Model 15 Stainless

NotaBot · Jan 16, 2022

After quite a bit of combing the web here I am.
Ive read a number of post here in reference to this Model only having 20 "experimental" pieces made. Another post stating only several have been accounted for.
Well here is my question. What would one of these unicorns be worth? Box and full kit.

SmithNut · Jan 16, 2022

Looks to be nickel plated, not stainless (from what I can see from your picture).

NotaBot · Jan 16, 2022

SmithNut said:
Looks to be nickel plated, not stainless (from what I can see from your picture).

Added image of serial. I'm actually kind of scared of be being the real deal. Never dealt with anything like this.

ken158 · Jan 16, 2022

That is a nickel model 15 - was my first thought but after reading comments and seeing the page from the “bible”, I too am convinced that you may have something very special. Keep us advised and please show the entire serial number everywhere it is located.

Summersteel · Jan 16, 2022

Whats the serial number?

NotaBot · Jan 16, 2022

K39782x
Mod-15
11
SS
X
Markings

minconrevo · Jan 16, 2022

I'm seeing the SS stamp on the yoke. Sure looks like nickel finish though in the image.

wordsmith · Jan 16, 2022

The gun is in the serial number range of the experimental stainless steel 15's..... which were the first stainless S&W's produced, in 1960-1961. They were bright polished and on first glance appear to be nickel-plated. You definitely need a factory letter.

Call me if you have any further questions (205-531-7002).
David

NotaBot said:
K39782x
Mod-15
X
SS
XX
Markings

minconrevo · Jan 16, 2022

Wonder if there are any helpful markings under the grips?

Sevens · Jan 16, 2022

Can you see this revolver up close and personal or only via internet/txt?

The fastest giveaway in quick pictures for a factory nickel S&W revolver is the flat black ejector star in the middle of an otherwise nickel cylinder, but you don’t show a picture that gives that view.

Mbrgr1 · Jan 16, 2022

NotaBot said:
K39782x
Mod-15
X
SS
XX
Markings

That's the serial number range for the stainless run, depending on what is after the 2, the book may say who got it originally.

Where did this gun come from??

NotaBot · Jan 16, 2022

Mbrgr1 said:
That's the serial number range for the stainless run, depending on what is after the 2, the book may say who got it originally.

Where did this gun come from??

What book is this info published in?

Hair Trigger · Jan 16, 2022

Having both stainless and nickel guns, I'm convinced this is nickel plated, not stainless. Stainless guns also usually have hard-chromed hammer and trigger, this one has color case hardened hammer and trigger, which nickel plated guns have. I don't know about the "SS" stamping inside the yoke cut. Look at the breech side of the cylinder, is there a "N" anywhere between the charge holes, and is the extractor star blue or silvery? Blued would also indicate a nickel plated gun.

Mbrgr1 · Jan 16, 2022

NotaBot said:
What book is this info published in?

SCSW 4th edition , must have for crazy people.

sigp220.45 · Jan 16, 2022

I was ready to poo-poo this gun as a mis-identified nickel or refinished gun, but now I think a factory letter may confirm Unicorn status.

Congrats to the OP if so. Its worth what an advanced collector will pay you.

I suspect your PM box will fill up shortly.

NotaBot · Jan 16, 2022

sigp220.45 said:
I was ready to poo-poo this gun as a mis-identified nickel or refinished gun, but now I think a factory letter may confirm Unicorn status.

Congrats to the OP if so. Its worth what an advanced collector will pay you.

I suspect your PM box will fill up shortly.

Thats one of my fears about talking about this thing. The person I know at Heritage Auctions had no idea and kind of dismissed me as having a common Model 15-1. He didnt understand what I was showing him.

NotaBot · Jan 16, 2022

Image of the extractor.

Sevens · Jan 16, 2022

Okay that definitely doesn't look nickel but the locator pins are certainly in an odd location --OR-- I am just not that familiar with a 1960's-era S&W extractor.

sigp220.45 · Jan 16, 2022

NotaBot said:
Thats one of my fears about talking about this thing. The person I know at Heritage Auctions had no idea and kind of dismissed me as having a common Model 15-1. He didnt understand what I was showing him.

If it is one of the 20 stainless Model 15s made (you’ll need a letter) you should sell it here. If that’s the case, I’d post the letter here as an update to this post and see what magically appears in the inbox.

There’s a moratorium on letters right now to let them get caught up, but it lifts soon. There are threads about how to get a letter. A gun of this type will need a letter.

NotaBot · Jan 16, 2022

sigp220.45 said:
If it is one of the 20 stainless Model 15s made (you’ll need a letter) you should sell it here. If that’s the case, I’d post the letter here as an update to this post and see what magically appears in the inbox.

There’s a moratorium on letters right now to let them get caught up, but it lifts soon. There are threads about how to get a letter. A gun of this type will need a letter.

Even then how does one determine value on something that never makes it to market. No public sales to base anything off of. What similar firearms have traded publicly that I can base a number off of.
Im having the same issue placing value on a 1882 $50 National Bank Note that has never before been auctioned publicly.

Model 15 Stainless

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