Vintage model 60 value

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Davidb=R5555

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I have a model 60 that looks like it has never been fired, also the serial # is R5555. Not knowing a lot about guns, my question is
( Would this certain gun be worth a little more, as the serial number is all 5’s ? ) Also was hoping someone could give me a year that it was manufactured… Thank You…
 

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Welcome aboard from ol' Wyo.

Your Model 60 might have been created in 1969 or 1970.

S&W neither produced nor shipped guns in serial number order so
it's anyone's guess without asking for a historic letter.

All fives for a serial number might ring someone's chime, but
there's no rule that it make a difference to many of us.

My R3049 shipped in July 1969. It's very nice, and I'd rate it at
less than $700 in today's market. Views may differ.
 

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Nice looking gun!

I agree, no real bump on value with the all-five S/N. Although I did once buy a Smith 22A-1 because the last four on the S/N matched my phone number. :D

Personally, I would keep the Model 60 until the prices switched over to a seller's market. Stating the obvious, there's no clue when that might be.

Unless you just don't like J-frames, *I* would keep it, maybe carry it.

My .o2
 
As has already been stated, your revolver is a 1969 production piece. It should have come with checkered grips and it looks like someone has polished the gun to give it a bright smooth appearance. The smooth grips and polishing eliminate any potential collector appeal, but it is still a nice gun if the mechanics are good to go. I'd say it's worth $550-$650 as a shooter. Having said that, the economy has affected many people's ability and desire to buy things that aren't necessary.
 
BE Mike said:
It should have come with checkered grips and it looks like someone has polished the gun to give it a bright smooth appearance. The smooth grips and polishing eliminate any potential collector appeal,
Click to expand...

I heartily disagree with that thinking. The unusual serial number,
rosewood presentation stocks, and what might be a polished
finish all three lend themselves to the potential it was a special
order and shipped just that way. A history letter might say for
sure. We've seen stranger things from the halls in Springfield.
 
My Kahr Mk9 Micro Stainless has a SN of GA 1911. That's also the screen name of a member here. No premium on that one but a pretty good fit for me.
 

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two-bit cowboy said:
I heartily disagree with that thinking. The unusual serial number,
rosewood presentation stocks, and what might be a polished
finish all three lend themselves to the potential it was a special
order and shipped just that way. A history letter might say for
sure. We've seen stranger things from the halls in Springfield.
Click to expand...
I hadn't even considered that it might have been a special order and the work done at the factory. If a letter accompanied the revolver, for sure that would change things, but as presented, without a factory letter verifying the polishing and grips, I'd have to stick close to my estimate of the gun as a shooter without box & accessories. The unusual serial number doesn't have any extra value to me. Having said that, I'm no expert.
 
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Although I don’t know a lot about guns, I started seriously collecting them about 7 years ago.. I really love the Smith Wesson 586 , and 686 models..I have 6 of the 686’s and 2 of the 586’s by next month I will have 3 more 686 models.. All vintage , all wood grips.. But all a little different, barrel length, and no dash to dash 4… Thanks for the info, think I will keep this one as well..
 
I took the grips off, and on the inside of grips is stamped 5555, so they may be original, mechanics are perfect, and I guess I dropped the value when I polished it with mothers mag. I just like the way my smith guns look , shined up, and with wood grips…Thank you for the info…
 
The gun was already polished when I got it, but I did re polish it with mothers mag, as it seemed the last polish was quite some time ago.. Also the grips to have 5555 stamped on the inside, which makes me believe they are original… Thank You
 
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Vintage is an overused word! Most people consider that term applies to PRE-Model Number guns (1957-1958).
(But there is no law on such things in a Free country!)

Ivan
 
Welcome to the forum David B!!! Beautiful little Model 60!!! I love the high polish and I love the smooth grips. It's a Model 60 - the factory made a BUNCH of them. If it was polished after it left the factory, I do not believe that the polishing effects value one way or another. Blanket statements that modifications reduce collector value do not ring true with my experience. I for one, (and I know that I'm not alone) love tastefully and professionally modified guns and find them collectible in their own right. Don't get me wrong, I love mint from the factory guns, but modified guns have a significant place in my collection.

Smooth "presentation" grips were often affixed by the factory to special order guns (e.g. engraved guns and special finish guns). As the grips number to the gun, and as many of the above posts point out the SN is rather unique, it would not surprise me at all if this gun was special ordered with the high polish finish. Were it in my collection, I would probably spring for an historical letter to confirm the finish, the grips, and the possibility that it was special ordered by someone special...:D

Thanks for sharing,
 
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My 629 no dash Serial No starts with 7777.
Can you bet 4- 7s and a 44 Magnum?
Here’s my 60. Bought it in 1968 I think!
 

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