Help with a 1951 S&W Pre Model 26

[Rockrivr1]

Hey everyone. I'm looking at a 1951 S&W Pre Model 26 that has been offered to me for sale. I know these are rare and I'm interested but wanted to make sure I'm not missing something when I'm looking at this revolver.

The owner is saying it's in excellent condition and maybe I'm missing something but the picture does not make it look in that condition. I'd say good condition. What do you think?

He's asking $3,500 for the gun, which I think is high. I'm seeing past sales in that range, but those guns seemed to be in better shape.

It does though come with a presentation box, tools and original moon clips. I'm not sure the presentation box is original though with the gun.

What do you guys think?

 

[19leben]

There's a pronounced turn line on the cylinder and the barrel appears to have quite a few scratches. Very difficult to tell from this one picture.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Rockrivr1]

Yeah I've asked for additional photos. But that's why I think it should be rated good instead of excellent.

 

[alwslate]

The gun does not fit the recess in the case.

 

[Murdock]

At a guess, mine might be in about the same condition as the one you pictured, or even a bit better. Bought here from a fellow member a couple of years ago. I consider it to be a nice shooter with character. My cost 2-3 years ago was under $1K.

The one you have showed has a target trigger, box, tools, etc. and my purchase was just the gun. I have not kept up on collector costs for accessories. That box and tools must really be something.

 

[huthike]

IMHO, the box does not go with the gun. Nice grips, but I don't think those are original either. I think your sense is correct that 3500 is too high. I'd think more like 1500.

 

[StrawHat]

Sounds like the owner wants about a dollar for each one made. Good thing it isn't a 38 S&W Special M&P!

For what he wants, I would expect better condition. The box, well, a slight shift of the revolver and it could drop right in. But, I don't collect boxes or paraphernalia so, the revolver is the important part.

Kevin

 

[22hipower]

The box, which is later, wouldn't carry much value for me. The stocks look good, maybe not original but they would be fine for me on that gun. Better pictures might help but if I were buying one it would have to be very, very nice to get me to $2k, much less $3500 which is pre-29 price range. Good luck.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[flintsghost]

That box didn't come with that gun. At the time those pistols were made S&W wasn't using that kind of presentation case. That gun is overpriced by a fair margin. I would pass and keep looking.

 

[Retired W4]

I don't believe that SAT came with the 1951 gun.

 

[Model19man]

The box, tools and grips are all later. Does he have any of the right stuff? The price seems very unreasonable. Maybe he does not want to sell it.

 

[rct269]

Mine sold for $2000 within the last three years---all by itself-----no extra doodads. Its condition was that befitting a lunatic fringe collector. This one looks like it do with a good bath, but maybe the seller didn't want to be bothered with such minor details as proper presentation----never mind the extra doodads.

That is, if a "Pre-Model 26" is actually a S&W .45 Hand Ejector Model of 1950---like my letter says.

Ralph Tremaine

 

[sodacan]

I have an all target model of 1950 (pre-26) also. I would consider the condition to be high shooter grade, with no box or tools. I really like the gun, but if someone offered me $3500 for it, it would be gone in a New York minute. I don't believe it to be worth that much--yet. Asking prices for those currently for sale are wide ranging.

 

[rct269]

The only thing one might regard as special about these guns is they didn't make all that many of them. Between their introduction in mid February, 1950 and June, 1952, they'd sold only 1,161 of them; and the total sales were 2,768 (per the letter)---not counting the 900 or so chambered for .45 Colt-----as in "Long Colt".

Ralph Tremaine

 

[Walter Rego]

The photo is poor. The gun might look better in person. The amateurly relined presentation case and tools are worth ~ $150. Maybe.

That said, the package is overvalued by at least 2X if the seller wants $3500. Here is mine for comparison. I probably paid a bit too much for it but not so soon that the value is anywhere near $3500 yet.

 

[AC Man]

You guy's lost me. Is this a 45 ACP? I looked it up and still can't tell.

 

[sodacan]

Yes, 45acp. There were about 200 made in 45 Colt. One of those might bring $3500, or more.

 

[Retired W4]

I did a little computerized magnification on it and yes it's 45, ACP. At least the seller should throw in a handful of moon clips. Being a 5 screw from 1951 I believe the stocks should be Non-Relieved. Oh well. If I were considering it I would have to hold it in my hand. Can you say "three day inspection period". And as some have said, forget all the Do-Dads. They are not correct for the gun any way

If you are just looking for a good 45ACP shooter find a M 25-2.

I reserve the right to extend and/or modify my above statement.

 

[Dave.357]

Better get a bunch of better
Pictures.
From what I see in that one poor
Picture it is way over priced.[/U]

 

[6string]

Anybody else notice the large chip in the grip, right where the forward edge meets the triggerguard?