Pre-12 Value

[PackN]

I picked up a Pre-12 Snubbie today born in 1953 per SN. It has the small screw on top of the upper sideplate screw and has an ALLOY cylinder! I would rate it's condition at 90% Conservatively! What kind of paperwork did it come with and what would it's box look like?? It is going in my safe so want her be in her proper box and paperwork! Thanks for all valued info and advice!!

PackN

 

[PackN]

I picked up a Pre-12 Snubbie today born in 1953 per SN. It has the small screw on top of the upper sideplate screw and has an ALLOY cylinder! I would rate it's condition at 90% Conservatively! What kind of paperwork did it come with and what would it's box look like?? It is going in my safe so want her be in her proper box and paperwork! Thanks for all valued info and advice!!

PackN

 

[Munsterf18]

I bought a "pre 12" nickel snubby in excellent condition last week for $400. Round butt. No box.

Munster

 

[PackN]

Did it have the Bug Screw and Alloy Cylinder??

PackN

 

[Munsterf18]

No. Dates to about 55 or 56. I'll try to get a picture.

The bug screw is a much less common gun. Sounds nice, pics?

Munster

 

[PackN]

Pics in a day or two! Let me give her a bath so you can see her at her best.

PackN

 

[Malysh]

Congrats, Mike! I know from our previous conversations we have the same taste in S&Ws. I'm happy for you!

Here's mine.# C237217 with alum. cylinder and large screw at the 12 o'clock position that SCSW says gives a premium along with the aluminum cylinder. This one is about 97% with a couple of tiny flakes of finish missing. Note the factory flaw in the left hand grip panel checkering. Grips numbered to the gun. This one lettered in 1954. Standard production started with #C223999. Strangely, the book doesn't mention the extra strain screw as a premium but I would think it does matter. Tech info from SCSW 3rd edition, thanks Mssrs. Supica & Nahas.

 

[PackN]

Malysh
Thanks for the Stamp of Approval!! Mine has a Wedged FlatLatch?? All #'s match though! That is kind of strange that my # is earlier but does not have earlier latch! May have to letter this one but may have croaked before the letter gets to me(That's I Hear!!) I will get pics soon! This will give me an excuse for a NEW Camera( Mine has a floopy for memory)THAT'S EMBARRASING!! That's what happens when the N-Frameitis Virus gets TERMINAL!

PackN

 

[Malysh]

Mike, mine has the earliest completely flat latch, but as you know there were 3 variations. SCSW says you can find any of the 3 mixed between production dates and that they were not used in any fixed order. I tend to agree with that from studying early j frames. It's also possible the original latch was lost and the wedge you have was a replacement, but we'll never know.

You didn't give us a hint of the serial number. At least give us 4 digits

 

[PackN]

Malysh
What an AIRHEAD I am!! I was SO EXCITED on my new found treasure that I reversed the first three #'s on her!!! She is actually later than yours. Maybe that is why her FlatLatch is wedged!And to think I ALMOST traded her for a 1970's Nickel MINT Model 40 in box!

Serial # C260902
Figure I am among friends and trusted collegues.

PackN

 

[Malysh]

Mike,
That might explain the wedged flat latch, though I think on yours it's the one with less incline to it.
You still bought an early Airweight and it has the lock screw which is always an interesting Airweight feature, and the aluminum cylinder.
A 70s nickel Mod 40 mint condition is also a collectable gun. The reference works say nickel original run(up until the L was put at the beginning of the serial number) Centennials and Centennial Airweights are far less common than blued versions.

You're not going to shoot this gun with the alloy cylinder, I hope?
Also, don't send it to S&W for any type of repair with the alloy cylinder in it or they will return it crushed with a new steel cylinder installed(if they have any blued Mod 10s left which I doubt), on advice of their lawyers. Stick a Mod 10 cylinder on it if it ever has to go back to Springfield and leave the aluminum one at home.

 

[PackN]

Malysh

I will not shoot it with the Alloy Cylinder but may since it is 90% find a steel one and maybe carry it! I carry a 4 digit M40 right now that is just too nice so maybe this Pre-12 was heaven sent!! Will any K-Frame cylinder work??

PackN

 

[Malysh]

Yes, as long as the cylinder is in 38 S&W Special you can swap it out. I just take mine out of the safe and look at it, I don't use it.
Judging from the cylinder face and the recoil shield on mine it was shot a few cylinder's worth, but only a few times. No cracks visible in the cylinder or frame but I don't feel comfortable shooting a rare, expensive M&P Airweight that might crack and ruin the value.
There is no evidence of high edge wear from carrying on the finish, though.