|
|
|
04-10-2016, 12:51 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: ARIZONA
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Liked 106 Times in 19 Posts
|
|
Smith and Wesson .357 magnum
1st post
While cleaning out the family home after mother's passing I found this fella hidden in the wall.
[IMG] [/IMG]
|
The Following 46 Users Like Post:
|
992B, andyo5, Armybrat, bengal fan, BigBill, bigwheelzip, bracebeemer, charlies, Cocked & Locked, Collects, Duke44, firemanhank, Fishslayer, GerSan69, Hiero6, hoosier4guns, j38, Jack Flash, Jebus35745, JSW, lawandorder, Lee Barner, Lee's Landing Billy, LEO918, loknload, Lt JL, Mike Q., model17, Muley Gil, paragain, PR24, quinn, Rio Laxas, RKmesa, roaddog28, Russell Cottle, samandglove1, Semper Fi 57, singleshot1, sooper44, Stan O, Texas Star, tftech1, Usmc5811, Wiregrassguy, wunderboy |
04-10-2016, 01:01 PM
|
|
SWCA Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 2,325
Likes: 3,797
Liked 3,912 Times in 1,196 Posts
|
|
Welcome to the forum. You might want to move this to the 1896-1961 area. I am guessing this is a Model 27 - it's sort of hard to tell with only one picture. If you open up the yoke, do you see anything on the frame that says something like "MOD 27"?
|
04-10-2016, 01:02 PM
|
|
Moderator
|
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 26,276
Likes: 1,091
Liked 19,342 Times in 9,440 Posts
|
|
Quite a first post! It appears to be a pre-WW II Reigstered Magnum, not quite an antique but a sought after gun.
Can you give the serial number from the bottom of the grip frame, and the REG number from the frame under the barrel? What is the barrel length, muzzle to cylinder face?
__________________
Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
04-10-2016, 01:11 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: ARIZONA
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Liked 106 Times in 19 Posts
|
|
|
The Following 12 Users Like Post:
|
Cocked & Locked, DGT, Jack Flash, Lee's Landing Billy, Mike Q., model3sw, Muley Gil, Peak53, Russell Cottle, Texas Star, tftech1, Usmc5811 |
04-10-2016, 01:12 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: ARIZONA
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Liked 106 Times in 19 Posts
|
|
|
The Following 10 Users Like Post:
|
|
04-10-2016, 01:12 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: ARIZONA
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Liked 106 Times in 19 Posts
|
|
[IMG] [/IMG]
|
The Following 6 Users Like Post:
|
|
04-10-2016, 01:14 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: ARIZONA
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Liked 106 Times in 19 Posts
|
|
[IMG] [/IMG]
|
The Following 6 Users Like Post:
|
|
04-10-2016, 01:20 PM
|
SWCA Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 7,791
Likes: 3,558
Liked 6,808 Times in 2,652 Posts
|
|
I do not believe the picture shows a Model 27.
Upon enlarging, I can see that the rear sight is of the type used on the ".357" Magnum model.
Whether it is a Registered or Non-Registered is not clear without knowing if it has the "REG" number on the frame beneath the lunette behind the crane, visible when the cylinder is open. My guess is that it is a Registered Magnum, but that part is just a guess. To me, at this angle, and in that photo, something about the hammer is nagging me, but not sure exactly what seems "off" about it - perhaps my eyes are playing tricks on me.
When enlarging the picture, I can see visible pins in the frame, which are polished to the point of being invisible on Model 27s, but not on Pre-War Magnums.
In addition, although the angle of the photo may cause a distortion, I think the front sight base appears to be set back from the end of the barrel in the manner of the Pre-War Magnums.
So, my guess is Registered Magnum, with King Red Post on King Ramp base, but without better pictures, it is hard to say for sure.
