Matte black Model 19-5

[GerSan69]

Dropped in to my favorite gun shop today and found 4 or 5 used S&Ws that I'd love to take home. I settled for one of two Model 19 2.5", a dash 5 with the matte black finish, Pachmyer Presentation grips that were open on the bottom to expose the serial number. It looks to be in great shape, possibly 95% or better. Unfortunately no box or papers. Serial number is an ANR prefix, 1986 I believe. Photos will be coming later.

My question, of course, is do I have anything "special"? I'm not counting on it, but I am naturally curious because of the seldom-seen finish. I did try a search of the Forum looking for "matte finish Model 19-5", got 7 pages of threads, but the most intriguing was the last, a post from 2008 regarding DSS guns, "Another State Department DSS model 19-5 snubby." Description is the same, but the serial number prefix was different than mine. Anyone have any ideas? Thanks!

 

[326MOD10]

I know the DSS Model 19's were in a matte black finish but I am unsure of the serial numbers.

I purchased a Model 19-5 that had some finish issues and I sent it to the Performance Center folks for a Combat Action Package. The package included a re-blue matte finish.

If not a DSS, or a run over, it could have had a CAP done.

You might need to get a letter to determine.

 

[GerSan69]

That's how this one looks. I went over it carefully. No sign of refinish. I don't believe it's cerakoted. I have a gun that was cerakoted before I got it and it didn't look like this. I thought it was interesting enough to get it, so I'll probably end up getting it lettered.

 

[NOTREDAME]

19-5 matte finish

I believe there was also a run of the 19-5’s with matte finish
For the Connecticut State police.

 

[stansdds]

Post some pics, especially close up, well focused images of the side plate seam and screws, roll marks, and edges that should be sharp, like cylinder stop notches, cylinder flutes, and the frame where the barrel meets the frame.

 

[ladder13]

This might help some. My DSS 19-5

The gun was lettered by the previous owner. He never got the serial number corrected on the letter.

 

[st regis]

Wide, smooth semi target trigger is also on the DDS models

 

[RWJ]

I know of at least 4 DSS 19-5 2.5" that had ANR prefixes. Most had Pachmayr RB grips. I would consider getting a letter. My lettered DSS gun has an ANP prefix.


FWIW

 

[snw19_357]

Serial number is an ANR prefix, 1986 I believe.

There were a few large orders for the DSS, most falling in the AND, ANF, ANN, ANP & ANR ranges.

I believe there was also a run of the 19-5’s with matte finish
For the Connecticut State police.

Yes, in the low AYY's.
There are also 4" RB M19-5's made for the DSS in the AYY4xxx's.

 

[Retired W4]

My US Department of State 2 1/2" 19-5 has the ANR prefix. The letter calls the finish bead blast blue.

 

[jpage]

Nice catch ! Hope to see some pics