Model 53 questions

[RMK53]

well i have some questions on the model 53 my dad gave it to me before he passed away a year ago i had some questions...? this much i know its a smith and wesson model 53 .22 jet yet says mag on barrel in org. box blued finish 8 3/8 with extra chamber thing ?
? i was first wondering what theses things go for not that im selling it means to much to me. i have the original box with the cut outs for the gun and extra cylinder and shells, no manual or anything else.
? #2 is there any way i can look up serial number to see how old it really is i never saw a date or anything on the box just s serial number in grease pen on one end of box.... just wondering if this is a rare gun.. sorry for my terms and stuff im a 26 year old girl and really dont know much about this stuff

 

[madmikeb]

Hi, welcome to the forum! Sorry about your Dad. The official name of the cartridge is the .22 Remington Jet Magnum which is why it says .22 magnum on the barrel. The extra cylinder you have is for the .22 long rifle cartridge. The cutouts in the box for shells are actually for .22 long rifle chamber adapters. These are silver adapters that you put into the .22 jet cylinder that adapt it for .22 long rifles. Value is a little subjective, there are a few variables on the guns that affect value such as 3 or four screw, and of course condition greatly affects value, these guns are prone to erosion in the forcing cone area of the barrel if they have been shot alot. Do you have the chamber adapters? As having these will increase value also. Personally I think that the 8-3/8 barrel is the more desirable. I'm sure there will be someone around that can provide a better valuation than I can but I would put it at $650 - $1000. I bought an anib 4-screw 8-3/8 25 years ago and paid $700, it came with chamber adapters, but no extra cylinder, no box or papers.
I hope this helps!

 

[cobretti]

I'd say that's a fairly rare one and it sounds like it has everything that goes with it. I suggest checking Gunbroker for an idea of present values, but I'd guess over $1000.00 just from your description. They didn't make those for too long, and the extra cylinder makes it even more valuable. If you post the serial number, someone will tell you the year it was made. I hope you hold on to it, I bet your dad loved it. Those are unique guns.

 

[john4970]

Welcome to the forum. The 53 Jet has a following and a search on this forum will bring up many threads. Depending on condition, you could easily have a gun worth 1000K or even more. The 22 mag cylinder is a very nice addition. I would recommend picking up a copy of The Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson book, now in its 3rd edition. It has the answers to most of the questions asked about S & W guns. It has serial number lists by year. Even if you decide not to collect, the volume of words and pictures make this book very reasonable and a good read. Best wishes.

 

[perrazi]

you have one of my favorite guns. you father has great taste in guns. an 8 3/8 gun with box and extra 22lr cylinder is a fairly valuable item. if you could put up a couple of pics showing condition and serial# i would be glad to offer an opinion as to value. i have been collecting these since 1974. if it has a screw in front of the triggerguard then it is a 4-screw and worth more than one without the screw. look forward to seeing your pics.

 

[RMK53]

I will try and get photos up later on today and thanks I prolly wont sell it just because my dad passed it on to me and ill do the same for my daughter . my dad has many guns this one was my fav. just looked so pretty in the box looks like it has never been shot but then again im no expert. I know it doesnt have any paper work with it but the serial number is k445343 if that means anything. sorry the pic was from my phone and looks crappy ill try and get better ones later but this is how this gun has been as long as i can remember

 

[srsmyth]

Hi, and welcome to the forum. I have a model 53 such as yours except with a 6" barrel. Serial # K-4464xx that shipped from the factory on 12-19-1961. I hope that helps, maybe others have a serial # closer to yours.
Steve

 

[HeloMt]

Dad's Model 53

Hi,

You have a very nice revolver! It looks to be in great condition and appears to be a "4 screw", which makes it early in the production run. Having all the inserts and the aux 22 cylinder, plus the barrel length all add up to a very desirable package for collector. The only thing that would improve it would be the original papaerwork and cleaning accessories. I think most here would agree this would sell for more than $1000.00, maybe approaching $1500.00 (maybe). Since you are keeping it, I would have that value in mind. Make sure it is lightly oiled on it metal surfaces and kept in a dry area. Ren wax is another excellent, long term storage protectant. If your Dad had multiple guns and you picked this one, then as said in the Indiana Jones movie "you chose wisely"! Enjoy.

Randy

 

[GLL]

Welcome !

