Nickle Flat Latch Model 40
- Thread starter ezb57
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Take a pic a lot closer to the gun.
OP
ezb57
Member
Thanks. I don't have it in hand, these were sent to me by the seller.
The images are actually pretty good but dont enlarge on here very well. I hope to get better shortly. Thanks
The images are actually pretty good but dont enlarge on here very well. I hope to get better shortly. Thanks
Mine is hard chromed from factory. Probably from the most recent batch S&W made.
As C3Ranger mentioned, ask seller if there are "N" stamps on the lower left side of grip frame, bottom of barrel and on back of cylinder under the extractor star.
It's a 4-screw frame. Is it really stamped MOD-40 on the frame?
The Bangor Punta box is newer than the revolver.
It's a 4-screw frame. Is it really stamped MOD-40 on the frame?
The Bangor Punta box is newer than the revolver.
OP
ezb57
Member
Thanks. When did 4-screws and flat latches end?
Most J-frames went to the 3-screw frame by '56. The Centennials were "slow sellers" from most reports so they might have still had 4-screw frames a bit longer.
The flat style thumbpiece went away in February '66.
The flat style thumbpiece went away in February '66.
OP
ezb57
Member
I got some more images. The cylinder is stamped with an N, and the frame is marked MOD 40. The grips look correct to me, an original screwdriver is in the box. This gun is looking very nice at this point and Ill get it in hand for a better look.
I guess a 4-screw gun shouldn't have a Bangor Punta box. Is there any way that could have happened?
I guess a 4-screw gun shouldn't have a Bangor Punta box. Is there any way that could have happened?
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Several points to note.
The Centennial (Model 40) is not a target model with adjustable sights so it shouldn't have a screwdriver (SAT -- sight adjustment tool).
From my perch I see a gray box that's had its original label removed (glue around the edges of the new label), and a modern replica of the label written for a Model 40. There are no "INS" or "PKR" (inspector or packer) marks to suggest its legit.
Is the Model 40's serial number the same as on the label?
Folks put wrong boxes with revolvers all the time. The ones who put replica labels on boxes to make them appear "authentic" get caught when they use a box from the wrong era.
OP
ezb57
Member
Yes, the serial number is the same, 159XX. Im not sure what year that puts it in. Interesting point about the screwdriver.
otis24
Member
Gun cleaners with ammonia can destroy a nickle finish. That looks like what may be going on here.
The box label appears upside-down.
I believe you are right...
...Ben
OP
ezb57
Member
Hmm, someone would change the label then put the new one on upside down? Curious. Doesn't seem like like an attempt to deceive. Is there a tell-tale that the label is aftermarket?
Did these Model 40s sit in stock so long that a current box may have been used to ship one? Wish I knew what the production year was.
Did these Model 40s sit in stock so long that a current box may have been used to ship one? Wish I knew what the production year was.
nicky4968
Member
The two piece boxes were meant to be upside down. That meant the label was up, and the top was on the bottom. That way, when you slid the box off the shelf for the customer to look at, the pistol did not fall out of the box with the bottom of the box and crack the grips, etc.
Interesting question. I have been pondering the use of different boxes for a while. A related question would be - As these slow movers sat around in the vault, what did they sit around in? Assuming that the guns sat in something, was it the box being used the day that the gun was 'finished', or was it another storage container of some sort, and the gun shipped in the box being used the day the piece shipped? It's a question that is really nit-picky, but the answer could explain a few odd things we see.
austintexas
Member
Box
Depending on the price of the revolver, the box is just something to keep the firearm in. If there is a premium for the box then the wrong box would have to be discussed as there is no big premium for having a wrong box.
SWCA 892
Depending on the price of the revolver, the box is just something to keep the firearm in. If there is a premium for the box then the wrong box would have to be discussed as there is no big premium for having a wrong box.
SWCA 892
OP
ezb57
Member
I have a strong suspicion the box is not original to the gun but still have to ask the seller more about it. I am satisfied with the asking price regardless of the box.
