Diamond Magna Info Needed

[AA080]

Hey there,

I have had these three sets stashed away for some time and I was hoping to learn a little bit about them? I got them from an old timer many years ago.

The top two are K frame and the bottom appears to be N frame. The K frames are in amazing shape, sharp checkering and very clean. The finish is a little splotchy, almost like the wood soaked it up and needed more coats. The N frame set are pretty good also, with some light press marks in the butt.

Since I haven't done anything with them for so long, I may also consider selling them.

What time period are these from?
What models would they have been installed on?
Estimated value of each?

 

[s&wchad]

Diamond stocks were used post-war through about 1968.

The K frame Magna's don't appear to be numbered, so they were probably sold as replacement parts. They would be appropriate on a K-22, K-32 or K-38. I'd guess mid-50's on.

The N Frame Magna's look like sharp shoulder and appear to have a 5 digit serial number. Those are probably from the early 50's and may have come on a .357 Magnum.

Value? I'm not up on current prices, so you're best to check completed listings on the auction sites. I'd guess $80-$100 on the K frames and maybe $125 on the N's.

 

[VM]

What is the serial number on the bottom set?
If it is below 70,000 it could be a valuable transitional pair.

 

[AA080]

Thanks for the info s&wchad!

VM, serial number 57,848

 

[JP@AK]

In the first picture, the K frame stocks are not properly matched. The middle two panels have the sharp shoulder and go with each other. The outer two also go together, as they have the more tapered shoulder.

Based on the checking pattern, the sharp shoulder pair are from 1946-1952. But, there is no divot for the round head screw, so this pair is from the latter half of that period.

The tapered shoulder K frame set is from the 1953- c. 1967 period. After that, the diamond disappears.

The N frame pair is also quite early. Not only is the shoulder sharp, but you can see the divot for the round head screw.

 

[VM]

With that serial number on the N's, they are indeed transitional and quite valuable/ desirable.
As long as they have not been modified/ shortened on the butt, they should bring a minimum of $300.
They have a pre war length….. if you carefully install them on a 60's - 80's gun you should find that they hang over and are proud on the butt.
Nice score! and good luck.

 

[AA080]

JP@AK,

Thank you, that was very helpful! Appreciate the lesson.

VM,

Mounted on my 29-2 and appears to be proud indeed. Does that seem about right for pre war length?

 

[Truckman]

With that serial number on the N's, they are indeed transitional and quite valuable/ desirable.

Yes...One of my S prefixed .38-44 Outdoorsmen, dated by SCSW4 to 1947-48, came to me with pre-war Magnas with the slight overhang at the bottom of the grip frame...The local seller allowed me a discount because he noticed it and didn't believe the grips were original to the gun...When I got it home, and began my detailed inspection/cleaning process, the grips were indeed stamp numbered to the frame making them original for sure...

I won't tell the seller because I would hate to mar his self-image......Ben

 

[VM]

VM,
Mounted on my 29-2 and appears to be proud indeed. Does that seem about right for pre war length?

YES, you have a winner

 

[handejector]

VM, serial number 57,848

You better look again. The first digit cannot be lower than a 6 nor higher than a 7.
If you think it is a 5, it is probably a 6.

 

[AA080]

handejector, because the 50,000 serial number would be prewar, correct?

From the naked eye, it appears to be a 5:



However, got the loupe out and I am seeing the 6 much clearer now:



Thank you!

 

[handejector]

handejector, because the 50,000 serial number would be prewar, correct?

That would be a Yep.

 

[4speed]

In the first picture, the K frame stocks are not properly matched. The middle two panels have the sharp shoulder and go with each other. The outer two also go together, as they have the more tapered shoulder.

Based on the checking pattern, the sharp shoulder pair are from 1946-1952. But, there is no divot for the round head screw, so this pair is from the latter half of that period.

The tapered shoulder K frame set is from the 1953- c. 1967 period. After that, the diamond disappears.

The N frame pair is also quite early. Not only is the shoulder sharp, but you can see the divot for the round head screw.

Thanks for answering the question about the change from early to late shoulder, I had asked in another thread