You have a very nice looking Model 53 !
Look and see if there is a paper gun manual (single page), a round brass brush, a tapered white cotton swab, a long aluminum rod, and a red paper tag anywhere with the box.
If you have all of this "stuff" with the gun it greatly increases its value and would worth OVER $1200 in my opinion !

Jerry

 

[RMK53]

I dont think i have any paperwork on it other then an old 1961 gun and game magazine that talks about the gun which was interesting! i can ask my mom and look and thanks for all the info !!

 

[feralmerril]

I also have one. There is a "switch" on top the hammer that has to be set depending on whether you are shooting .22 rimfire or .22 magnum centerfire. If you ever shoot the centerfire .22 magnum they have a vicious muzzel blast, moreso than almost any other gun! If you shoot the magnum ammo I would use ear muffs!
I would search your dads house as you might well find the paperwork and if you hit the jackpot maybe some 22 magnum jet ammo for it. The ammo is exspendsive.

 

[redcoat]

Your Model 53

You have inherited a rare and beautiful revolver, one that is without doubt quite valuable, that I'm certain you'd want to keep in your family. I found one a year or so ago that was in good condition, but without the adaptors and extra cylinder, and I gladly paid $850 for it, hoping to find the accessories elsewhere (no luck so far). Follow the suggestions of the members as to keeping it clean and oiled when and if it's not being shot, and you'll have an heirloom of unequalled excellence to pass on to your child.

 

[Masterpiece]

RMK53,
Welcome to the Forum!! Judging by the condition of your Revolver, your father left you a Very Collectable S&W Revolver to pass down through your family. I believe by the Serial No. you provided this would have been made in 1961. Also,I believe if we had a little better photo of the Frt. of the Triggerguard we would see that it is a 4-Screw Frame which adds to it's collectability. I'm pretty sure I see the Triggerguard Screw in the photo,but it's a little too blurry to see it for sure.The Revolver is "Very Collectable" in this Complete Condition having All the Original Inserts & Aux. 22 Cylinder. Is the Box marked anywhere as this was ordered with the Extra Cylinder? If possible maybe could you post a couple more photos including the End Label of the Box so we can give you some more information? Also,like GLL mentioned,you may want to look through some of your fathers firearms related items & paperwork which is probably somewhere near where he kept his firearms stored & see if you can locate the Manual,Cleaning Kit,Etc. Judging by the condition of the Box & Revolver I would say he was pretty particular about his firearms and may have stored them elsewhere. These accessories will also increase it's value somewhat as well. I would estimate your Revolver's value somewhere between $1200-$1500 very easily if you need a value for insurance purposes since your intention is to keep it in the family. Very,Very Fine Revolver!!!

 

[RMK53]

Well thanks i know the photo is burry it was from my phone ill try and get some nice shots of it and the only thing the box says is the serial number on one end in a white pen and other end says smith and wesson model 53 .22 blue finish 8 3/8 inch barrel

 

[RMK53]

here are some better pictures granted some of the pictures looks like theres dust on the gun or my camera gun is pretty flawless no scratches maybe one or two very small ones very shinny

 

[Masterpiece]

RMK53,
Much better photos!! I see that my eyes weren't failing me when I saw the 4th Screw in Frt. of the Triggerguard. I also see he must have shot it mainly with 22 Rimfire Rounds because the 22 Jet Cylinder looks Super Clean!! I'm seeing see alot of powder residue on the Forcing Cone of the Barrel that should be taken care of though. If you don't have plans to shoot it you might want to have it thoroughly cleaned & oiled by a Competent Gunsmith or maybe a Friend of your Father's that is familiar with the Revolver. Other than that this is a Super Condition Model 53 "22 Jet" & Highly Collectible!!

Masterpiece

 

[RMK53]

well thanks ill have that looked at and cleaned and oiled asap it is a very nice gun very clean as far as scratches and that

 

[RMK53]

And there isn't an end label on the box just serial number on one end so i dont know what that means

 

[Masterpiece]

RMK53,
The Very Early Boxes had the Information Imprinted right into the Box End & when they discontinued this practice they went to a Gummed Adhesive End Label. Your Label must have came loose & fell off somewhere in it's lifetime.

 

[RMK53]

theres no residue on either end like you would see with a sticker or even a piece left but then again i have no real clue