Were the Nickel Model 41s stamped with an "N" under the stocks like the revolvers?

OldK22

OldK22

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Were the Nickel Model 41s stamped with an "N" under the stocks like the revolvers?

Went to a little local gun show this weekend and met a gentleman who has a 1980 vintage Nickel Model 41, Long Barrel model. The rear sight is Blue, do not remember the the front sight, the factory metal follower magazine is also Nickel. Neither the magazine or the pistol look to have been buffed and re-done as the lettering is still sharp. I did not have a camera with me and my phone is not picture capable. He said everyone he had asked over the past 20 years that he has owned the 41 told him they never made any in nickel. I know the Standard Catalog of S&W mentions that nickel 41s are known but this is the first one that I have ever seen. He let me remove the stocks and there was not an "N" stamped into the frame. (no it was not for sale).
 
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Nickel model 41

Anyone can get a model 41 nickel plated. Of course you will not see any buffing or marks if the gun is in 100% condition to begin with.
I have a model 52-2 that is Satin chrome, I would never claim factory done, I have always wanted to letter it, but never have.
In all my years of collecting model 41's I have only seen hard chrome'd versions people had done.
 
I cannot answer the actual question however i will say that the SCSW is correct S&W did do a few nickel 41s. The mag being nickle gives me doubt, a steel follower adds to the doubt. Can tou tell us the serial or part so the gun can be dated correctly.
 
Aussie Collector said:
I cannot answer the actual question however i will say that the SCSW is correct S&W did do a few nickel 41s. The mag being nickle gives me doubt, a steel follower adds to the doubt. Can tou tell us the serial or part so the gun can be dated correctly.
Click to expand...

The original (10 rd) magazines to my "A" series have steel followers.
 
I suggested the owner of the 41 spend the money to letter it so he would know for sure.
 
OldK22 said:
Serial number was A6001xx.
Click to expand...

Ok, 1980 is correct. Steel follower is also correct.

Im with Smithfan its easy to get a NIB gun and have the finish changed to nickel. I have a Model 46 chromed all stampings are crisp and clear, obviously done when the gun was in great condition.

If the original box is with the gun it should have the finish "N" or "B" on the end label.
 
The owner has no original box or papers thus the question.
 
Yes, it is possible.

"He said everyone he had asked over the past 20 years that he has owned the 41 told him they never made any in nickel."

20 years ago, a factory letter would be less than the $50 it will cost him now to find the definitive answer...that's a long time to wait :).
 
I am the first person he had spoken to over the past twenty years that had a copy of the Standard Catalog of S&W or the only one who wold actually go to the trouble to look it up for him. Most of us have delt with the plethera of gun show experts over the years and I have run into my share who did not know their *** from a hole in the ground. I was trying to learn if there were factory marks on the nickel 41s as I thought the catalog mentioned the existence of factory nickel 41s. He did not try for a letter years ago because the experts told him factory nickel 41s did not exist.
 
I would strongly suggest if you see him again Now is the time to have the letter especially Now that Aussie Collector has verified it. If anybody knows for sure its him.
 
Barrie said:
I would strongly suggest if you see him again Now is the time to have the letter especially Now that Aussie Collector has verified it. If anybody knows for sure its him.
Click to expand...

Well um gee thanks Barrie, now wheres the big head smilies.

I really doubt its original, however some lucky buggers have the few factory nickel ones.

OldK22 I would suggest you get the last 2 digits and phone S&W, they either can or cannot confirm. One not so quick phone call, then let us know also.

edit...I should have added that I am aware of one nickel model 41 very close to this serial, it also has a nickel mag. It is however not factory nickel.
 
Last edited:
A picture makes comments so much easier.
Here is an interesting nickel model 41. with a letter.
ARMSLIST - For Sale: Nickel Model 41 Smith & Wesson **PRICE DROP**

The model number moved to the right in 1961
The 5 1/2 HB introduced in 1963
The picture is not clear but the stocks look much later.
The slide roll stamp appears polished.
The icing on the cake/nail in the coffin, is the ejection port trimming on the barrel, before it was nickel plated.
 
Sorry Jamie but I couldn't find the big smileys but consider it was meant and with a row of them as well. TONS OF BIG SMILES HERE.
 
Aussie Collector said:
A picture makes comments so much easier.
Here is an interesting nickel model 41. with a letter.
ARMSLIST - For Sale: Nickel Model 41 Smith & Wesson **PRICE DROP**

The model number moved to the right in 1961
The 5 1/2 HB introduced in 1963
The picture is not clear but the stocks look much later.
The slide roll stamp appears polished.
The icing on the cake/nail in the coffin, is the ejection port trimming on the barrel, before it was nickel plated.
Click to expand...

He says he has a letter, but nowhere does he claim the letter verifies the gun was plated at the factory. My money (what little I have) say it wasn't.
 
I used to see a few 41s that had been hard chromed, sometimes only the frame was refinished.

Older pistols like mine which have been shot and handled a lot lose all bluing on the front strap, around the trigger guard, and under the beavertail. If you have sweaty hands and are not careful rust can happen. Hard Chrome dies a good job of preventing that problem.

For some target shooters the pistol is a tool and appearance is secondary. For example; my original grips have been extensively reworked, filed here, putty there, etc..
 
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