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Any Experts On Pre Model 26 I'm Confused
- Thread starter AC Man
- Start date
- Joined
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About all that can be said about this one is:
It's nice, factory or factory-level conversion.
If not factory, one wonders why matching serial numbers were stamped.
Either the factory record of the SN is wrong (unlikely, but possible) or it may have been converted before shipping? The archives may say.
It's nice, factory or factory-level conversion.
If not factory, one wonders why matching serial numbers were stamped.
Either the factory record of the SN is wrong (unlikely, but possible) or it may have been converted before shipping? The archives may say.
CptCurl
Member
Nice, yeah.
Original, no way.
Above is the OP's picture. Again, look at the rear of the cylinder. There is no "S".
Here's a peek at my Model of 1950 .45 HE Target ("pre-26").
For a more contemporary revolver with a six-digit serial number not too far from the OP's, here is a view of my .44 Magnum ("pre-29"):
The OP's ratchet gears look a lot later too.
Curly
Ken (toroflow1)...Your Model 26 would have a 3-screw frame and is correct. You need to letter it as it is probably the last Model 26 shipped and the only one known with a 3-screw frame. Depending on the parts used, it could be a 26-2.
Bill
Bill
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The lack of an S on the rear surface of the cylinder is not surprising as this revolver was made after the Soft Fitting operation was discontinued with the barrel and cylinder not usually numbered. When the serial number was stamped for various reasons (often rework during manufacture) on the cylinder and/or the barrel, the S was usually omitted. It may be an artifact in the photo, but it appears there is a relieved area behind the knurled tip on the extractor rod. If this is correct, it indicates the extractor rod has an improved, left- hand thread that did not appear until 1962 for most models. Finally, there is a number stamped in the extractor rod shroud that may be a serial number different than the serial number. It would be of value to know what the number is so it could be researched.
Bill
Bill
Invoice and partial serial number list for S177688. I thought I would post these to show what the records actually are for this serial number.
Bill
Bill
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cgt4570
Member
Whoever polished the Mod 28 frame knew what they were doing. The roll marks look crisp, and the screw holes aren't dished.
Maybe it was factory rework?
Maybe the Historical Foundation has a work order? Might be worth requesting a search, although I doubt it would change the value much if it was factory service dept or aftermarket work.
Maybe it was factory rework?
Maybe the Historical Foundation has a work order? Might be worth requesting a search, although I doubt it would change the value much if it was factory service dept or aftermarket work.
If anyone is interested, I created a post in the 1961-1980 section regarding my possible model 26-2.
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This is not a model 28. no way no how. I have a model 28, this ain't it. It is brite blue. the best blued version I have seen. There seems to be in Smiths numbers a flaw. According to the the S & W catalog book of last addition it is correct. The serial numbers all match frame, cylinder, grip frame. Barrel is 45 acp which it only chambers. What was converted? Ok I'll shut up now. No more questions. Thanks for the help!
Invoice and partial serial number list for S177688. I thought I would post these to show what the records actually are for this serial number.
Bill
Can't thank you enough for exploring this firearm for me!
Ok, I was able to get the lighting right and read the serial number behind the ejector shroud. It is the same as all of the other serial numbers and it is chambered in 45 ACP. The fact it shows up as a model 28 is a rabbit hole I wasn't even considering. LOL I think that is a S&W problem. Any time you have hand transposed numbers there is a chance of error. I have received two traffic tickets on camera where the person wrote down the wrong number from the camera.
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I know what you want it to be but the gents who have chimed in are incredibly knowledgeable on the world of S&W revolvers I would take their word for it.
StrawHat
Member
If you are sure what it is, buy it. But, if you offer it to me, considering what has been posted, I will expect to see a letter verifying what it is.
Kevin
There are a very few instances where S&W's records do not support the firearm being researched even though it appears correct in every way. Unfortunately, there is no way to reconcile this.
When I researched S177688, I first looked it up is S&W's shipping records and found it was shipped to Sharper Horsey Hardware Company, Atlanta, GA. I then located the invoice and discovered S177688 was one of 100 Model 28s. I also researched just the serial number to determine if there were other records pertaining to this revolver; there were not.
Just wanted you know I exhausted all avenues of research on your revolver.
Bill
When I researched S177688, I first looked it up is S&W's shipping records and found it was shipped to Sharper Horsey Hardware Company, Atlanta, GA. I then located the invoice and discovered S177688 was one of 100 Model 28s. I also researched just the serial number to determine if there were other records pertaining to this revolver; there were not.
Just wanted you know I exhausted all avenues of research on your revolver.
Bill
Doc, I can't tell you how much I appreciate your effort. This is NOT a model 28. I have one of those too. The gun is brite blue, it has the top strap serrations, it has ALL matching serial numbers to the barrel, frame, butt, and cylinder. The barrel is stamped 45 cal. and it only chambers 45 acp. Thanks again! Gonna see my local old timer Smith guru gun shop and see what he says.
My only original question is the seller said it is the only 4 screw model they had ever seen. Who ever wrote down the serial number screwed up.
My only original question is the seller said it is the only 4 screw model they had ever seen. Who ever wrote down the serial number screwed up.
Well since somebody asked for photos, here's mine. Pre 26 .45 acp shipped February 1953 with bright blue finish and early red ramp sight. Lettered this one with bated breath after this thread. One of my "Last to Part With" guns.
I would guess the red ramp and TT were added later, and possibly the target hammer.
Bill
Bill
