Model 48 No Dash question

[911JWG]

Greetings. Some time ago, I inherited an early 48 and as my shadows grow longer I need to thin the herd. I cannot find any recent sold listings, wondering if some of you would have a general idea on its value.

I’d be very appreciative of your opinion(s). No box or paperwork, just a nice vintage leather holster. It’s a 22 mag, action works very nicely. Probably hasn’t been shot since about 70-71.

Thank you in advance.

 

[Jocko-44]

nice gun, ill give you 500 for it!

 

[22hipower]

Condition looks very good. The 5th edition of the Standard Catalog says Very Good condition is $800 and Excellent is $1100 which is consistent with what I've seen in the local market; 25% premium for the 4 screw. I'd be surprised to find it where I shop tagged for less than $1000 and a couple shops would have it at $1199. Last no dash I actually bought was this four inch, refinished by the factory in 1969, for just under $1k out the door about five years ago.

 

[larryofcc]

That's an extremely low number M48. I have # K 368119, higher than yours, and mine shipped 7-1959. Someone will pay a premium for that low of a number. Mine is minty and I gave $625 for it several years ago. Mine is boxed in an overstamped K22 box. $1,000 +++. Big Larry

 

[larryofcc]

4" 4 screws scarce as hens teeth. I also have a 4" and it took me a couple years to finally get one. Lettered with target stocks target hammer, and RR W/O sights. Big Larry

 

[Retired W4]

Looking at your photos this morning, I thought I was dreaming. You have one image reversed. It's the first time I've seen a S&W that had a cylinder that opened up to the right!!!

Nice looking early model 48.

 

[JP@AK]

I've only had one Model 48. It was a dash 4 from 1980. I think I only shot it once (maybe 10 rounds) and decided I really did not want to keep it. After it sat in the safe for 6 years, I sold it locally in 2019. Finish was pretty nice overall, but a previous owner had used a pair of plyers on the extractor rod. Ugly! I let it go for $500 and was happy.

Here's a fun fact about the Model 48. Winchester introduced the .22 Magnum rimfire in 1959. S&W, in that same year, introduced the Model 48. Winchester, on the other hand, waited until 1961 before they came out with a gun chambered for their own cartridge! The first Winchester .22 Magnum was the Model 61 (Magnum) slide action rifle. I have one in my safe.

 

[911JWG]

I've only had one Model 48. It was a dash 4 from 1980. I think I only shot it once (maybe 10 rounds) and decided I really did not want to keep it. After it sat in the safe for 6 years, I sold it locally in 2019. Finish was pretty nice overall, but a previous owner had used a pair of plyers on the extractor rod. Ugly! I let it go for $500 and was happy.

Here's a fun fact about the Model 48. Winchester introduced the .22 Magnum rimfire in 1959. S&W, in that same year, introduced the Model 48. Winchester, on the other hand, waited until 1961 before they came out with a gun chambered for their own cartridge! The first Winchester .22 Magnum was the Model 61 (Magnum) slide action rifle. I have one in my safe.

This pistol has a little Americana attached to it as well. I inherited it from Ed Brooks, who was the manager of Calder Race track in south Florida, and more notably the brother of the lovable lush Foster Brooks. He married my grandmother and my Pappaw passed. Ed was also a Sea Bee in WW2 and when he passed I got this smith and his service 1911.

 

[larryofcc]

I too have a M61 Winchester in 22 Magnum. Very accurate rifle. Pictured here with one of my 8 3/8" M48 4 screws. Full target. Big Larry

 

[Dan W. Cady]

That's an extremely low number M48. I have # K 368119, higher than yours, and mine shipped 7-1959. Someone will pay a premium for that low of a number. Mine is minty and I gave $625 for it several years ago. Mine is boxed in an overstamped K22 box. $1,000 +++. Big Larry

I have a 4' K173046 5 Screw 22 Magnum Fish Hook Hammer Diamond Service grips. That A GS Predator told me must be a rechamber I believe 1959. Barrel marked 22 Long Rifle.

 

[JP@AK]

I have a 4' (sic) K173046 5 Screw 22 Magnum Fish Hook Hammer Diamond Service grips. That A GS Predator told me must be a rechamber I believe 1959. Barrel marked 22 Long Rifle.

That serial number is from early 1953, so it clearly must have been rechambered, as you said. K171435 and K173141 are unaltered .22 Combat Masterpiece units, from February 1953.

A 4" .22 Magnum K frame would be a fun gun to have.

 

[larryofcc]

Lets see if I can post mine. Big Larry