Refinished Centinial or Pre-Model 40

[The bucket]

I had the opertunity to pick this cool old Revolver. I know it has been refinished but that is why I only paid 300. The lock up is good.

The cylinder, barrel, grips, and frame are all serialized "605"

What year was this made? Should I all it a Centennial or a Pre-Model 40? Is there a difference? Anything I should know about it?

 

[Frailer]

The two terms are synonyms, but many would prefer “Centennial.”

Only a letter can confirm but to my knowledge all the Centennials with 3-digit serial numbers (except s/n 104, which shipped in Dec 1952, plus any that were retained as display samples) shipped in 1953.

 

[The bucket]

Thanks so much for the info. So they only shipped like 100 guns in 1952 give or take?

 

[Frailer]

Thanks so much for the info. So they only shipped like 100 guns in 1952 give or take?

No. They shipped exactly one all-steel Centennial in 1952.

While there were obviously prototypes (in fact, Rex Applegate was gifted one), to the best of my knowledge production serial numbers started at 101–or so. The lowest number of which I’m aware is 104.

Edited for clarification: the “only one gun shipped in 1952” is established. The beginning serial number is merely conjecture on my part based on what data I’ve seen. But until someone uncovers a regular-production Centennial numbered lower than 100 I’ll continue to believe it.

 

[The bucket]

Okay, so they released the gun in 1952, but they really did not ship any until 1953? I am guessing the Steel and Aluminum share the same serial range and were made in batches?

So my gun is close to the first 500 guns made?