Help with Model 57 value

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Hello all. This is my first post here.
I inherited an S prefix Model 57 from my Dad. I'm trying to determine a value because I'd rather own a good looking shooter than a safe queen. This Model 57 would be a safe queen to me because I don't like odd calibers, such as the .41mag. Plus this caliber is hard to find and I don't reload. This is one of many guns that Dad owned and this particular one has no sentimental value.
Here's what I know. 6" barrel, coke grips, about 95% finish. It appears to have been fired very little. I think that the barrel is pinned. Thanks for any help.
Here is the gun in question… The serial number is S2502XX...


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57

It would be worth an easy $800 to me with the muzzle wear and without the Original case they came in if u decide to sell please LMK I am the 41 man thanks 41steve
 
S-prefix and a nice set of coke grips help the value out a lot on this one.
Not too long ago I was seeing coke grips sell on the $650 and up to $800 range. This was just a few months ago and I saw it happen many times.
I just did a quick check and the recent sales on coke grips have come back down to earth.
Looks like nice clean sets are bringing $500 to $650 currently.
Twig.
 
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That's a beauty showing your dad's good taste. Good decision to keep it. Of course, the only way you really know what it's worth on any given day is to put it up for sale or auction and see what it brings. A quick check of Gun Broker for closed auctions that actually resulted in a sale show model 57 no dash prices all over the map. As a rough generalization I would guesstimate high condition (98% +)excellent examples with Coke grips in the presentation case look like they bring somewhere around the $2000 range or more. Ones with some wear and no presentation case maybe somewhere around $1500.

I agree with 41steve. It would easily be worth $800 to just about anyone. I'll take it for $800 too.

I think BCDWYO is probably not too far off the mark, depending on geographical difference, but maybe a little low at $1100-1200?
 
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Welcome to the forum

FYI, I sold my 90% condition S&W 57 back in April for $800.00 plus shipping. It was an "N" prefix gun, stocks were original but long past the "Coke" design, and it had about the same muzzle wear as your gun shows in the photos. I did not have the box or papers. I would think your 57 should bring near twice what mine did.

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I would suggest you keep it. The .41 magnum is a great cartridge and the S&W 57 is a fine platform for it. Ammo is plentiful enough here in my area and can easily be found on line.
 
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I would like to thank everyone for the replies. I'm still pondering as to what a fair asking price would be.

I've been told that the Blue Book of Gun Values, of which I have a copy of the current edition, is not accurate when it comes to S&W revolvers. Can anyone here confirm this?
 
In my opinion the Blue Book can not account for items that are in huge demand or regional popularity of particular items. You were offered, twice, what I got for a less desirable S&W 57, simply because it was newer, not in any less condition. Your stocks are worth 75% of what I sold my gun for, LOL!!
 
Spinxs, a firearm is only worth whatever someone is willing to pay.
I have a 4" and a 6" Model 57. Condition wise, they are slightly better than yours. Mine have no bluing distress. Mine have the "N" prefix, so they are newer than your's. I paid $850 for both of mine last year. As mentioned before, the Coke grips and "S" prefix add value to your firearm.
As far as the caliber, I agree factory ammo is outrageously priced. I reload for my .41s. The .41 is a great firearm to shoot. It is also very accurate and potent.

If you decide to sell it, I recommend you list it here. The guys on this site are knowledgeable and they appreciate older S&W firearms. There seems to be a small fraternity of people that are true .41 mag fanatics. Me included.
Good luck whatever you do.
 
Welcome to the Forum

What you might consider...instead of trying to sell it for the most cash possible, trade it for something that you can use, but typically would not buy for yourself.

If you are a shotgunner, something like a Belgium Browning Sweet Sixteen. If you are a hunter then perhaps one of the Finnish built Sako .308 bolt actions. Perhaps the snubby .357 you always dreamed of.

In other words turn it into something that will give you a fond memory of your Dad and his involvement in the shooting sports every time you use it. A handful of cash can't do that for you.
 
colt_saa said:
Welcome to the Forum

What you might consider...instead of trying to sell it for the most cash possible, trade it for something that you can use, but typically would not buy for yourself.

If you are a shotgunner, something like a Belgium Browning Sweet Sixteen. If you are a hunter then perhaps one of the Finnish built Sako .308 bolt actions. Perhaps the snubby .357 you always dreamed of.

In other words turn it into something that will give you a fond memory of your Dad and his involvement in the shooting sports every time you use it. A handful of cash can't do that for you.
Click to expand...

The cash will most definitely be turned into another gun. I'm a 1911 fan and I've also developed a liking for DA revolvers lately. The caliber of the M57 just doesn't do anything for me. My Dad had many guns. Most were either for sale or trade. I learned how to buy,sell and trade guns from him. I'll only have a handful of cash until I find the right gun to drop it on.
 
I would value the Gun at $1,300-$1,500 as is.

EDIT:What is up with the lower side plate screw? Before You attempt to sell the Gun I would replace that for sure.
 
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05CarbonDRZ said:
I would value the Gun at $1,300-$1,500 as is.

EDIT:What is up with the lower side plate screw? Before You attempt to sell the Gun I would replace that for sure.
Click to expand...

For some reason someone installed a brass screw. I have no clue as to why. I'm definitely going to replace it.
 
I think your gun would bring well in excess of $1000 at auction, in the condition you describe and as represented in the pictures. There are plenty of cash buyers out there for these fine vintage guns like yours. Good luck in your sale.
 
...FYI you are in possession of a first year of production 1964 vintage Model 57...these don't grown on trees. Once the screw is replaced it should bring over a grand easily.

Here is a closed GunBroker auction for a nice 1964 57 just like yours but in slightly better condition...

S&W MODEL 57 "S" PREFIX .41 Mag 1964 NICE! : Revolvers at GunBroker.com

Good luck...Bob
 
SuperMan said:
...FYI you are in possession of a first year of production 1964 vintage Model 57...these don't grown on trees. Once the screw is replaced it should bring over a grand easily.

Here is a closed GunBroker auction for a nice 1964 57 just like yours but in slightly better condition...

S&W MODEL 57 "S" PREFIX .41 Mag 1964 NICE! : Revolvers at GunBroker.com

Good luck...Bob
Click to expand...

That Gunbroker revolver is nice, but I think the OP's package is worth a few hundred more given the Cokes.
 
That is easily a $1200 gun on GunBroker, and could be a $1400 - $1500 gun.

As beautiful as it is, I think you are wise to sell it off to someone that will appreciate. If you used the money for something you really wanted, your dad would understand.

Trust me. I inherited a Ton of Neat Antiques from my dad. I sold most of them, kept what I really liked, and used the money as a Down Payment for my house where I live right now.
 
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