Hi, I inherited this revolver from my Dad. It's a model 64-1, 38 Special. The serial number is 1 D 6 (no dashes, that's all there is.) It's a brushed nickel finish. There are some other numbers besides the model number behind the yoke, you said you didn't want to know what they were but you can see them in the photo if you want. There's also a mark under the gun which I think must be from when it was brought in from Canada.
I have the original box as well.
Could you tell me more about this gun? I'll post photos from my phone. Thanks for your expertise!

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Pisgah

Hi, just uploaded the photos. Thanks for the quick response!

A couple of things.

First, it is stainless steel, and not brushed nickel.

Second, 1 D 6 is not the serial number, but rather an assembly number. What is stamped on the butt?

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Only a cold warrior

Ah, stainless steel. Sorry.
1D6 is what’s stamped on the butt. I thought it was curious too. I’ll send a photo when I get home. Thanks!

This is going to be interesting!!

The SCSW 4th says the model 64 and 65 started with serial 1D1 in 1976 (p490). But they first became available around 1970 (SCSW p 263).So maybe this was the 6th one made after a new serial sequence was started. I'm no expert, though, someone should be along soon with additional info. I think I would get a letter!!



Best Regards, Les

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SWCA 3084, SWHF 495, PGCA 3064

Here is the photo of the serial number on the butt. I think that’s what you’re looking for.
By a letter, do you mean some kind of certification from Smith and Wesson?

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Les
You are misreading the information on page 490, but I can see why. It isn't very clear. So let me straighten this out for you and for the OP.

When the Model 64 was introduced in 1970, it was assigned serial numbers in the Dxxxxxx range. I own at least two of them in that numbering sequence. In 1976, this model jumped to the 1D numbers, while the carbon steel guns (for example, the Model 10) were still using up the remaining Dxxxxxx serials.

In 1972-73, the 64-1 became available as a heavy barrel variant. Production overlapped with the continued Model 64.

The OP's gun, with serial number 1D6 would be a from the 1976 production year, probably early in the year. It is clearly a Model 64-1. By that time the original .357 Magnum Model 64-1 had been re-designated the Model 65-1, and Model 64-1 revolvers were chambered for the .38 Special.

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

Yes. He means a Letter of Authenticity from the S&W Historical Foundation. They cost $75 and, in my opinion, there is no good reason to purchase one for this revolver. It won't tell you anything you don't already know, based on the responses here. Unless, of course, you are dying to know the name of the distributor to whom it was shipped.

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

I take it back, that is the serial number. My original "off the cuff" remark was based on the fact that many post assembly numbers in place of SNs.

(But, it is still stainless. )

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Only a cold warrior

No worries, Sistema1927--it is kind of an odd serial number!

Awesome...so to recap, this is a SW 64-1, chambered in .38 Special. It was produced in 1976, probably early in the year, which is why it has serial # 1D6. It's made of stainless steel. It has the original box. Anything else particularly interesting?

Also, is it gauche to ask how much it might be worth? If a lot, do people insure guns? Does having the box help the value a lot?

No. Although I do want to say that is an interesting import mark, if that's what it is. It is neatly done and they didn't put it on the outside of the frame like so many do, defacing an otherwise nice looking revolver.

You have a fine and very serviceable revolver. The Model 64 is the stainless version of the Model 10 .38 Military & Police revolver. They are good guns. Personally, I prefer the tapered barrel on these (and on the Model 10) but there is absolutely nothing wrong with the heavy barrel variants. Thanks for showing us this one.

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

This is interesting:

Appears to be an import mark from Borderview BORDERVIEW | International Firearm Logistics | Firearm Export and Import Services to Canada, Australia, New Zealand and more! in Lynden, WA indicating that this revolver was indeed re-imported to the USA as you mentioned. It appears that Borderview is mostly involved in imports from Canada.

BTW value where I live would be in the $600 range with original box and docs.

Yes, Thin Man. Borderview handled the export from Canada/import to the USA of my Dad's handguns. If it's ok to post this kind of information, I'd like to say they did a great job. They were extremely professional and communicative during what was a pretty challenging process for our family.

That is indeed interesting!
Good info to have!

It's interesting in that it is such a low number. But I think in most cases S&W started with 1 for each new prefix series so its not really weird. Some people collect low numbers. I saw a collection of about 30 different guns in an estate auction many years ago and every one of them was serial 7.

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No life story has happy end.

I'm surprised no one mentioned the import mark on the barrel flat . . . it may or may not warrant a letter of authenticity to know where it shipped. I had a 3" Model 10-5 that came back as shipping to the Gov't of Jamaica in Kingston, Jamaica.

Here is an excerpt from BorderView web page:
ATF requires Import Markings to be placed on imported firearms (excluding antiques manufactured before 1899). Required markings include at least our Name, City and State as the importer, and other markings if not already present on the gun (i.e. caliber, model designation if any, country of manufacture, serial number and manufacturer name). As ATF has approved our name to be abbreviated to “BV”, the basic marking is “BV LYNDEN, WA”.

For the rest of the story, go to:
USA Firearm Import Service | BORDERVIEW | International Firearm Logistics

Russ

Edit to Add: I must be very slow to respond with this observation . . . others here are way ahead of me . . . which comes as no surprise!

linde...I don't think others were ahead...it's just great minds thinking alike! :^)

Serial numbers can be interesting. I have D136 on a 10-5, and once held in my hand a M27 stamped 123456

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Pete
I ain't no fortunate son

Now that is cool! To me, that is much more interesting than a "birth year" gun. I've never quite understood why that is such an important criterion for so many folks.

BTW - We assume it was N123456, since S123456 would not be a model-marked gun.

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

To tell you the truth I cannot remember, but it was a well preserved M27 and the guy that had it was not selling. The # was on the butt

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Pete
I ain't no fortunate son

You mentioned you have the original box , so the serial number on the label on the box is also simply 1D6 as well ?

Lewis

Really cool serial number! Model 64 4" heavy barrel pistols are amazing.

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SWCA 3563
10mm aficionado

Hi everyone, I'm just re-upping this post to let you know that as I was going through the guns, I found another model 64 that matches this one exactly, except it has serial # 1D1 111. How 'bout that?
I think my Dad must have asked his gun store buddy to find him one with a good serial #.....

I had 1D 2213, if memory serves and indeed bought it in 1976 or thereabouts.

It was VERY accurate with most ammo, including the lead Plus P 158 grain SWC-HP that I carried in it, Federal's No. 38G round.

M-64's of that era had stainless hammers and triggers that sometimes galled in use, so were replaced by normal parts that were hard chrome plated. But I don't know when the newer parts substitution began.

Lube the action normally with Break-Free CLP or similar oil and you'll probably have no problems. I didn't, and I owned the gun for 14 years. I wore it daily; it was my service revolver.

This is a very fine basic service revolver and one of the best home defense guns. You can fire Plus P ammo, but do that in moderation, to prolong gun life without repairs.

Then you are doubly blessed! You have a spare, and can keep the guns in different rooms, for easier access in event of a home invasion.

The M-64-1 is stainless, but give them normal maintenance, especially if you live in a coastal area or take them to sea. However, they rust MUCH less easily than do normal "carbon " steel blued guns. Salt water or salty air are the greatest threats.

I found the boxes for my .38 specials. As you can see, the numbers are just 1D6 and 1D1 111. I do have a question—what would the HP (or HR) in the special features category mean?

Thanks for all the great information, folks!

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I think it is a HB which stands for heavy barrel as opposed to the pencil barrel.