Old pistol help please

[2ndsight]

I have an old S&w that appears to be a registered magnum pre-57.

can ya help me with year model and value in this condition. Works fine tight lockup but needs a detailed cleaning of the lock work. Looks like it has been in the old leather holster it was found in for 20 years fired and put away dirty. Bore is clean and the cylinder chambers have no rust pitting they are clean. As can be seen there is rust and pitting on the chrome finish. I flushed it with solvent and let soak in oil. The cylinder latch was sticking now it is working better but as said it needs detail cleaned under the lock plate. I will surf this site to see what I can find on age but help on value would be appreciated.

 

[bettis1]

Welcome to the Forum. Your gun IS the first model of the .357 Magnum. (Not M57) It may or may not be a Registered Magnum. Look on the frame and see if there is a "REG XXX". Please give us that number and the number on the butt of the grip. Also measure the barrel from the muzzle to the front of the cylinder and we can give you much more information with that data.

Bob

 

[DCWilson]

Definitely a prewar .357 Magnum. It has prewar Magna stocks on it (square corners to the checking field, not rounded) and the prewar rear sight (smallish).

As Bettis1 suggested, it could be either a Registered Magnum or one of the non-registered magnums that were produced in the last few months before WWII. At that time the registration program had lost its oomph as a marketing device.

Can you share the serial number from the butt, or at least the first three digits of it? Put xx for the last two digits, if you'd like to preserve some confidentiality about the gun's identity. If there is a REG number, please post it. They don't correlate with the serial number all that well, so it won't compromise privacy to show the whole registration number.

I'm hesitant to guess at a value, but I would think this has to be at least a $2500 gun, maybe up to a thousand more. Others here know this model far better than I do.

 

[dacoontz]

I am guessing original nickel finish as I can barely make out an N on the cylinder face. I am also seeing a 5 digit serial number which doesn't really narrow it down.

 

[2ndsight]

the REG number on yoke recess is 2044, the number on the end of butt is 510xx the number on the yoke under the REG is 7925, and the number in the ejector rod shroud recess is same as butt number. Measured the barrel as told it is 5" in length. Looked at cylinder with magnifying glass only serial number present that I see.

 

[DCWilson]

The 7925 is a process control number that has no meaning after the serial number goes on separate parts.

Definitely a Registered Magnum. Guns with serial numbers in the vicinity of yours were shipped in 1937 and early 1938.

I'll be interested to hear other estimations of value from the RM specialists.

 

[Marshal Tom]

Please tell us more about the gun. Where did it come from and how did you acquire it? We love finding out the history of these fine old pieces.

Tom

 

[2ndsight]

My brother passed away it was his it belong to a local lawman years ago as it was told to me. Beyond that I do not know the provenance. His widow wants to sell it an asked me what it was I seen it and realized it was A register magnum from long ago. I like model 25 45 long colts my self. My brother has been telling me about this and I did not get a chance to help him find out what he had before he passed. It is in the hills of Tennessee at present.

 

[bettis1]

2ndSight,

Registration # 2044 is correct for a known 5" nickel Registered Magnum so the gun is original in that regard. There were approximately 5224 Registered Magnums produced and only 144 of those are known to have been in nickel. There were about 142 of the total with a 5" barrel.

So, before I go any farther, let me caution you to not let your brother's widow take the gun to some gun/pawn shop who might give her a fraction of its real worth.

Regarding that worth, it is difficult to give a real value without some really clear pictures. It appears that there are lots of minor scratches, but some of those may just be lint, etc. The first thing you need to do, besides getting some better pictures, is to send $50 to Roy Jinks, the S&W Historian, to get a letter describing the gun in detail and telling when and to whom it was originally shipped.

If you can make the connection with the "old local lawman" you will significantly increase the value. And don't separate it from that old "Mexican Double Loop" holster...it also has value. Tell us if there are any markings on it.

Again, let me welcome you to this Forum. The folks here are the most welcoming and knowledgable in the business and love to see newcomers, particularly those who present themselves with a "Registered Magnum Calling Card".

Bob

PS. I agree with David's estimates as starting points for value and shipping date.
B.

 

[Sebago Son]

I second what Brother Bob has said...

I would also caution you on excessive cleaning, particularly of the nickel finish in an attempt to remove rust and scale. There are chemical compounds out there sold for the purposed of gun or bore cleaning that will tear up that nickel...

Drew

 

[H Richard]

Don't let any chemical containing ammonia get on the nickle finis, especially if there are any deep scratch's, as if it gets under the nickle it can lift the finish up. You have a fairly valuable gun there, so protect it and keep it away from any people making "offers" until the actual value can be established. The previous posters are the experts and can give you accurate information. Good luck, and Welcome to the Forum!

 

[Art Doc]

Let me add for emphasis... this is a very valuable gun. It would sell for several thousands of dollars. Do not let some stranger have it, buy it with a lowball offer, or tamper with it in any way. Any sort of repair or refinish will instantly and dramatically reduce value. Leave it exactly as it is until you can put it in the hands of a serious buyer.

 

[Jack Flash]

You have been given a lot of good advice, I hope you heed it.

One thing I can chip is don't try to tighten or loosen screws on the stocks (grips) or anywhere else unless you have gunsmithing screwdrivers and know what you're doing.

It's real easy to mess up the screw heads using automotive screwdrivers. Also, if the screwdriver slips you can easily scratch the gun or stocks which will diminish the overall value.

Be really careful with cleaning. Better still, don't clean it. Solvents may damage the finish on the stocks. What you want to do is preserve it just like it is. Amateur attempts to "improve it" may knock $1,000 or so off its value.

 

[2ndsight]

Don't worry the cleaning agents where safe to the finish. No ammonia at all and I did use a hollow ground screw driver and did not over tighten. If I had my tools with me I would have pulled the plate myself. I would have soaked it then used a driver ya tap with a hammer it turns only a 1/4 turn per hammer strike. I have had model 19's and a few 29's and my favorite the 25 I like the 45 colt round in a S&W 25's had a few of them. I am going to let her read this thread so she can make a educated sale. Time is a factor for her my brother had no insurance. The finish is rough from sitting in a holster is has some pitting and scratches I would place it at 60% on finish. Not terrible but not good I wish it was pristine.

 

[Jack Flash]

Sounds like you have a good handle on it.

You should visit this Forum on a daily basis for a while. My hunch is that you will be getting some PMs from members here who want to buy the gun from your sister in law. I'd be willing to bet you've had some already. (Not from me by the way, too rich for my blood!)

You might even post it in the classifieds "Guns For Sale" on this web site for her. Note that you have to list an asking price (no auctions).