter. You might as well get one, if it confirms it can only enhance the value of the gun as well as put your mind at ease. If the letter comes back and does not confirm an original 4", you're no worse off.
For the record, I'd vote original 4".
My pre 26 has a centered barrel marking on the right side, I couldn't tell by looking until I measured it at 4 1/4". But perfect workmanship. And I only had to pay less than 1/2 of an original even if I could find one.
__________________
Jim
S&WCA #819
Last edited by Hondo44; 10-11-2011 at 03:29 AM.
|
10-10-2011, 11:50 PM
|
|
SWCA Member Absent Comrade
|
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: The kidney of Dixie.
Posts: 10,446
Likes: 49
Liked 13,414 Times in 3,291 Posts
|
|
I am no expert... I could certainly be wrong... but I do have a 1950 Target 44 that was cut from 6.5" to 5" and my gut feeling from looking at your gun is that it appears to have a couple of similar characteristics to mine. My impression is that it has been cut. But it may have been done by the factory to fill a special order and may letter as a 4" gun. Given the potential value, I would have invested the $50 for the letter long before now.
|
10-11-2011, 03:13 AM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: 'Beachy' SoCal
Posts: 522
Likes: 12
Liked 761 Times in 280 Posts
|
|
Update with SN Range
Thanks for all comments and opinions. Thanks also for the heads up regarding the SN range omission. It is S118xxx. I'll see if I can amend the original post to include it.
My model is certainly not close in time to the great looking somewhat later edition posted by bmg60. But on enlarging the photo provided, I do notice the apparent similarity of the marking placement.
The request for more photos of my piece is logical but I unable to do it soon. I'm away now and during such periods, I'm live with my guns vicariously through my insurance file photos and a spreadsheet containing details. A bit frustrating to say the least. As to getting a letter, it would certainly satisfy personal curiosity, but otherwise it's really an investment call.
Frankly, you S&W collectors will provide the basic impetus to the extent that your opinion(s) neither strongly suggest nor substantiate its alteration. Yet also, I have other models that would potentially be higher in letter the que from an investment perspective. Hopefully, 'the truth will out'!
|
10-11-2011, 08:28 AM
|
|
SWCA Chairman
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Indiana, USA
Posts: 8,039
Likes: 1,329
Liked 30,841 Times in 4,410 Posts
|
|
This 1950 Target 44 (S131000 range) was shipped in March 1955 and letters with a 4-inch barrel, red ramp, and checked Target Stocks. A factory letter on a relatively scarce configuration of the 1950 Target 44 would be in order to confirm the barrel length, red ramp, and smooth target stocks.
Bill
Last edited by Doc44; 10-11-2011 at 08:33 AM.
|
10-11-2011, 10:01 AM
|
|
SWCA Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: big sky country montana
Posts: 1,063
Likes: 720
Liked 6,414 Times in 545 Posts
|
|
hi
based on the serial number and all the same configuration I would say its about a 75% chance it is a original 4 inch. as the serial numbers are close S1078xx, S118xxx, S131000 if you get a ship date of 1955
around december it almost a sure bet it correct.
jim
|
10-11-2011, 10:46 AM
|
SWCA Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Arizona
Posts: 393
Likes: 467
Liked 763 Times in 97 Posts
|
|
I used to own this 4" pre 24 that lettered as a 4". It was SN S118327, and it shipped in January 1955 to Los Angeles.
|
10-11-2011, 11:29 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: May 2009
Location: South Florida
Posts: 7,585
Likes: 2,507
Liked 8,366 Times in 2,949 Posts
|
|
Beautiful guns,
Very interesting that all of them have the small trademark stamped on the left side instead of sideplate.
|
10-11-2011, 08:28 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: North West Minnesota
Posts: 1,716
Likes: 1,637
Liked 1,961 Times in 415 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Engine49guy
Beautiful guns,
Very interesting that all of them have the small trademark stamped on the left side instead of sideplate.
|
Mine must be a oddball.The trademark is on the sideplate shipped Nov 1955 DSC_0005.jpg
|
10-12-2011, 12:09 AM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: CA
Posts: 1,532
Likes: 809
Liked 680 Times in 438 Posts
|
|
All of those pre-24's are really nice revolvers. The smooth rosewood grips are nice as well. Thanks for posting the pics.
Troy
|
10-12-2011, 08:04 AM
|
|
SWCA Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Massachusetts USA
Posts: 6,813
Likes: 3,716
Liked 8,974 Times in 3,561 Posts
|
|
From looking at the photos, my vote is that it is original. Certainly, for $1 a week investment, I would also suggest getting a letter. Hell, I pay $2 a day for a cup of Dunkin Donuts coffee and its usually gone within 24 hours.
A letter will last as long as the gun.
__________________
James Redfield
LM #497
|
10-12-2011, 08:18 AM
|
|
SWCA Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Illinois...via Arizona
Posts: 931
Likes: 660
Liked 2,036 Times in 222 Posts
|
|
|
10-13-2011, 08:44 AM
|
SWCA Member Absent Comrade
|
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: SLC, Utah
Posts: 4,862
Likes: 739
Liked 3,277 Times in 1,282 Posts
|
|
My 4 inch 1950 is in the S1183XX range. It also has the red insert, white outline and smooth rosewood target stocks. I haven't lettered it but probably should.
|
10-13-2011, 11:58 PM
|
|
SWCA Member Absent Comrade
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Santa Ana, CA
Posts: 130
Likes: 4
Liked 14 Times in 13 Posts
|
|
Iskr:
One of my 4" pre 24s is Ser. # 118083.
December 3, 1954
Chas. Greenblatt Co.
New York, New York
1 of 5 all shipped with 4"BBL.
Red Insert Sight
Target Stocks
D.B.
Last edited by DBWesson; 10-14-2011 at 12:02 AM.
|
10-14-2011, 02:42 AM
|
SWCA Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: California
Posts: 18,903
Likes: 11,992
Liked 20,635 Times in 8,601 Posts
|
|
I have two 6 1/2" 5 screw 24s and the barrel rollmarks aren't even the same as other original 6 1/2s I've compared from the same period.
I vote for original 4" as well.
__________________
Jim
S&WCA #819
|
10-14-2011, 06:59 AM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: West Central IL
Posts: 22,488
Likes: 18,759
Liked 22,567 Times in 8,317 Posts
|
|
I believe we all vote to get it lettered, and we patiently await the results! Try to not keep us in suspense too long. Thanks.
__________________
H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244
|
|
Tags
|
ejector, model 24, model 25, model 29, postwar, rollmarks, rosewood, rrwo, sideplate, smith-wessonforum.com, trademark |
Posting Rules
|
|
|
|
|