Quick question regarding a Model 27

[jer830]

I have a friend in Las Vegas who recently inherited what he believes is a Model 27. He wants to sell it and asked me about the age of the gun and it’s possible value is. I don’t have a lot of experience with N Frames so I told him I’d reach out to the experts.

The gun is blue and has a 5 inch barrel with S&W grips. The top strap is checkered. The frame/yoke is marked “13928” and under that is “7”. The serial number stamped on the bottom of the grip part of the frame
is “S 102xxx”. It has five screws including the one in front of the trigger guard.

Anyone have an idea about the age of the gun or a ballpark figure it’s worth. By the way, I have the S&W book but misplaced it so I can’t look there. I’ve also searched the sticky. I don’t have pictures and I’m going from what he described to me on the phone. Thanks in advance.

 

[Birdhunter6]

That is probably a 1954 revolver. ('53-'54 range ends at S102999) That would be before model numbers were assigned. Some would refer to it as a Pre model 27. I believe the actual model name was simply .357 Magnum.

We would love to see pictures and they would help the experts to evaluate it's value.

 

[Doug M.]

Assuming that he measured the barrel correctly, that is a potentially desirable revolver. I don't know the serial # ranges well, but I am suspecting a 27 pre dash.

 

[RKmesa]

For reference, I own S102509, a 5" barreled 357 Magnum (as Birdhunter noted, since it shipped prior to model numbers being assigned, we collectors often refer to it as a "pre-27"). It shipped in November 1953, but since then it has been refinished a few times...





Depending on condition, prices could range from $700 to $2,500. Other things impacting value would be if it has the box, tools and paperwork.

Looking forward to some photos,

 

[Vtgw938]

A lot of 5 inch S pre-fix guns are re-barreled. See if you can find out if there is a serial number in the shroud on the barrel.

 

[jer830]

Thanks. I’ll check on the shroud. The cylinder has the correct serial number. I’ve also reached out for photos. Thanks everyone for the info.

 

[jer830]

I’m still waiting for pictures from my friend, but he checked and the serial number is marked on the inside of the ejector shroud.

 

[gkitch]

If the grips look like the ones in the pictures above they are known as "Diamond magnas" to collectors and the serial number is likely stamped on the inside of one of the grips. Have him take a look and see if they match?