Nickel Model 19-1 Questions

[younggun22]

I’m looking at a model 19-1 in nickel and it appears to be original finish. This particular piece has a nickeled front sight and I have never seen a -1 without blued front sight. I am assuming the barrel has been replaced?

Any input would be appreciated!

 

[Art Doc]

At some point they started plating the front sight on nickel guns but I don't know exactly when. It's probably original but someone who knows this stuff will chime in shortly. At worst it was replated. A replaced barrel is highly unlikely.

 

[Doc44]

The front sight ramp base/blade on a Model 19-1 finished in nickel should be blue and the two pins securing the base to the barrel should be visible. A nickeled front sight indicates the 19-1 was refinished in nickel or had a change of finish to nickel. It would be marked (most likely) R-N inside of a rectangle on the left side of the grip frame if S&W performed the work. If the 19-1 was originally shipped with a nickel finish there will be an N stamped on the front left side of the grip frame and somewhere on the cylinder (possibly under the extractor). The Model 19-2 shown below was shipped in June 1964 and has the front sight ramp base/blade the Model 19-1 should have. Click on the photo for a better look.

Bill

 

[younggun22]

Just got some more info that there is no N stamped on the cylinder or the grip frame so I’m guessing that it’s refinished.

 

[Doc44]

The 19-1 has had a change of finish from bright blue to nickel. That explains the nickeled ramp base/blade on the revolver.

Bill

 

[stansdds]

Just got some more info that there is no N stamped on the cylinder or the grip frame so I’m guessing that it’s refinished.

No "N" stamped into the grip frame would signal that this 19-1 was originally blued. Nickel plated hammer and/or trigger are also good indicators that the finish is not original.