Model 57 No Dash Frame Markings

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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.
 

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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
 
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

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!!!
 
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.
 
Some issue with the original finish when it was purchased is the most likely answer as to why a brand new S&W revolver would get a factory refinish.
 
Could be the finish was defective when shipped and it was returned by the dealer or consumer.

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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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 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!

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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