S&W 19-3 and Model 69 year and value?

[retired_11b]

I picked a 19-3 and 69 up in a trade and I'm hoping that I didn't get taken. I know that the19-3 was made in the early 70's but that's about it. Unfortunately, it did not come with the original grips. It came with the Hogue grips that are currently on it.
The serial number is 2K2106 and it has a 4 inch barrel. Can anyone give me the month and year that it was made and its value? Pictures can be found here: Smith & Wesson 19-3 .357 - Album on Imgur

The Model 69 was made in 2014 and is in better shape. It also has a 4 inch barrel and pictures can be found here: Model 69 - Album on Imgur

 

[s&wchad]

The 19-3 appears to have an aftermarket hard chrome finish. The now plated hammer and trigger were originally case hardened. The front sight blade was changed from a Baughman to a Patridge. Industrial hard chrome is a very durable finish and it should make for an excellent shooter. I'd guess it's worth around $500.

Used 69's seem to be selling in the $600-$750 range.

 

[stansdds]

The 19-3 had definitely been refinished, no doubts. The plated hammer, trigger, a extractor are dead giveaways that this is not a factory finish. This image gives me a big clue as to the history of this 19-3.

See that smooth surface that would have been under the factory target stocks, then the pebble texture surface? That is a sure indication this was a very neglected, likely blued, revolver that suffered significant rusting and became pitted, then someone decided to refurbish it. Also, the Patridge front sight was not something you would have found on a Model 19 with a barrel shorter than 6 inches.


As to value of a Model 19 in this condition, certainly not more than $500 and I think that would be a real stretch. Even in today's inflated market, I am not sure I would go that much considering the amount of pitting. I would hope that all of the rust was removed before plating, if not, the plating will fail.

 

[Hawg Rider]

The s/n of your 19-3 makes it a 1970 revolver. No way to tell the month it was made, but a S&W letter could tell you the month and year it shipped. Probably a $450-$500 revolver in its present condition. A minty blue or nickel 19-3 with original stocks would probably fetch upwards of $800.

 

[retired_11b]

Thank you for the info everyone.