New purchase pre-27 date of mfg please

[M_conrad_0311]

Went to check out a mod 57 4" and left with a pre 27 3.5" 98%+ all matching SN. Matching grips as well. SN is 90705. No box unfortunately. Has an engraved number on frame. Any guesses as to what it could be? Speculation on value would be appreciated.

 

[DWalt]

S86,000 – S94,999…….…Late 1952 – Early 1953 (Manufacture)
The closest on my list is SN S909xx which shipped in 12/52.

I don't see the engraved number, but in any event it is probably someone's inventory or rack number.

 

[gmborkovic]

Value is easy, what did you pay? Post a pic of the butt flat where the Sn is located..

 

[M_conrad_0311]

The engraved number is under the left grip, added a few more photos.

 

[StakeOut]

The book says S serials started in 1950 at approximately # S75000

The book says the upper side plate screw was eliminated 1956 with serials in the S172000 range.

The ship date and to whom can only be known with a factory letter.

Guns have been known to sit in the factory a long time after other in the same serial range had shipped.

Value is what someone is willing to pay for it.

A nickle finish 3 1/2" Pre 27 would be a rarer gun than a blued one.

Get the gun lettered asap.

 

[smith17]

That's a nice looking gun. Beautiful shape.

 

[M_conrad_0311]

Can you tell which is older?

 

[jsfricks]

Value is easy, what did you pay? Post a pic of the butt flat where the Sn is located..

I see people say this at times, it's worth what you paid. But what if he paid $500? I really think it's worth alot more than that. Or he paid $5000, would we tell him it is worth what he paid? Just pondering here. Some things just make me sit here and think, hmmmm.......

BTW op, great gun!

 

[JSR III]

Welcome to the forum.

Nice fall back purchase. Where are you located? A quick GOOGLE search for SRQ came up with an airport in Florida. Could be a security force gun with the numbers being the rack number as DWalt suggested.

The pre 27 3.5" is popular and I would think $1,500 and up depending on condition and inclusions. Different parts of the country also can have an affect on the price.

 

[M_conrad_0311]

I am outside of Knoxville, TN. Gun was on consignment at gun shop from an older gentleman who was liquidating due to health.

 

[gmborkovic]

Im not seeing a nickel 31/2" Mod-27. I see a blue gun. Whats up. What is it? $1150 is a fair price. Best

 

[Muley Gil]

It could be a driver's license number.

 

[JSR III]

Gun was on consignment at gun shop from an older gentleman who was liquidating due to health.

I would ask the LGS to ask the consignor if he has any information on the SRG #. May be unwilling or the consignor might not know but worth a call.

 

[Buford57]

The book says S serials started in 1950 at approximately # S75000

The book says the upper side plate screw was eliminated 1956 with serials in the S172000 range.

The ship date and to whom can only be known with a factory letter.

Guns have been known to sit in the factory a long time after other in the same serial range had shipped.

Value is what someone is willing to pay for it.

A nickle finish 3 1/2" Pre 27 would be a rarer gun than a blued one.

Get the gun lettered asap.

What he said. S80737 shipped on this date in 1953. It obviously sat around for awhile, and it is nickel.

 

[mojave30cal]

OP, of the two pre-27's you have pictured, the bottom looks
like the older one.

 

[M_conrad_0311]

Mojave30cal, looks can be deceiving, bottom one definitely has more milage, but a newer SN. Different life stories for sure.

 

[jsfricks]

I was thinking the top one was older due to the earlier sharp shoulder grips (if original matching grips). The lower one is harder to judge due to it being refinished but still carried a lot. Both excellent guns!

 

[H Richard]

I'm also guessing late 52 or early 53 as I have one # S9958x which shipped Sept 53. Nice looking gun, I'm guessing in the $1200 range.

 

[Erion929]

Just an FYI, this is how Cali differs....

Last year, I sold my 1955 blue pre-27, 3.5", magnas, no box, probably 92-95% condition....for $2100.

 

[M_conrad_0311]

It is a shame that the gap is so wide.

As an update to the pencil engraved number under the grip...I spoke with the seller, he states that he did not know there was a number under the grip, for he had never taken them off. he purchased the pistol from a co-worker some 25 plus years ago. He is sure that there was never a box with it since his ownership. He did offer me three derringers a Colt no 1, no2, and no3 all in .41. I know nothing about them, so told him I would pass on them.