I recently purchased a nice Model 57 no dash serial number N607145, which, if I'm not mistaken, was manufactured in 1980. I knew it was a good probability that the left grip with the speed loader cutout was not original as I don't believe they were used until 1982. No big deal to me. I did pull the grip off to see if there were any markings on the inside when what I believe is a date stamp of 6 80 on the grip frame caught my eye. Following that is a R-B1. After some internet searching brought up some discussions on this forum, I'm thinking the RB may stand for re-blue. Any thoughts on this? And if that is the case, of course that will leave me to wonder why a revolver manufactured in 1980 would also be re-blued the same year??? Following are pictures of the stampings on the revolver.
Model 57 No Dash Frame Markings
- Thread starter 1891SingleShot
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OP
Yes, refinished in blue in June of 1980 as you noticed. You could letter it but I don't think a letter would provide an answer to why it was refinished. I had a comparable situation with a nickel 34 that was refinished the same year it was shipped which made no sense to me. The good news is that for many of us a factory refinish does little to reduce value; same craftsmen, same equipment, same processes as when it was finished the first time. Nice package, enjoy.
Jeff
SWCA #1457
Jeff
SWCA #1457
OP
I also came to the same conclusion that you did about value. It was re-blued by the factory the same year it was manufactured, so I felt it would have little effect on the value. I guess it just caught me off guard when I saw the date on the grip frame which was the same year of manufacture. And who knows, accidents happen. Maybe the new owner dropped it on the concrete and put a big scuff in his brand new Smith & Wesson and just couldn't live with it!!!
Possibly a problem with the First Bluing
Possibly a problem with the First Bluing.
May have never left the factory before being re-blued.
Stranger things have happened.
Bekeart
Possibly a problem with the First Bluing.
May have never left the factory before being re-blued.
Stranger things have happened.
Bekeart
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Could be the finish was defective when shipped and it was returned by the dealer or consumer.
USBP SW
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Several years ago, I purchased a hard to find revolver that had a flaw in the finish, new from the factory. I didn't even take the revolver home, I had the store ship it back to the factory to be refinished. Another possible explanation.
I think that glenwolde nailed it...the buyer or dealer found a flaw when they received the revolver and had it returned to the factory for a re-blue. Irregardless, you have a very nice Model 57 with presentation case and goodies. Even the flocking on the case inserts looks to be in pretty good condition. I would recommend that you not store that revolver in the presentation case because the flocking tends to disintegrate and may stick to the bluing and stocks. I have a minty 4" nickel Model 57 (N834280, also from 1980). Enjoy!
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OP
To add to the post, with the serial #607145, it is possible it was manufactured in 1979, as the Standard Catalog of S&W says serial numbers N600,000 to N700,000 were manufactured 1979-1980. That would make it very possible this one was made in 1979, so not necessarily returned the same year of manufacture. For some reason, the first time I looked in the book, I had it in my head it was manufactured in 1980. I'm curious to know if anyone thinks it would effect the value if it was made in 1979 and re-blued in 1980.
I have about 45 Smith revolvers with wood presentation case. I guess I am lucky. Only one has rotted out flocking.
The key is to wrap the gun in S&W parchment paper when you store it in the presentation case. Both will last forever as long as it is humidity controlled. It seems a lot of people store their firearms in the basement. I live in Florida and we all have to live in humidity controlled enviroment We don't have basements.
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