S&W 042 info and value

[Tennjed]

I came into a excellent condition J Frame model 042 in a trade. I searched and found a few threads on it but they were all a few years old. I am curious as to what the value maybe today.

From what i gather some where matte finish and some were gloss. Mine is the gloss. Also seems that some might have the 042 over stamped over 642. Mine does not seem to be over stamped.

Is the gloss or matte more sought after? Over stamped or not higher valued? I do not have the box. Any idea on value?

I am going to try to upload some pics

 

[civil1977]

Very cool Centenial you have there. Only produced in 1992 and never cataloged.

 

[Tennjed]

Thanks for the post. I have no plans on selling it but I do wish I could get an idea of what it is worth

 

[murphydog]

In my observations, the polished blue ones tend to be seen more often. A few have come up on auction recently, selling in the $500 range and sitting at higher asking prices. Hope this is helpful.

 

[Tennjed]

thanks that does help

 

[hoss@fol43]

I picked one up in 99% condition with polished finish and the 642 overstamp for 450.00 6 months ago. And that was in the Peoples Republik of Kalifornia no less!

 

[Tennjed]

Does anyone know if the overstamped increases value

 

[mjblazer]

I have had two. In fact, I still have one but gave to my dad for a keepsake. Both were purchased by me used but only factory fired. The first was a matte finish the second one now my Dad's possession is a glossy finish. I love them! I shot the first one and loved it. Was accurate and perfect as a ccw. I traded it however for a LNIB IA PPK which I love also and Still have it. I can tell you SW made them from un-used 642 parts that were held back because the finishes did match their QC requirements. They sat in a room until some employee thought of the bright idea to re-finish them in "blue" or "black". Ultimately they released two versions; matte, and glossy. They had enough parts to construct about 4000 of them and sold them in bulk lots to various outlets as an un-catalogued model 042. Ones that were already stamped were x'd out and re-stamped. They were sold without any boxes, manuals, locks, papers or anything. Simply put out in display cases as would a used firearm. They are pre-442 models and are not rated for +p. I paid $425 & $450 for the two I bought. Btw, the the grip handles were a mish mash of what was available. Mine both had older wood grips but were both different. I'm still trying to trade or buy back my matte one from the guy I traded it to who keeps it as safe queen. If I find him the "032" model he is seeking he will sell it back to me. The "032" is same story but .32 cal and is much more rare.