Model56 special .. value?

[ACrook]

Looking for value of pictured handgun as we are thinking by about selling it. Thanks for info given. This gun was passed down in the family approx . 2 Hrs. Of Brunswick GA/ Warner Robbins Air Force . It was exclusive for that base and also destroyed there. I know of 27 in existence. I thjust no it was nickel plated or officers gun. Might factory blue it but concerned it may decrease value more if altered. Passed down from grandad from Dublin, GA.. Posting better pics. Thanks for all info.

 

[murphydog]

Welcome! The model 56 was made for the US Air Force. Very few are available (presumably they were destroyed rather than sold as surplus). They were only produced with a blued finish so yours was probably nickel plated after it was originally made; for that reason it is difficult to estimate a value. A nice original example would likely sell in the low-mid four figures.

Being able to see each individual photo larger would help.

It would be a good idea to verify it is an original model 56 with a letter of authenticity, as these can be faked:

http://www.swhistoricalfoundation.com/Letter_request_form.pdf

However, if you know its history (was owned by a USAF member or similar) that would serve just as well. Is there an interesting story behind it? Hope this is helpful.

 

[Jtown]

hard to learn much from the small photos. Not many Model 56 around.
Walt

 

[flagman1776]

I own a M56. The barrel rib & sight are satin or slightly mat. The back strap should be smooth. Yours looks to be a correct M56. Markings can be faked.
Finish is blue. If yours has been nickled... then that reduces it's collector value. How much, I can't tell you.

In original unaltered condition, I'd expect to see $4,000 - 5,000 on it.

 

[jmace57]

Unfortunate handle for this new user looking to sell something...!!

 

[ACrook]

Lol. Real last name.

lol, the Crook family is from GA. First name begins with A.

 

[Texas Star]

I think your first need is for a factory letter saying it was one of just 27 in a special order for that base. These are unknown to collectors, so you have a unique item if proven to be factory original.

 

[beagleye]

You really need a better set of pictures. If a letter establishes it is a factory nickel 56," that's a bingo!"

Don't even think about reblueing until and unless you get a letter. It's probably a post production nickel job, but you definitely want to know that for sure before you monkey around with the finish.

Get the letter. You need the letter.

 

[flagman1776]

I'm unaware of any M56 factory nickle guns but with S&W never say never. I agree that a letter from the official S&W Historian would be definitive. Even a well worn factory finish has a much higher collector value than any refinish, even a S&W refinish.
Looking at the small photos, it appears to me that the hammer & trigger are nickled. That's almost a sure sign of a aftermarket refinish. As far as I know, Smith & Wesson always color case hardened those parts.

 

[El Biblioitecario]

I'ts been my observation over the years that 99% of the supposed super-rare factory variations...ain't.

 

[MajorD]

If it does turn out to be a genuine 56 ( sure looks like it) the nickel refinish probably deletes many thousands of dollars off the value. While even say a 70% original finish 56 would likely be valued at 8 thousand or perhaps more, a nickel refinish would probably go for 50-75% less

 

[A10]

A factory letter is absolutely necessary for this gun. If it is refinished, whoever did the work knew what they were doing. Hard to tell with that small photo collage, but the markings look Sharp and the Hammer and trigger appear case hardened.

 

[flagman1776]

If a S&W factory letter documents this to be Factory original nickle to the super rare Model 56 it would be exceptional. Returned for change of finish (renickle) on a government account? Does it have provenance to a General Officer? (Special Order, made up for that General Officer?) Then, and only then, it might exceed the high value of a survivor. It's a long shot, at best.

If it doesn't letter as such, then it's another really nice shooter grade gun with a nice after market refinish, with no collector interest. Estimating value about equal to a really nice refinished 2" M15 which replaced it.

I have a Remington Rand 1911A1 that was refinished & target sighted years ago. Who knew it would be collectible some day? Unaltered specimens ARE collectible today because so many were used up in some way.