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Found 25-2
- Thread starter John Turner
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Welcome to the Forum. I don't know that I've ever seen a 25-2 in nickel. One in blue with the package as shown is probably in the $1200-$1500 range these days. Think I would want to take a close look at that nickel finish before I bought it.
Jeff
SWCA #1457
Jeff
SWCA #1457
Welcome to the Forum! You have a very nice vintage Model 25-2. There are lots of .45 ACP and Model 25 fans here on the Forum, so you're in good company. Here is my blued 6-1/2" ca. 1973 (s/n N139297). Although the Model 25-2 is not as sought after as some of the other similar vintage N-frame revolvers (Model 27-2, 29-2, 57, 58, etc.), they do have a following and do command some decent prices. It looks like your revolver has a 6-1/2" bbl. with Patridge front sight which usually brings a slight premium, and the nickel finish also brings a premium- perhaps 25%. You didn't mention the s/n, but an S-prefix s/n revolver tends to be worth more than an N-prefix s/n (which began 1969). Your Model 25-2 dates to somewhere between 1961 - 1977, the s/n would tell us which year. The mahogany presentation case is in good shape, but the lining material has been replaced (very common because the original blue flocking tends to disintegrate). The brush is not an original S&W bore brush, but that's not a big deal. With all that said, I think your boxed nickel Model 25-2 is valued at $1800-$2000. To the right buyer, it could be worth more. I'm sure that some of our Forum gurus will be along shortly to provide more information. Enjoy!
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Since a nickel 25-2 would be quite a find, verify there is a N on the frame under the grips and a N on the backside of the cylinder. If the N exists then you have a much more valuable gun than if it does not - since that would verify an aftermarket finish.
Not being used to seeing nickel 25's.
The first thing I'd want to do is verify it's an original finish.
The first thing I'd want to do is verify it's an original finish.
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The brush in the box is a US WWII weapons cleaning brush, sort of hard to find.
bananaman
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Welcome to the FORUM from Michigan! I like 25's and 625's. Lots of fun to shoot. Check out the "N" nickel letter on it. Sure looks NICE! Bob
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The number on the frame is N377806!
Pizza Bob
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On nickel guns is the front sight blade nickel too. I think not - that and the absence of the "N" (OP - not the "N" preceding the serial number) would be a strong indication of a refinish. Beautiful gun and nice restoration of the presentation case.
Adios,
Pizza Bob
Adios,
Pizza Bob
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Under the Grip there is a stamp R-N in a box ! This is all new to me. Just want to know what i have?
Model 25-2
That serial number would be in the 1975-1976 shipping date range. Others will be along who can get you closer to a more
accurate date.
Beautiful gun.
That serial number would be in the 1975-1976 shipping date range. Others will be along who can get you closer to a more
accurate date.
Beautiful gun.
The R-N indicates a factory refinish. Look at the left side of the frame under the grips, there may be a service date; for example 6.82 or some such denoting month and year of service. There are some variations of that date stamp so pictures or description of what you find would help.
Assuming it is a factory re-finish the value would not be reduced much, from my perspective anyway. I would be inclined to letter it although you may not learn anything more than the date of shipment and to whatever distributor or retailer it was sent.
Jeff
SWCA #1457
Assuming it is a factory re-finish the value would not be reduced much, from my perspective anyway. I would be inclined to letter it although you may not learn anything more than the date of shipment and to whatever distributor or retailer it was sent.
Jeff
SWCA #1457
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Love mine. Years ago found it on a guys table at a show. Dirty and ejector rod end had been crimped, gave me chills. Asked what wanted, got him down $200 and home it went. New ejector rod end, weeks worth of cleaning, installed some Pac’s, off to the range. Talk about Accurate! as good as one of my match 1911’s. May get blasted but the stiff rubber moon clips work well for me. Have several steel ones left from my 1917 S&W WW I which my son has now.
Welcome to the forum, that is a really nice find
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I have a 6" Model 27 in nickel - the front sight is Patridge type and is nickel. A nickel front sight is a tad counter intuitive to a target revolver, definitely doesn't work as well as black. I put a facing of black helicopter tape on the blade's edge. Helps alot, not permanent.
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Under the grips it is stamped R-N in a box and I have been told that means it was platted at the factory!
stansdds
Member
R-N indicates it was refinished in nickel plate by S&W.
I don't know what it is worth today, I watch auctions but I see prices all over the map.
Here is a 4" nickel 25-2 I found in 1974 - I think it is a factory cut because there is a star on the cylinder and the frame under the stocks.
I have not lettered the gun since I will never sell it.
It did come in the box wood case with tools.
Riposte
Here is a 4" nickel 25-2 I found in 1974 - I think it is a factory cut because there is a star on the cylinder and the frame under the stocks.
I have not lettered the gun since I will never sell it.
It did come in the box wood case with tools.
Riposte
I paid 1100 for a pristine one a few yrs ago. Blued no box. Looked like a safe queen.
Yes, factory refinished in nickel. Now, what is it worth. Generally a non-factory refinish, unless exceptionally well done, knocks off about half the value of an original example. Some here say a factory refinish reduces the value by about 25% although I tend to think more like 10%. The refinish was done by the same people using the same equipment and processes as when the original finish was completed, to me, that justifies a price close to original finish. Since we don't see the 25-2s in nickel very often, I might not discount the value at all. With the box/tools/paperwork I'd think $1200-$1500 is reasonable. For $1k I'd be all over it.
stansdds
Member
I would agree that any refinish reduces the value of a firearm, but a factory refinish would have less of an impact on that reduction.
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