1965 Model 57

[Deeter]

Hello all,

I am hoping to have some insight and guidance.

I was given a 1965 Model 57 4" barrel that has never been fired outside the factory doing its testing. The gun is blued and in truly mint condition outside of a slight bit of corrosion on the badging and screws on the grip, but it's minimal. I was told it's more desirable because it is a dashless serial number? I am not a gun collector, just an average gun owner. I have the original box, no papers, and the cleaning tools that came with it are correct, but i don't believe they were the original ones with that came with the gun.

I have no emotional attachment to the gun, and outside of it sitting in the box i have little to no plans to fire it. I did buy ammo which for me was hard to find at first, but it's still in the box as well obviously. Today, I was offered $750 for the gun. Would it be worth selling? I know that is a personal preference but i am looking at it as more of an investment question. Will the gun go up in value? Is it a very rare gun? I know a little bit of the history, but not enough to know if it's worth keeping around. Does anyone have any insight?

Thanks for the help!

 

[JP@AK]

Okay. Moved this info to this thread. I'm not sure why you created two of them . . .

*****

The Model 57 was introduced in 1964 and the dash 1 did not come along until 1982, when the pinned barrel and counter-bored charge holes disappeared. There were lots of "no-dash" Model 57s made. I don't think there is much of a premium for them, although most of us like the older features. What enhances the value of this gun is its condition. However, yours is also early enough to have the S prefix, which some guys will pay a premium for.
For me, the 4" barrel would be a plus. I prefer it to the 6" and I have no use at all for the 8 3/8" variety.

Good luck!

 

[arjay]

Hold out for more

 

[Deeter]

correct, the S is in the serial number, and i was also told that also about it adding value, i forgot to mention that.

My only reason for keeping it outside of the investment was the home defense option, although my tiny wife might get thrown a bit in the heat of the moment. JP@AK if you were in my shoes, what would you do. Would you keep it?

 

[JP@AK]

Hold out for more

Agreed. When I wrote my post, the last paragraph in the OP's post had not been written. If the revolver is as described, it is probably worth another hundred or so, at least.

 

[Deeter]

Hold out for more

i should! i was told that they would resell it for $999 and take the first offer over $825. I understand i would make less dumping it off to a shop where i was offered that, but i don't know how much more i could realistically get waiting around. granted i'm in no rush to dump it either. Just itching to get some new handguns....

 

[JP@AK]

JP@AK if you were in my shoes, what would you do. Would you keep it?

Yes I would. But your situation might be different than mine.

I've had a hard time finding a 4" early Model 57, at least at a relatively decent price. I certainly would not sell one in 98% condition for $750.

 

[22hipower]

Not mentioned so far, I think, is that the early S numbered guns had "coke" stocks. If yours has them, add another several hundred to the value. I would think an early S 4 inch with cokes and box+ is in the $1200+ range. Enjoy.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

Edit: Meant to add a picture of my 1964 six inch so that you could compare your stocks to the "cokes" on this one.

 

[Deeter]

Can you explain what the coke stocks are? asking for a friend..... honest

 

[Deeter]

Yes I would. But your situation might be different than mine.

I've had a hard time finding a 4" early Model 57, at least at a relatively decent price. I certainly would not sell one in 98% condition for $750.

Well, if you were in Indiana i'd cut you a good deal.

 

[Deeter]

here is a pic of mine...

 

[Xfuzz]

Don't get hosed.
That 57 is worth $1500.00

 

[22hipower]

View attachment 226786here is a pic of mine...

Yes, very nice, definitely cokes. Wouldn't take less than $1200 and the $1500 Xfuzz suggests may not be far off. Good luck.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[Deeter]

WOW. Thanks for the heads up gentleman. I greatly appreciate the help and information. maybe i'll hang on to it a little longer, or until i get a better offer.

have a great night guys!

 

[S42N8]

One small disclaimer: the corrosion you mentioned. If minimal (sounds that way) that's a solid $1200. More than that will affect the price a bit, but if the grips are as good as they appear, that and the box will certainly get you in the $1200-1500 range.
Location also affects price: if that's a CA gun, you're at $1500 or better. FWIW.
Oh, and pictures of the other side would be welcomed

 

[Deeter]

Oh, and pictures of the other side would be welcomed

Ask and you shall receive...

One of the other side, and one of the corrosion on each side. It doesn't seem too bad, is there an easy way to clean that up?

 

[JP@AK]

Yes. Sorry. I didn't think about the Coke-bottle stocks that would be on it. And the blue looks pretty darn good in your pictures. I'm with these other guys - $1200 - $1500.
Good thing you came here for advice before you let it go so cheaply!!!

 

[Peak53]

I was going to say that if the shop was offering $750, there is NO WAY they were going to let it go out the door for $825. Shops around here are going to nearly double the price tag.

 

[epj]

Well, I was going to offer $900 sight unseen. Guess that won't happen now. Lol

 

[arjay]

Tooth picks,q-tips and a tiny bit of flitz (if needed) or even toothpaste will get the green off