Value check on a pre-19 4" needed

[TDC]

This age era is completely outside my minimal knowledge base... I have an opportunity to buy a pre-19 4" in about 85 to 90% condition.

The serial number is K2627XX and it is a 4 screw with a shipped date of 1956. It has no model number or serial number stamped under the crane but it does under the grips.

It is very tight ... was carried much and fired little. No box or tools. An original owner gun.

All knowledgeable value suggestions would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[Engine49guy]

All Combat Magnums made prior to the dash 2 revision are 4 screw guns.
IMO while they are getting harder to find if you just want a good shooter I still find
19-3's 19-4's for $400 locally and sometimes less.

As far as shooters go the dash 4 revision is probably the high point in that you get the improved gas ring and ejector rod thread.

I personally like the 19-2 and older models because they have a nicer finish .

If the blueing is rough it is a shooter grade gun and a refinish will never make it original.
Guess it boils down to price and condition but I would avoid paying collector prices on a gun thats not in collector condition.

Again all this is Just my opinion.

Forgot to add they introduced the CM at serial K260,001 and the oldest ones have a 6 groove backstrap.

 

[VM]

TDC - pre 19's don't come along very often..........what price is the seller asking?
Does it have the original diamond target stocks?

 

[TDC]

The grips have been replaced with later "footballs."

My main interests are in the mid sixties to very early eighties K&N frame P&R guns. I'm thinking this would perhaps be good trading material for something of interest to me.

The price on the gun has been left open to me so I'm looking for a fair "ballpark" figure range to provide a fair price. Any suggestions would be appreciated....

 

[murphydog]

As described, it is worth more than a 3-screw version, so I would guess in the $600 range depending on the exact finish condition, higher if better than 95%.

 

[Engine49guy]

I have been looking for a clean early CM for over a year.
We just had a 19-1 with destroyed grips sell on the forum for $800 but the gun was near perfect and dash 1's are probably the rarest varient .
Clean diamond grips are only $100 to $150 tops , so figure $1000 for a clean example with nice grips?

If the gun was LNIB well over $1000, .
In 85% finish condition as you describe if it looks good $600....so maybe somewhere in between?

If it looks rough much less.
The last pre model without correct grips and a fair amount of bluing loss especially at muzzle on GB sold in the mid $500's.

all this is just my opinion.

 

[TDC]

Here is a very poor picture shot with my cell...

As I mentioned it was shot little and carried much. Typical holster wear on the muzzle with a few fine scratches. It may be missing its trigger stop which is common with police guns.

 

[Engine49guy]

Does the backstrap have 6 grooves or 10?

 

[larryofcc]

Has the wrong grips and they should not be numbered to the gun. The originals, should be diamond center type WITH the football cut. These guns are scarce, but condition is everything. This one is a shooter and no more. As for values, I wouldn't put a very high value on this gun as, like one poster says, the original grips alone are worth $150 in minty condition and they are missing. I cannot say what this gun is worth, but last year I bought a minty, in original box, M19 no dash,4", with tools and papers, for $1,100 that was shipped to Williams Gun Sight Corp. in 2-1960. Big Larry

 

[TDC]

Can't answer the backstrap question now.

Was just told the original grips may be available if they can be found. They are in the original box but it hasn't been seen for quite a few years.... Condition of the box or grips isn't known.

 

[Engine49guy]

Can't answer the backstrap question now.

Was just told the original grips may be available if they can be found. They are in the original box but it hasn't been seen for quite a few years.... Condition of the box or grips isn't known.

Cross fingers and toes.....DEEP INHALE......Hold it......keep holding....keep holding.......keep holding !!!

 

[larryofcc]

I recently bought a drippy mint 4 screw M53 # K 444444, no XXX's,from a dealer, and was told the original owner was bringing in the box, which of course, he never did. Got his $$$ and forgot all about the box, I presume. I am still waiting!!! Big Larry

 

[TDC]

Well.... Big Larry, I've known these people for over twenty five years. If they still have the box they'll find it...

Due to the nature of my collection I rarely do business with stores like you apparently do. Sounds like some of your sources have some serious commitment problems..

There are three other desirable S&W handguns I'm looking at from this person, all original owner, and this is the only one I didn't have a clue to determine its current value.

I'll provide everyone's comments from this thread to them and make the purchase with an appropriate amount.

Thanks everyone for your expert advice!!

 

[4-Screw]

I would not pay more than $600 for a Pre-19 in that condition. I think anything less than that is a fair price. If the grips can be found, you will be some money ahead. If they cannot, a nice period correct set grips will add to the cost. The good news is that you do not have to pay a premium for perfect grips since they would not match the condition of the gun. Grips with the proper patina may only run you $100-$125.

 

[4-Screw]

For comparison sake, I paid $400 for this new in box Pre-19 back in the mid-90's. So, one in 85-90% condition has to be at least in the $600 range 17 or so years later.

It is a month after yours...I think it is a K263,000 gun August '56 Pre-19.

 

[Speedo2]

removed PC

 

[4-Screw]

They can ask anything they want but it does not mean they will get it That one also has what appears to be the original grips as well so I would price that one closer to $800.

 

[mhg2tld]

For comparison, last year I bought a Model 19 no dash, 4 screw, 4 in, serial number K3572xx, 96% condition with perfect original grips, no box, papers or tools, for $425 plus shipping.

 

[Engine49guy]

Many gun dealers do not know there is a value difference between a pre 19 and a 19-3.

As enthusiasts we can identify the differences and place a premium on the older models.
The OP is estimating its fair market value so the owners get fair market value,
Had they brought it to a pawnshop or dealer they would have been offered $100 and the gun would be on display for $450 to $650,
Or if the dealer did some lurking here it would be $950 like the one in Western Pa.

All Just my ;O