Model 57 with cokes and an "S" serial for Christmas

[saviourenslaved]

Hey, guys. This is my first post on here. I saw my Christmas present early when I was home a few weekends ago. I'm so excited because after reading many posts on this forum, I believe I'm getting an early 6" Model 57, SN - S482433 (or something like that) complete with cokes for Christmas! My parents bought it off my great uncle for a good price the day before he was going to sell it at a garage sale!

Besides my excitement, I have a question: I'd like to get an original wood presentation case for it, along with original manual and literature. What exactly do I need for my serial number/ year of manufacture. Were other N-frame 6" pistols placed in the exact same case with model appropriate literature, or do I need to find a 6" 57 case exactly? Also, I read somewhere that 1964-65 presentation cases had a dark blue velour instead of the blue foam. Can anyone confirm one way or the other for my serial?

I found one that I think might be ideal on gunbroker, but the guy wants $125 for it. Is that an appropriate case or price?

Thanks so much guys! I'm so excited for Christmas!

 

[bamabiker]

Welcome to the forum and congrats on the great Christmas present.
You might want to check that serial number, the SCSW shows the last S number to be S333454 then they went to N prefix.
Some of the experts will need to tell you which box and papers and tools you need.

 

[Doc44]

A Model 57 with that number cannot begin with an S, but only with an N. If the serial number is in N482000 range, the case in the photo appears to be correct.

Bill

 

[saviourenslaved]

I'll have to repost after Christmas with an accurate serial... I'm nearly positive it was an "S"... maybe it was 244833?

Thanks for the warm welcome and helpful info.

 

[charlie sherrill]

Of course you know that when you get it you'll be required to post pictures.

 

[saviourenslaved]

I've been waiting for someone to say that.... I don't know if I can make it another 6.5 weeks

 

[gunnut44]

The presentation case would be correct and I saw that on there also. I think 125 is a little steep once you add in shipping. 6" pres. boxes are the most common and can be found here a little cheaper in that condition. As I remember that one is cracked in the lower right corner by the grip which will only get worse. I would think for that kind of money you could almost find a new old stock for that price.

 

[saviourenslaved]

serial

I saw my present again today when we took care of the transfer at the local gun shop. The serial is in fact S244833. Does that make it an early 57?

 

[Gun 4 Fun]

That appears to be in the '64-'65 time range, so yea, it's an earlier one. Congrats!
The presentation case should be lined with a purplish/blue velour if I'm not mistaken, and should have a styrofoam bottom piece and foam rubber top piece that the velour is covering.

Doc44 knows way more about these things than I do, and maybe he will respond again here.

The post two down from this one is correct. It should be a clamshell type case, not the one I described here. My bad.

 

[2152hq]

I bought a new M57 in 1967. The gun had been in stock with the dealer for a couple of years at that point.

The wooden case was lined with a dark blue satin fabric material over a somewhat hard, dense foam material.

 

[Masterpiece]

Great Christmas Present!! If,in fact,your Revolver ends up Serial Numbered as you've stated it should date to approx. '64-'65. The correct Presentation Case would be a Mahogany Case with a "Clamshell" Liner. These cases are fairly hard to come by,but I'm sure someone here can help you out when the time comes.

Take Care,Masterpiece

 

[Doc44]

Your Model 57 should have been shipped during the first year of production and was probably shipped late in 1964. The correct presentation case for your revolver is mahogany with a dark blue velour lining. These case are pretty difficult to find these days, but well worth searching for. They are perhaps, the best case made by S&W.

The photo below shows a Model 57 shipped in 1964 in its original case.

Bill

 

[M29since14]

The case of my 4-inch gun from that era is exactly like the one Bill shows us. Would be helpful to really know what your gun's serial number is, but it seems unlikely it will be an N-numbered gun that someone has installed earlier coke-bottle type grips on. But stranger things have happened!

As a matter of curiosity, I have always wondered when the velour-lined case went away from Model 57s and they started to be shipped in the standard, molded, clamshell type case that 29s came in... ?

I heartily agree with Bill that the velour-lined case was by far the nicest looking of all the presentation cases and I have always wondered why it was used exclusively for the 57. Just a matter of giving the model a little curb appeal?

 

[drjjpdc]

Doc,

That is one beautiful case. It may be heresy on this forum, but it almost takes my eyes away from the Model 57.

John

 

[thomashoward]

Doc,

That is one beautiful case. It may be heresy on this forum, but it almost takes my eyes away from the Model 57.

John

Pure S&W porn

 

[saviourenslaved]

Thanks

Wow, Doc! Thanks for a clear answer and beautiful pic. Now I know exactly what to keep looking for.

Follow up question: Can I shoot this baby without depreciating it's value? Assuming I give it a good cleaning each time.

Brad

 

[Doc44]

Brad...Yes, you can shoot it as long as you take care of it and don't wear the blue off by putting it in a cheap holster. If you carry it, by a good holster with a lining that will minimize wear to the blue.

Bill

 

[saviourenslaved]

6" Model 57 with cokes - Pics finally

Of course you know that when you get it you'll be required to post pictures.

Well, I finally got around to taking pics of my 6" model 57. I've since noticed I must have been suffering with dislexia every time I looked at the serial# because I haven't been correct even once. Here are the pics. They speak for themselves. I believe my parents got it off my great uncle for $350. Cost me $20 for the transfer.

 

[JackSavage]

Nice looking 57

Congrats on the possession. NICE pics, it looks like it has been well taken care of over the years. Enjoy shooting it as I do with my 41 Mag's. Now seriously considering reloading so I can shoot more.

 

[ikor]

Want yer money back?