EDIT: The pictures in posts 4-7 appeared just as I hit send. It is obvious now that it is a Registered Magnum. My only question is, "why didn't I find anything like that in the wall of any grandparent?" Great find. Good luck. Just out of curiosity, how did you know where to look? Most people just don't start tearing into walls looking for things when a relative passes away. . . .
Last edited by shawn mccarver; 04-10-2016 at 01:26 PM.
|
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
|
|
04-10-2016, 01:27 PM
|
|
SWCA Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Central TX
Posts: 2,191
Likes: 1,021
Liked 4,598 Times in 1,268 Posts
|
|
It also appears to have a King hammer and sights and those plastic Murad grips that we consider hideous now, but were popular back in the day. Congratulations on a great find!
__________________
Kevin Williams SWCA1649 HF208
|
The Following 4 Users Like Post:
|
|
04-10-2016, 01:30 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 2,373
Likes: 5,541
Liked 2,818 Times in 1,280 Posts
|
|
A once in a life time find. For most of us a never in a life time.
The best thing I ever found in a wall was an old andiron.
|
The Following 4 Users Like Post:
|
|
04-10-2016, 01:32 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 2,373
Likes: 5,541
Liked 2,818 Times in 1,280 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by shawn mccarver
Most people just don't start tearing into walls looking for things when a relative passes away. . . .
|
I bet we will now.
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
04-10-2016, 01:35 PM
|
SWCA Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 7,791
Likes: 3,558
Liked 6,808 Times in 2,652 Posts
|
|
Kevin:
Thanks for the help diagnosing my "issue" with the hammer not looking quite correct. Good catch!
Best regards,
Shawn
|
04-10-2016, 01:37 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: A Burb of the Burgh
Posts: 14,822
Likes: 1,717
Liked 19,943 Times in 8,818 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by shawn mccarver
EDIT: The pictures in posts 4-7 appeared
It is obvious now that it is a Registered Magnum.
Just out of curiosity, how did you know where to look? Most people just don't start tearing into walls looking for things when a relative passes away. . . .
|
The rest of the Story................please!
|
04-10-2016, 02:13 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: ARIZONA
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Liked 106 Times in 19 Posts
|
|
More ****** cell phone pics...
[IMG] [/IMG]
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
04-10-2016, 02:14 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: ARIZONA
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Liked 106 Times in 19 Posts
|
|
S/N number matches under barrel, on cylinder and underneath ejector.
|
04-10-2016, 02:16 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: ARIZONA
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Liked 106 Times in 19 Posts
|
|
[IMG] [/IMG]
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
04-10-2016, 02:16 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: ARIZONA
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Liked 106 Times in 19 Posts
|
|
[IMG] [/IMG]
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
04-10-2016, 02:17 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: ARIZONA
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Liked 106 Times in 19 Posts
|
|
[IMG] [/IMG]
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
04-10-2016, 02:18 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: ARIZONA
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Liked 106 Times in 19 Posts
|
|
[IMG] [/IMG]
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
04-10-2016, 02:26 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: West Virginia
Posts: 1,783
Likes: 3,808
Liked 3,148 Times in 899 Posts
|
|
This is just incredible! Are we sure this is
not a joke? A long time ago I pasted a photo
of a K-32 like new that I found in a gas station
for $400. What I did not say was that it was
in 1970!
|
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
|
|
04-10-2016, 02:37 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: ARIZONA
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Liked 106 Times in 19 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by BAM-BAM
The rest of the Story................please!
|
Grandma's second husband was a Was a Dentist in the Greater Pittsburgh area. He moved to AZ in the early 70's, He was an avid bird hunter and loved to shoot skeet. He would have been in his 40's in the thirty's.
I am not a collector, I found this in a cubby hole, loaded, behind some closet shelving. I dusted it off, oiled it and tossed it in the safe not knowing what it was.
Twice a year I pull everything out to wipe and oil. It bothered me that there was no model number on it like my other Smith's.
That is how It found it's way here.
I prolly need to do my due dilgence and get the letter.
