Model 50 target

[BrownK80]

I just inherited a Model 50, 6 1/2 inch target from my father. I am trying to determine its age and value. the serial number is S 965XX. The gun has been reblued in a high gloss (I don't know when or why he did it but it is done) so can anyone tell me about when it was made and what the approximate value of it is?

Thanks,

Mike

 

[P&R Fan]

Welcome to the Forum.
I think you probably mean a 1950 Target. Yours was made in 1953 according to the Catalog.
Is it a .44 Special or a .45 ACP?
We'd like to see a picture. Then somebody can give you a value estimate. These are very desirable revolvers and some are worth several thousand dollars.
Jim

 

[BrownK80]

thanks Jim. Yes, I meant 1950 Target, which is printed on the barrel. It is .45 ACP, and very clean, it has just been re-blued in a high gloss. I will take a picture, but I am not sure how to upload it to this site but if you would like I can send it to you via your email address if that works.

Mike

 

[DCWilson]

Welcome to the forum. I think you are describing a .45 ACP Target Revolver that is marked MODEL 1950 on the side of the barrel. After 1957, this gun was called the Model 26, which is simply an available classification number rather than a reference to a particular year. Your gun could be called a Pre-Model 26 since there were no changes to the design of the revolver at the time the later model number was applied.

Here's a link to a general thread about the Model of 1950 that I started some time ago.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-hand-ejectors-1896-1961/324010-model-1950-45-target.html

These guns are characterized by a tapered barrel. In 1955 S&W introduced the same gun with a heavy barrel marked MODEL 1955, and that became the preferred configuration among target shooters; that gun became known as the Model 25 in 1957.

Only 2800 copies of the Pre-26 and 26 were manufactured, and they are not commonly encountered. Top condition guns (98-99 percent, with original box) can sell for well over $3000. Without the box and with less of the original finish (which would include a refinished gun) valuation is perhaps about half that. It may still be possible to acquire one from a naive retailer for $1000 or less, but most people know how uncommon these are and price them accordingly when they have one to sell.

My Pre-26, numbered not far from yours, shipped in July 1953.

 

[BrownK80]

Thanks for your quick response to my question. I do have the original box and I believe two original 1/2 moon clips as well as the registration he completed to have the gun on the air base at the time. I appreciate the link to the thread and will read it with interest. I will try to post a picture but I am going to have to email it to myself then figure out how to upload to this site. I also have a K-22 bought about the same time and also re-blued in high gloss (again not sure why or when he did it) but it also has the box.

Mike Brown

 

[Leatherhead23]

Got any pics? Love to see the box too with the end label and grease pencil markings on bottom?

 

[S&W ucla]

Are you sure it was reblued? They were available in high polish on special order. Good pics will help. Nice guns you have there and welcome to the forum!

 

[Hondo44]

Mike,

Welcome to the forum.

Did your father specifically say that he had them re-blued?

Do they have factory refinish stampings: star following the butt serial # or date on the bottom left side of the grip frame under the left stock?

 

[BrownK80]

Guys, I will try to get some pictures this weekend and post them to answer the questions you've asked. I didn't realize there was such a volume of data out there but guess I should have given the years S&W has been in business. Hopefully I will be able to post the pictures in the next couple of days. I am pretty sure they have been re-blued as they have some gold in the stamped areas of the guns and I believe that he did tell me that he had them re-blued but that was in the early/mid 70's so I am not positive but the pictures will show it.

Thanks,

Mike