I join those I have envied . . . .

[NFrameFred]

I always marvel at and envy a lot of the pawn shop finds some of you guys show off here. Up until now I have never had much luck with pawn shops . . . but I think that just changed.

Near as I can tell, first ( or at least 2nd ) year production (1952-1953) 4 screw pre-model 40 Centennial, 4 digit no prefix serial number a ways under 1200. Pinned barrel, early flat latch, original high horn smooth grips numbered to the gun, and a bonus - according to SCSW it's hard to find one with the original pin provided and stored under the grips that can be used to pin the safety down - this one has it.

Not an untouched virgin safe queen, but not a bad looking old gal for almost 57 years old. Mechanically tight and sound, a few incidental boo boo's from honest use, but as you can see from the pics, since I paid significantly less than what I could buy even a used re-issue for, to say I'm pleased is the understatement of the week.

Any of you serious collectors out there that have any other info or insights are very welcome to add your comments and tidbits of knowledge, and just what you think she might be worth.

 

[NFrameFred]

I always marvel at and envy a lot of the pawn shop finds some of you guys show off here. Up until now I have never had much luck with pawn shops . . . but I think that just changed.

Near as I can tell, first ( or at least 2nd ) year production (1952-1953) 4 screw pre-model 40 Centennial, 4 digit no prefix serial number a ways under 1200. Pinned barrel, early flat latch, original high horn smooth grips numbered to the gun, and a bonus - according to SCSW it's hard to find one with the original pin provided and stored under the grips that can be used to pin the safety down - this one has it.

Not an untouched virgin safe queen, but not a bad looking old gal for almost 57 years old. Mechanically tight and sound, a few incidental boo boo's from honest use, but as you can see from the pics, since I paid significantly less than what I could buy even a used re-issue for, to say I'm pleased is the understatement of the week.

Any of you serious collectors out there that have any other info or insights are very welcome to add your comments and tidbits of knowledge, and just what you think she might be worth.

 

[Pathfinder]

BEAUTY!!!!!

Nice find.

 

[j38]

Good looking snubby! Thanks for the pics,

Jerry

 

[Marshal Tom]

Nice one. I would have been pleased as well.

T

 

[kwbikr]

Beautiful gun, well done on the "find"...Seems if you really know what you like they sometimes turn up...I wasn't looking for this one but couldn't resist...I wonder if all the flat latch 40's shipped with high horns? These shorter ones were on this one (13993)...

 

[deanodog]

Great looking snubs....Guess I will have to start looking in pawn shops.

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

Good find!

We have a lot of pawn shops in Houston, but the guns at most are garbage. Thanks to anyone who can give me a list of pawn shops that have worthwhile guns. Thanks!-Rick

 

[Andy Griffith]

Is it the early 40's or early 42's that have the "bug screw" to help hold in the top sideplate screw? I can't remember...as I don't have one.

Beautiful find!!!

 

[handejector]

Way to go. Nice one.

Originally posted by Andy Griffith:
Is it the early 40's or early 42's that have the "bug screw" to help hold in the top sideplate screw? I can't remember...as I don't have one.

Beautiful find!!!

42's.

I wonder if all the flat latch 40's shipped with high horns? These shorter ones were on this one (13993)...

No, all did not. I have seen too many with smooth grips like yours.

 

[Malysh]

kwbkr,
I have Centennial Airweight # 3651 and it had identical grips as the ones in your picture. On mine, they didn't number to the gun. They were made for a Centennial, though, because they have the small circle medallion profile that only fit the Centennial J frames of the era. Your grips will fit no other J frame.
I replaced them with a set of high horns numbered eight hundred-something. I would surely like to have Centennial/Cent. Airweight 8XX! It has the small lock screw also.

NframeFred,
Congrats! That is fantastic find. Centennials and Airweights are my special interest. I was very happy to read your post. I know you are going to enjoy the gun. It's worth $550-$650 w/out the box, nevermind what SCSW3rd states(no offense intended, I consult it all the time).
I had to let one go on auction with no reserve that started at $380 or $390 last week. 4 digit serial # Centennial(no box etal) which I couldn't make out. One gent bid on it and I knew if I started bidding neither one of us would get it for under $500 - so I didn't bid and he got a great deal. I've got a few, anyway!

 

[bamabiker]

As 1 who goes by a couple of pawn shops regularly and 3 others from time to time, along with a few gun shops, I believe you need a little luck also. I got some nice deals on S&W M28-2, 64-2, 686-1(this was my best,$250) and Colt Gold Cup and Detective Special. These were all in the last year or so. But I also missed some nice ones. At 1 of the pawn shops I have met a couple of guys doing the same thing, just go in and take a quick look to see if they have anything of interest. One of the men is retired and tries to find good deal guns that he can clean/repair and then resell. I'm sure there are a lot of guys doing this and with the economy like it is, now is a good time for it, at least in this area. Oh, by the way NFrameFred, nice find.

 

[ENH]

Sooner or later it pays to stop. Great find.

 

[MaineProbation]

Nice piece! Almost too nice to carry. If you do, you will find it a warm and welcome companion when venturing where the goblins (two and four legged) roam.

 

[Rugskipper]

I'll make 50-100 stops at pawn shops before a gem like yours shows up. Patience and perseverance eventually are rewarded.