I don't have the stock grips or box or registration.
Chris.
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
04-10-2016, 02:42 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: ARIZONA
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Liked 106 Times in 19 Posts
|
|
There are no marks on the handle indicating a factory refinish or repair, I beleive it is original.
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
04-10-2016, 02:45 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: ARIZONA
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Liked 106 Times in 19 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by jmace57
Welcome to the forum. You might want to move this to the 1896-1961 area. I am guessing this is a Model 27 - it's sort of hard to tell with only one picture. If you open up the yoke, do you see anything on the frame that says something like "MOD 27"?
|
Sorry, please move if required.
|
04-10-2016, 03:04 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: ARIZONA
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Liked 106 Times in 19 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by murphydog
Quite a first post! It appears to be a pre-WW II Reigstered Magnum, not quite an antique but a sought after gun.
Can you give the serial number from the bottom of the grip frame, and the REG number from the frame under the barrel? What is the barrel length, muzzle to cylinder face?
|
Barrel length is 6 1/2"
Thanks
Chris
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
04-10-2016, 03:27 PM
|
|
SWCA Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 2,522
Likes: 297
Liked 2,739 Times in 485 Posts
|
|
What a great find! The condition looks beautiful.
If I owned it I would send for a factory letter, once you receive the letter then you can contact the S&W historically foundation. They may have even more information about your revolver.
That an outstanding registered magnum!
__________________
George Jamison
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
04-10-2016, 03:51 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Arkansas
Posts: 18,732
Likes: 6,048
Liked 5,762 Times in 1,992 Posts
|
|
What a great find and agree with him getting a factory letter on this gun
|
04-10-2016, 04:02 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Metro Detroit, Michigan
Posts: 6,930
Likes: 179
Liked 4,318 Times in 2,116 Posts
|
|
So, the next question becomes What is the Value. Not being an expert but having seen what the RM's can command in price IMO it's likely worth over 10K in that condition, even without the correct stocks or box. Because what I can see of the finish appears to be extremely good, perhaps even nearly new.
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
04-10-2016, 04:28 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Oro Valley, Arizona
Posts: 2,369
Likes: 497
Liked 945 Times in 518 Posts
|
|
What prompted you to tear out the wall in the first place? Were you demolishing the home?
|
04-10-2016, 04:42 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: ARIZONA
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Liked 106 Times in 19 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by andyo5
What prompted you to tear out the wall in the first place? Were you demolishing the home?
|
It was in a spot completly out of sight yet easy enough to get to. the home was sold.
I am in Arizona.
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
04-10-2016, 04:44 PM
|
|
SWCA Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Warrensburg, MO USA
Posts: 5,296
Likes: 2,916
Liked 3,404 Times in 1,727 Posts
|
|
I cannot see a REG number. Could it be a non registered with a 57xxx serial number?
__________________
Richard Gillespie
FBINA 102
|
04-10-2016, 05:11 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: ARIZONA
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Liked 106 Times in 19 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nightowl
I cannot see a REG number. Could it be a non registered with a 57xxx serial number?
|
|
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
|
|
04-10-2016, 05:14 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Oro Valley, Arizona
Posts: 2,369
Likes: 497
Liked 945 Times in 518 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by crisbee1
It was in a spot completly out of sight yet easy enough to get to. the home was sold.
I am in Arizona.
|
I am in Arizona too. And I just bought a home.
Maybe I should check to see if there are any hidden guns.
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
04-10-2016, 05:39 PM
|
|
SWCA Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Flathead Valley, Montana
Posts: 2,606
Likes: 2,603
Liked 12,824 Times in 1,821 Posts
|
|
Oh my, what a gun to find.
Personally I love the King modified hammers on these. It would be hard to find anything neater while cleaning out a house, or more desirable.
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
04-10-2016, 05:40 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: ARIZONA
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Liked 106 Times in 19 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by andyo5
I am in Arizona too. And I just bought a home.
