Help identify a revolver I just purchased at auction

[Wizard91]

Hi,
I just purchased a S&W 22lr revolver in what I think would be a nickel finish. Behind the yoke is the number 27 3. I was assuming that it meant it was a model 27-3 but doing a search all that I can find is that model in the caliber 357. It has a 6 inch barrel with a serial number of 23557 on the butt.
Could anyone on here help me date it and give me an estimate of value in what I would say is good to very good condition ?
Any help would be appreciated .
Thank you.

 

[smithman]

Post pics.

 

[Wizard91]

Photo

I'm not very computer savvy, I hope the picture shows up,lol.

 

[Inusuit]

The only .22 revolver I can find in that serial range with a 6" barrel would be the Ladysmith 3rd Model (.22 Perfected). It would be a very small 7 shot that opens the cylinder by pulling forward on the ejector rod. If that's what you have, it's a rare and desirable firearm. Just over 12,000 were made between 1911 and 1921. The 27 3 may be an assembly number.

Those who know much more than I do may have a different and correct opinion. As smithman says, we need more pictures and more information to be helpful. See the sticky on How to Identify Your Revolver.

Okay, you posted a picture while I was typing. That's not a Ladysmith. Could be a K-22 Outdoorsman or K-22 Masterpiece, but the serial number you posted does not match the range of those models. It appears to have been (poorly) nickel or chrome plated because factory would not have nickeled the hammer and trigger. The grips are not factory originals. These factors considerably reduce the value. Again, see the sticky. Then tell us about all the markings, pictures will help. A picture of the serial number on the butt would be good.

 

[H Richard]

Being as it's a .22, and seeing the flat latch and the hammer shape, it is a 22/32 target, (Pre Model 35). It would be on the improved "I" Frame, It would have shipped in about 1959. There were 135,368 of them built. It shows to have been nickel plated by some source outside the factory, and it has non factory plastic stocks installed. In original condition these guns are interesting and collectable. Unfortunately yours has been re-finished and original stocks missing. If it functions as it should it would make a good shooter.

 

[Art Doc]

The cylinder release and proportions of the frame eliminate any K frame possibility. Must be an I frame. Someone liked to show off having it nickel plated and adding the Jay Scott fake pearl grips. If you got it cheap should be a fun shooter (if you can find 22 ammo). Please ditch the cheesy grips and get some original walnut stocks. Those Scott numbers with the plastic on dark wood look hideous.

 

[jtcarm]

Apparently it belonged to a pimp at some point.

 

[Pizza Bob]

I'm guessing a pre-model 35 (Model of 1953 .22/.32 Target). It is listed is listed in the SCSE as being produced from 1953 - 1973 (transitioning to the Model 35 ca 1957). The flat thumb latch was used on I & J frames and also lightweight K-frames. Serial number makes it a little hard to date: 11000 - 52673 runs from 1955 - 1959 with no further breakdown. If there is no model number on the frame, under the yoke, it would be pre-'57-'58. If that's the case I'm guessing about 1956. Nice score.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

 

[Wizard91]

Pics to help identify

I took a few more pics to see if it may help identify the year and model. I appreciate all of the replies that I have gotten from everybody and it sounds like it's not the best move I've made in my life purchasing it. That being said it may just turn out to be a tack driver and I will be able to have a lot of fun with it not having to worry about scratching it or messing up the finish as I usually do worry about doing when I shoot my so called safe queens.

 

[Wizard91]

Another pic

Sorry but I couldn't figure out how to post more than one picture at a time.

 

[Wizard91]

Last one I promise

I am new to posting pictures so I apologize for the multiple posts.

 

[nedlate]

The numbers 27 3 when you open the cylinder are just assembly numbers for the factory to identify which parts go to which gun. The number on the butt (23557) of the gun is the serial number.
Ed

 

[3S16]

It's kinda "Shabby Chic" cool. I would get some presentable S&W I/J frame grips off Ebay and proudly step up to the firing line. I unapologetically say, "I like it for what it is."

 

[cgt4570]

If it wasn't refinished with aftermarket grips, it would be a $1,000.00 gun. I hope you didn't pay a lot for it. Finding original unplated trigger and hammer for it would make it look a lot better.

 

[redlevel]

Y'all are really running down the guy's gun!
Give him a break!
Yeah, it's a shame about the refinish, and the grips
ain't the prettiest I've ever seen, but it really ain't
that bad looking. Looks a hell of a lot better than a
pristine Rossi or RG to me. If it turns out to be a
mechanically sound, fairly accurate shooter, then
I call it a good'un!

I would get rid of the grips, though.

 

[daddy bear]

redlevel has it right. It is not a collector piece, so what? They are nice little shooters and the finish may be what is needed. Dad's .22 handgun lived under the front seat of his farm truck for about fifty years. Collector value is long gone, but I still enjoy it.

Best,
Jack

 

[samandglove1]

Nothing wrong with it at all. It may no longer be a collector's piece, but it should be fun to shoot (I agree with SP though, that the gun needs better stocks/grips). Buy a bulk box of SV 22lr and go to town with it. I bet you'll have a blast.

 

[gkitch]

Everybody should have a good, quality 22 revolver yet few are now made. These J-frame 22s are ideal little shooters, field guns, hunting companions, practice guns, etc. Good find!