Model 40 Centennial nickel

CDR39978 · Mar 7, 2018

Hey everyone,

I have the opportunity to buy a gun from an old friend of mine to add to my small S & W collection and dont know how much to give him. If you could offer any help i would appreciate it.

Also can anyone tell me when they think this gun was produced

I would say the gun is 95% No Box or papers. Ser 159xx

Thanks in advance,
Craig

Rpg · Mar 7, 2018

Nickel Centennials are uncommon.

Depending on condition, $1,000 isn’t unreasonable.

Centennial, not Model 40.

CDR39978 · Mar 7, 2018

Model 40

I have been educated to the fact that i do not have a Centennial (a pre model 40)but a model 40 that was made after 1957.

Thanks Ross.

So anyone have an Opinion of its Value in nickel?

okiegtrider · Mar 7, 2018

I'm already lost in this thread.

two-bit cowboy · Mar 8, 2018

Model 40 is still called a Centennial.

Rpg's estimate is about right for a nickel finish in the condition you say it's in.

dr. K · Mar 8, 2018

Any j-frame with the fully enclosed hammer is referred to as a Centennial. That style of revolver was named for an anniversary, but the Centennial is an overall frame design, rather than a limited or special run. So you do have a Centennial. If it’s as you describe, you have a really, really nice one, too.

gmborkovic · Mar 8, 2018

Is it correct to just refer to it as a Hammerless Chief Special?

two-bit cowboy · Mar 8, 2018

gmborkovic said:
Is it correct to just refer to it as a Hammerless Chief Special?

I seem to recall seeing an early box that said, "Hammerless," but I don't remember if it also said, "Chiefs Special."

Mine's from January '55, and they'd dropped the Hammerless by then.

two-bit cowboy · Mar 12, 2018

gmborkovic said:
Is it correct to just refer to it as a Hammerless Chief Special?

I just ran across one about 1,300 numbers lower than mine. Shipped in December 1954 and the box indeed says, "Chiefs Special Hammerless."

Lt JL · Mar 12, 2018

I have one. The boxlabel says centennial. the gun, Nickle, says 40. It still has the pin inside the stocks to lock out the grip safety.

Double-O-Dave · Mar 13, 2018

Have you been able to confirm the nickel finish is from the factory, rather than an aftermarket addition? If you had the original factory box, you could just check the label. Since you don't, the easiest way to check would be to look for the "N" on the rear face of the cylinder. I am not a collector, but to me, a nickel finish that was not from the factory would influence the value/price.

Regards,

Dave

Lt JL · Mar 13, 2018

if you're talkin' to me, yes. It is factory nickle. sn is 15163, on the gun, the stocks, and the box.

Double-O-Dave · Mar 13, 2018

Lt JL said:
if you're talkin' to me, yes. It is factory nickle. sn is 15163, on the gun, the stocks, and the box.

No sir, my response was directed towards the Craig, the OP.

Regards,

Dave

CDR39978 · Mar 13, 2018

Yes, there is an N on the face. So original.

I never saw that thanks.

Model 40 Centennial nickel

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