Pre 40 centennial Reblued or not?

mbliss57

mbliss57

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I think so but want 2nd to n opinions...
SN 78XX which should be 1954.. I also thought it should be in a Red box. but the s/n is on bottom of box. I have seen centennials with Red Boxes.. That is the least of my concerns. I was interested in a purchase but I am very leery..




 
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Looking at the sideplate joint, rollmarks and the screws I see nothing to cause me to believe it has been refinished. The lower sideplate screw (behihd trigger) has apparently neen replaced as it has a matte finish, looks possibly Parkerized, where the other screws are bright.
 
Im definately no expert but the early Centennials I have seen have been matte blue although nickel was an option so high polish blue was probably available for a small upcharge .

Its a long shot but any chance the letter B is stamped on the barrel flat by the serial ?

Left is original matte blue Serial 5694 shipped in January 1955
right is lower in serial but was either polished or refinished.


Model marked guns seem to be common in the high polish blue .
Box looks right to me.

Just wanted to add that in thinking about the finish on K22's changed from matte blue to bright blue around 1955 and Im guessing your gun probably shipped in mid 1956.
 
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I have noticed that the stamps on the barrel always seem to lack the raised lip on the margins of the letter indentations which the other stamps exhibit. I have no real knowledge about the order of steps but I have wondered if the stamps on the barrel are made at an earlier stage in the manufacturing process and are then polished more before the gun is finished.

I agree with the others, that gun does not look refinished to me.
 
I recognize those pictures. Although I can't help with your questions, I can tell you I have purchased quite a few S&W's from that seller FTF and he is a stand up, honest guy.
 
I saw this on GB and did not want to risk the money.Something is not right with this gun,I have never seen a pre 40 with the polished blue.The box makes it tempting,but I would steer clear.
 
05CarbonDRZ said:
I saw this on GB and did not want to risk the money.Something is not right with this gun,I have never seen a pre 40 with the polished blue.The box makes it tempting,but I would steer clear.
Click to expand...

That was was I thought... its one of those situations where you just need to hold the gun. i have bought many from GB and never a bad deal. But that is because when I don't feel 100% confident I stay away. There is always another one. That doesn't men I won't ever get burnt..buy it lessen the chances.
Many on the forum won't even buy a gun from the internet. That is there choice and comfort zone.
 
oops this is my wifes screen name.. we just renewed her a 3 year NRA membership for 70 on the forum.
 
I have a chance at two of these one in nickle, both with the box. I have no idea what they're worth. What would be a fair price for a 95%+?
 
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