My First Smith Pre-29

[Doc44]

Farny....S&W would refinish a revolver with the process it was using at the time the gun was sent in and not the "period correct" finish. However, this most likely pertains to the process used to blue a revolver as the process used to plate a revolver has not changed. In 1980, S&W changed from a hot oven or carbona blue process to a liquid blue process that results in a slightly different color (but still very nice).

I am in the southwest corner of Indiana.

Bill

 

[66Park]

I've guess I've realized from the start it was re-done at some point, just trying to determine if Wesson & Smith (that was for Park66) did the work or someone else.

Thanks! I feel much better now.

 

[Farny]

Been searching around the forum a little the last few days and have a few more questions, if you all don't mind.
1. Would the grips on my .44 be the type I've seen refered to as interim?
2. Would a letter be able to tell me if it was returned to the factory at some point? If not,,as i understand it the finish of the front sight (flush finished pins, nickled) dates to the late sixties. Is there a time period where the rear sight was Nickled? I've thought i read somewhere where some of the early stainless ones had "silver colored" rear sights. Would these be in the same period of time perhaps.
3. Does the star stamp under the extractor indicate a trip back to the factory? Do the stamps on the yoke mean anything? i know the assembly numbers don't so much, but there are other numbers and letters that don't seem to show up on other S&W's i've been looking at.
Thanks again in advance.

 

[BillyMagg]

A very pretty gun and welcome to the forum! I'm not directing this at you, as I have always said the same thing, but it just strikes me odd that we all say "Smiths." I know why we do, but really the company is more "Wesson." I'm not trying to change the world here, it's just the first time I ever thought about it! D.B. and family deserve more credit!

Well then it might make you happy to know that my first 27-2 was named Doug. He is now my little brothers only revolver! I would like to have him back, but even he realizes that pristine Colt Cobra of the 60's aint no Smit and Vesson! LOL

 

[Doc44]

Farny...the stocks on your 44 are called diamond target stocks and are made of walnut. They were standard on the 1955 45Target revolver and supplied with other models if special ordered. They could also be purchased separately No S&W stocks are referred to as "interim". A factory letter would not tell you if your revolver was returned to the factory because repair/refinishing records are generally not accessible. Based on the nickel refinish, I believe your 44 Magnum was not nickeled by S&W (they never nickeled a rear sight). The stamps on the yoke were put there by the individuals who assembled and inspected your revolver and have no meaning beyond that.

Bill

 

[gm272gs]

I have to ask the gurus here about "nickel".

When you use that term, do you mean;
(1) autocatalytic nickel plating, (2) electrolytic nickel plating, or (3) nickel-chrome plating?

I have to ask - because to me - that looks like it had chromium flashed over it. Can straight nickel plating look that shiny?

I have never owned a plated revolver or pistol before. They have always been blued, parkerized, or stainless. I just would like to know for my own edification.

 

[Combat]

I have a nickel 4 screw pre 29 in the same shape as yours. It has been re-nickeled but who ever done it did not wash out any markings during polishing. Mine has the dreaded nickel front sight. I have a brand new factory blue ramp FS that has never been installed. I also have a factory new patridge FS with a gold dot on it. Been wondering if it would be possible to put either one on my gun without having to renickle the whole thing.