I have this model 40, one of the few smiths with a grip safety. I don't see much talk on this site about this model and would welcome any input including value and shipping date. S/N 2541x, .38 special with a 2" pinned barrel and a 3 screw. Thanks.
Neat guns, I had a first year Centennial (SN 1818) from 1953 (first ones were produced in December 1952) with its red box for a while. That became the M40 in 1957. Yours is probably mid to late 1960s, someone may be able to get closer but you'll need a letter for the actual ship date. Hard to estimate value without pictures.
I’m not an expert but recently acquired a second issue made after 2000. It had some edge pitting on one edge of the top strap that cleaned up ok and although the original grips were with it they weren’t in great shape. Other than that it’s in pretty nice shape. I traded a Smith 17-6 4” for it and got some cash back. The person I got it from happened to be the person I got the 17-6 from and he wanted it back. The asking price on my 40-1 was $750. That was possibly a little high but 40’s are pretty rare around here and it was something I wanted for many years.
A lot has to do with condition and any accessories and whether the box is with it. I’d say yours in the same condition with no box or goodies would be worth more because it’s a no dash and original issue. Just guessing, I’d say here in East Tn it would bring $800-900. I may be way off but much of this has to do with availability too.
The modeled appearance in the blue is due to my photographing it on my deck and clouds were reflecting in it. The finish other than that minor edge is like a blue mirror.