Smith Model 042 Value?

[Teddy Trump]

Swung by my Lgs yesterday and this S&W caught my attention. Didn’t recognize the model #042? Went out to my vehicle and looked it up and found out it was un cataloged only made in 1992 to early 93. The serial # starts with BPD. I made a offer on the revolver and they accepted. $350 plus tax or $381 otd. Does anyone know the value on my 042? No box but the revolver is 95% or better? Thank you ahead of time! Merry Christmas!

 

[murphydog]

It's a scarce gun as you know, made back when S & W was gauging the market for a return of the hammerless .38 Special. Some were bright polished, and some (like yours) matte blue. You did well at $350. Enjoy!

 

[crazyphil]

Spegel designed combat grips too. Your are having a very Merry Christmas.

 

[oink]

Yeah, I'd say you did very well.

 

[haywood]

I’m thinking in todays used prices, you got that at half price.

 

[Rpg]

Five years ago I sold one for $550.

 

[jcelect]

042

I have one in the safe w/box and would not sell it for anything less than $1000. Look at the model number stamp, real close, and it might be a 642 over stamped. These were made from the first production of the 642 and they had problems getting the frame color to match the SS barrel and cylinder! I have never seen the "dull" finish like yours!
jcelect

 

[Teddy Trump]

I have never seen one until I found this one. I thought the barrel and cylinder were Carbon Steel? I was going to carry it but with all the information that y’all have given, better to carry something else not as valuable. I like it because it is blue and has no lock. If my Lgs had known it has collectible value they would price it accordingly. They had it marked for $429. Anyway thank y’all for the information and by the way I can’t find any for sale anywhere. Gunbroker has none for sale and not showing any sold.

 

[Teddy Trump]

The 042 is marked in white, can’t find a over stamp.

 

[John Adams]

042 value

I paid about $400 for mine last January. It’s the only 042 I have seen. The blue/black finish is not durable. It is as good a pocket gun as is any Airweight Centennial.

 

[demkofour]

I have never seen one until I found this one. I thought the barrel and cylinder were Carbon Steel? I was going to carry it but with all the information that y’all have given, better to carry something else not as valuable. I like it because it is blue and has no lock. If my Lgs had known it has collectible value they would price it accordingly. They had it marked for $429. Anyway thank y’all for the information and by the way I can’t find any for sale anywhere. Gunbroker has none for sale and not showing any sold.

As stated, Smith &Wesson apparently had problems, at an early point, matching the alloy frames to stainless steel barrels and cylinders. So, as not to scrap already model stamped 642 frames, they matte and/or blued the frames and overstamped the 642 into 042. Frames that were built, but not yet model marked, were stamped 042 (which sounds like yours may be…) Cool variation of the Centennial 442/642.
BTW, the 4th.Edition of the SCSW (published in 2016) on page 250 documents the 042, with an ANIB value of $650, with a production reported at 4415 units.

 

[NCBeagle]

Swung by my Lgs yesterday and this S&W caught my attention. Didn’t recognize the model #042? Went out to my vehicle and looked it up and found out it was un cataloged only made in 1992 to early 93. The serial # starts with BPD. I made a offer on the revolver and they accepted. $350 plus tax or $381 otd. Does anyone know the value on my 042? No box but the revolver is 95% or better? Thank you ahead of time! Merry Christmas!View attachment 549715View attachment 549715



View attachment 549716

That's a fantastic deal. Probably half-price. I have one. Took me a long time to find it. Good score.

Here’s mine:

 

[Teddy Trump]

Very nice!

 

[Teddy Trump]

Does anyone know out of the 4,000 made that year were polished blue and Matte blue?

 

[pbramlett]

Neat. I’ve never heard of it before.

 

[jcelect]

The 042 is marked in white, can’t find a over stamp.

042 is white to hide the 642 over stamp! Try using a magnifying glass! It is difficult to see!
jcelect

 

[jcelect]

Hard to find!

I have posted this pic before but my 042 is at the bottom of the 2nd column from the right.

For those looking for the "hard-to-find" guns, look at the top of the middle column! It's an 032, the mate to the 042. I don't know the story for this gun nor how many were made! Dig deep fellas, we want to know!
jcelect

 

[rincar]

I purchased one in the early 1990's. I don't remember what I paid for it. It was a new gun. I carried it for many years as a backup gun. The finish on it is missing in a few places and faded in others. The S&W 042 has served me well. I still have it and would not sell it.

 

[Teddy Trump]

What a beautiful collection of J Frames! Thank you for showing!

 

[Teddy Trump]

Took the revolver out back couple of days ago. Shot 5 rounds, very accurate.