Pre 27 3.5 Inch - Refinish? Now with Letter

22hipower

22hipower

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Ok, no suspense, it went back to the mothership in 1982 per the stamps on the frame. Found it today at a gun show (after narrowly missing a pre 45; did a "I'll be back" and when I did another guy was buying it) wearing non-diamond magnas; all numbers match except stocks. Studied it for awhile trying to figure out where a gun might have been since 1982 showing so little wear/use. Knew I had a set of correct diamond magnas in the wood pile so bought it. Generally try not to ask the "what is it worth" question as what we pay for things is generally what they're worth, at least to us. However, given the condition shown, knowing it is a 35 year old factory refinish, I'm curious as to what the consensus might be on value. I paid $1200 for it and as I've been looking for a 3.5 inch pre 27 for awhile I'm happy with it. First time I've had a known factory refinish and if it wasn't stamped I might argue it wasn't refinished. Thoughts? Thanks.

Jeff
SWCA #1457
 

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As they used to say in the 80's, I wouldn't kick it out of bed.... LOL.

Nice buy. I have no clue on value. I've not priced one, ever. I don't think I've ever seen one one real life. LOL.
 
I've got two 3.5" pre-27s with close serial numbers (both mine are right near 79000). They must have made a bunch of them in one run. You can compare the finish of yours to the original blue on mine (seems pretty close except a slight plumb color on your cylinder - and that may only show up in pics):

Spyvs-Spy.jpg
 
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Not only is it a refinish, but the barrel has been cut down. The barrel rollmarks are way off center. Especially noticable on the right side. No way I would have paid $1200 for it. Hope it's a nice shooter.
 
sodacan said:
Not only is it a refinish, but the barrel has been cut down. The barrel rollmarks are way off center. Especially noticable on the right side. No way I would have paid $1200 for it. Hope it's a nice shooter.
Click to expand...

Maybe, I wondered about it but the profile appears like other 3.5s. Also checked quite a few pictures of 3.5s (after I bought it of course) and there is some variance in the positioning of the stamping. One claimed NIB example is almost exactly like this one. A letter will tell for sure, if the factory indeed did a barrel shortening, I'm ok with that too. Sure doesn't look like something Bubba would have done and there is no diamond or other symbol in the barrel shroud indicating S&W work.

Jeff
SWCA #1457
 
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22hipower said:
Maybe, I wondered about it but the profile appears like other 3.5s. Also checked quite a few pictures of 3.5s (after I bought it of course) and there is some variance in the positioning of the stamping. One claimed NIB example is almost exactly like this one.
Jeff
SWCA #1457
Click to expand...

I've had several, including NIB guns. The barrel markings are correct for that 1950 gun.
If I wasn't using PhotoBucket, which is a major pain to get into, I'd post a couple pics. But it's righteous.
 
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I also don't believe the barrel has been cut. I've seen the gun and know the person that sold it to the dealer you bought it from. He sold it as it is, a factory refinished pre-27, and I think that the price you paid is fair. I have one about 2000 numbers above yours that is in the box and lettered and my markings are similar:

Here are pics in the thread I posted on it when I acquired it:

Like New Pre Model 27 3-1/2" 1950-51

Earl
 
I think it does look refinished. I suspect it was really rough when it went back as a factory refinish can be hard to spot but to me this one looks polished and the cylinder is a shade different in color. Not hard to understand since when the gun was new it was a gun and not a collectible. Wasn't babied. But still one of the most desirable S&Ws. I have S79680 in nickel shipped 9/20/50 and it was clearly a working gun and has never been refinished.
 
Here are the two guns in comparison, showing the rollmarks on the barrels. The photo on the bottom is the OP's gun.

I won't give an opinion...just thought having both photos in one post might make it easier for members to compare the two.

swpre272.jpg


attachment.php
 
Thanks Watchdog, his photo is much clearer (I can take a clearer one of mine if need be) but my eyes are too dang old to determine a difference :) My wife always has said my attention to detail sucks though, I'd have probably made a terrible policeman.
 
$1200 is a nice sum of cake for a fac. re-fin 27. But it is good lookin.
My old 19, 2 1/2" is still perking and looks pretty good even with a few battle scars.
 
Jeff:

Beautiful 3.5"er - Congratulations!!!

After studying this gun for a while and looking over a bunch of photos of my collection, I'm in the "I don't believe the barrel has been cut" camp. The front sight is mated beautifully. Roll marks for guns in that era did vary. The roll marks are farther forward than many of my 3.5" pre-27s, but not nearly as far forward as a 5", 6", 6.5" or 8.375". It is however, consistent with my special order 4"er, and I cannot see any reason why someone would cut down a rare 4"er to 3.5".

Here is the 4"er for comparison:

 
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