The fabled Model 28-2 Highway Patrolmen Nickle

[Gordylew]

I went to a friends today and in showing his collection he pulls out what I thought was a 629 4". When I opened the cylinder I was kind of befuddled. It was marked 28-2. I turned it over and sure enough it was a Highway patrolmen. The gun could have passed for stainless. I have heard of a 28 in nickel but have never seen one much less held one.
So my question is what is the serial number range of these Nickle 28s and how can you tell if it's factory? serial number N884**
And what is the value if it is?
I'll get him to email some pics to post in the next few days
Gordon

Ps sorry if this has been covered in another post

 

[diamonback68]

Yes this has been covered many times and to date no one has found an unreported one, those are the odds.
Of the 54 known brushed nickel 28-2s they fall in the N28400 to N59622 range. All 4 inch.
Of the 25 known bright nickel Florida HP 28 no dash they are all S serial numbered. All 5 inch.
Your serial number appears to be too high.
When you say it could "pass for stainless" my guess it has been aftermarket hard chrome which many were done that way. HC looks more like stainless rather than the yellowish hue of nickel.
Hope that helps.

 

[murphydog]

Most refinished nickel model 28s (and other S & W revolvers) will have a nickel hammer and trigger; this is a giveaway that it is post-factory. Also, if there is any question a factory letter would confirm it, but there are many more redone than factory ones, as Dick mentioned.

 

[BJoe]

There is a guy at local gun shows that sells them every month. I bet I have seen him sell 10 of these.

 

[fat tom]

I bet I have seen him sell 10 of these.

How much does he sell them for?
f.t.

 

[Gordylew]

There is a guy at local gun shows that sells them every month. I bet I have seen him sell 10 of these.

That's funny. reminds me of the I love Lucy episode where they're in Paris and a guy sells them some "Hand painted" masterpiece painting. only to find out every one buys one.

 

[Peter M. Eick]

Dick,

You can probably guess who has one of the nickeled 28 FPD guns here in Texas. I have handled it and have seen the box it came in. It is one of two that were split up years ago by a well known collector. the bright nickeled 28's do exist from the factory as I have held one.