Maybe I should check to see if there are any hidden guns.
|
Holler if you need help
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
04-10-2016, 05:41 PM
|
|
SWCA Member Absent Comrade
|
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: The kidney of Dixie.
Posts: 10,446
Likes: 49
Liked 13,416 Times in 3,292 Posts
|
|
Definitely a Registered Magnum from around 1938 or 39 or so. King equipped and wearing aftermarket thumb rest stocks so somebody was into bullseye shooter. A very valuable revolver. More valuable with box and original stocks but even as is worth quite a bit of money to right buyer.
My father in law was in the real estate business and said he found a number of guns left behind in houses over the years. Other things, too. After 30 days they are his so he just sold them.
__________________
No life story has happy end.
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
04-10-2016, 05:53 PM
|
|
Moderator
|
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 26,276
Likes: 1,091
Liked 19,342 Times in 9,440 Posts
|
|
6 1/2" was the most common barrel length for these by report. After you receive your factory letter, you can request a search for additional factory documentation via the S & W Historical Foundation:
S&WHF Letters
And here is a search about this model on the Forum - enjoy!
http://smith-wessonforum.com/searchr...d+Magnum&sa=Go
Enjoy!
__________________
Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
04-10-2016, 06:01 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: A Burb of the Burgh
Posts: 14,822
Likes: 1,717
Liked 19,943 Times in 8,818 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by crisbee1
Grandma's second husband was a Was a Dentist in the Greater Pittsburgh area. He moved to AZ in the early 70's, He was an avid bird hunter and loved to shoot skeet. He would have been in his 40's in the thirty's.
I am not a collector, I found this in a cubby hole, loaded, behind some closet shelving. I dusted it off, oiled it and tossed it in the safe not knowing what it was.
Twice a year I pull everything out to wipe and oil. It bothered me that there was no model number on it like my other Smith's.
That is how It found it's way here.
I prolly need to do my due dilgence and get the letter.
I don't have the stock grips or box or registration.
Chris.
|
Thanks for the back story..... RM4174...mine is RM 46xx letters to 1939 and shipped to "The Burgh"
|
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
|
|
04-10-2016, 06:03 PM
|
|
SWCA Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Ohio
Posts: 4,933
Likes: 6,432
Liked 9,648 Times in 1,800 Posts
|
|
First of all, excellent find! As a lover of King Guns its right up my alley.
From viewing the pics, I would hazard a guess that the front sight was replaced by King at the time they modified the hammer; the pin securing the base to the barrel looks larger than factory to me and the color is not correct either. Nonetheless, its still a Reg Mag in original finish and the King parts make it very cool.
Someone before me mentioned it could be worth $10,000.00, I don't think its worth that much as several all original examples with original grips and boxes have sold in that range. I do however, think your Reg Mag is safely worth $4,000+ as-is.
__________________
Kris
OGCA, NRA LM
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
04-10-2016, 06:03 PM
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Central Virginia
Posts: 1,125
Likes: 6,011
Liked 1,631 Times in 547 Posts
|
|
All I found in the walls were spider webs and dust. Then the wife asked what in the heck I was doing tearing holes in the wall. Oh well some people get all the luck. I think I would go buy a lottery ticket if I was you. And yes I am green with envy.
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
04-10-2016, 08:24 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Between the Brandywines
Posts: 2,682
Likes: 619
Liked 2,921 Times in 1,070 Posts
|
|
Oh boy...what a find!! WoW!!
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
04-11-2016, 11:49 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: High Desert Nevada
Posts: 656
Likes: 12
Liked 459 Times in 148 Posts
|
|
Holy cow!
I'm in! Crowbar, miners helmet. Sheetrock dust everywhere. I'm sure with enough effort, I'm gonna get lucky.
Wife's a little miffed. Keeps pointing out we bought the house new, from the builder.
Whatever. I'm on a mission woman, step aside!
|
The Following 8 Users Like Post:
|
|
04-12-2016, 12:02 AM
|
Absent Comrade
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Planet earth
Posts: 13,869
Likes: 2,079
Liked 13,354 Times in 5,549 Posts
|
|
Awesome find, congrats.
I tear down walls and find old newspapers from '57. No guns.
__________________
Plant garlic in the fall
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
04-12-2016, 04:27 PM
|
|
SWCA Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Kentucky
Posts: 893
Likes: 1,702
Liked 735 Times in 271 Posts
|
|
Great find ~ congrats!
__________________
John
S&WCA Life Member
|
04-12-2016, 05:43 PM
|
|
SWCA Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: AL Wiregrass
Posts: 7,002
Likes: 35,169
Liked 10,826 Times in 3,693 Posts
|
|
Here's one from 1936 that I picked up recently after first acquiring the stocks. It went to King straight from the factory...so the letter says. If you want to make yours 'righter' you need some stocks like the ones on mine.
__________________
Guy
SWHF #474 SWCA LM#2629
|
The Following 7 Users Like Post:
|
|
04-12-2016, 05:55 PM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Dallas, Texas
Posts: 8,339
Likes: 2,561
Liked 13,380 Times in 4,624 Posts
|
|
When they tore the walls out of my home I think they found a cockroach nest.
Oh, well, it's nice to know this can happen to SOMEONE!!!!
Excellent find!
|
04-12-2016, 06:35 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Central Texas
Posts: 1,283
Likes: 2,972
Liked 1,494 Times in 702 Posts
|
|
Great find. As previously recommended get a factory letter, find a nice set of period correct grips and enjoy a highly prized revolver or reap the proceeds. Replacing the siding on time I found an old steel Schlitz beer can. Of course it was empty. kindest regards, hardcase60
__________________
You want me to do what?
|
04-12-2016, 07:15 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: ARIZONA
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Liked 106 Times in 19 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Wiregrassguy
Here's one from 1936 that I picked up recently after first acquiring the stocks. It went to King straight from the factory...so the letter says. If you want to make yours 'righter' you need some stocks like the ones on mine.
|
Wow that's a sweet pistol! Nice to know about the King reference. Stocks are prolly pricey.
I filled out the letter of authenticity request, added a couple of pics and will mail it tomorrow. I will post the findings when I get them.
I got a bunch of help from some great folks here.
Thanks,
Chris
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
04-12-2016, 08:20 PM
|
US Veteran Absent Comrade
|
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Texas
Posts: 20,360
Likes: 24,260
Liked 16,158 Times in 7,409 Posts
|
|
So those odd hammers came from King's! Cark Gable's .357 has that hammer and a modified trigger, too. Probably King "did" both.
Gable's gun also wears stocks by Walter Roper.
Last edited by Texas Star; 04-12-2016 at 08:22 PM.
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
04-12-2016, 08:29 PM
|
US Veteran Absent Comrade
|
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Texas
Posts: 20,360
Likes: 24,260
Liked 16,158 Times in 7,409 Posts
|
|
No one's mentioned that that holster was by Capt. A.H. Hardy, a famous holster maker then. Jeff Cooper mentioned him in his writing.
I'm guessing that the gun wasn't stored in the holster...
Should that number in the barrel shroud/lug match one on the frame?
Last edited by Texas Star; 04-12-2016 at 08:33 PM.
|
04-12-2016, 09:21 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: ARIZONA
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Liked 106 Times in 19 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Texas Star
No one's mentioned that that holster was by Capt. A.H. Hardy, a famous holster maker then. Jeff Cooper mentioned him in his writing.
I'm guessing that the gun wasn't stored in the holster...
Should that number in the barrel shroud/lug match one on the frame?
|
It was explained to me that the number below the reg. number as an assembly number.
The serial number is above the reg. number to the left.
|
|
|
Posting Rules
|
|
|
|
|