Value - Pre 24 5 screw(Info UPDATE)

[Mickey D]

Stopped in to my dealer this afternoon. There are several S&Ws on display I havent seen there before. As with most CA prices, these are marked higher than I think they should be, but I know the dealer will negotiate.
Two caught my attention and were in +98%. The first was a 4" Model 43 airweight .22. It's in good condition better that 98%. No blue wear at all. Floating J serial which I don't recall. $600.

The second is one that perked my interested, but need some advice. I wasn't able to get much information today and I don't know the serial #, but it's a 5 screw .44 spl. pre 24 in +98% also. I believe it has 5" or 6" barrel and has original target grips. Not certain if the box is available. asking....$1750.
Anyone's thoughts on the .44 spl?
I attempt to get better info tomorrow.

Mike

 

[Mickey D]

Stopped in to my dealer this afternoon. There are several S&Ws on display I havent seen there before. As with most CA prices, these are marked higher than I think they should be, but I know the dealer will negotiate.
Two caught my attention and were in +98%. The first was a 4" Model 43 airweight .22. It's in good condition better that 98%. No blue wear at all. Floating J serial which I don't recall. $600.

The second is one that perked my interested, but need some advice. I wasn't able to get much information today and I don't know the serial #, but it's a 5 screw .44 spl. pre 24 in +98% also. I believe it has 5" or 6" barrel and has original target grips. Not certain if the box is available. asking....$1750.
Anyone's thoughts on the .44 spl?
I attempt to get better info tomorrow.

Mike

 

[JayCeeNC]

Bright blue or satin blue? Bright finish (like these below) commands a 25% premium, according to Nahas and Supica's SCSW 3d. Ed. It also says 6.5" barrel was standard but the 4", 5" and rare 5.5" bring substantial premium.
Both these are 6.5" barrels in bright blue with Magna grips, one set numbered to the gun and the other grips weren't numbered. Most I've seen had Magnas.

 

[Mickey D]

Bright blue. Maybe they were magnas. I'll get more info tomorrow.
The shop had an emergency plumbing problem, so they were actually closed for most of the day. But I did get in to pick up a couple NIB M60s and have a look-see.
Thanks!
Beautiful guns by the way. Look real close to what I was looking at. It also had the Patridge site.

 

[Bassamatic]

Mickey, I've had my eye out for a Pre 24 for some time now and I can tell you they are far and few between. I looked at one in Tulsa last year in about 97%, all original with no box and the guy had two grand on her and said he would take 1800. Seemed too high at the time, but now I'm not so sure.

Barrel length is important, so you might want to check that, but for California that does not seem like a bad price at all. Remember, in two or three years from now it will probably be a steal.

If you can get him down to say 1600, you might want to do it. The box would make that a definite "go".

 

[gjamison]

i paided $1300 for this one at a local auction, no box or papers. i don't know if they are the right grips, but they look good on it.

 

[Mickey D]

Ok, I just returned from the gun shop.
The pre-24 has a 6 1/2" barrel, Patridge front site, satin blue (perfect, only blemish is a slight rust mark at the front site solder line similar to JayCee's above.), diamond magna grips, like new possibly unfired since leaving factory or very little. There are no marks or wear on the recoil shield, or FP bushing area. The grips are like new diamond.
Ser. # S1399xx (1955)
Able to get it for $1625.00 OTD, so it's now on layaway.

Beautiful gun for 53 years old!

 

[Culina]

congrats, that was a nice score, especially for CA

 

[Lenshappy]

It warms me to see you spend your money so wisely ~

Congrats ~! Can't wait for the pix after you bring baby home.

Click HERE if you want to ignore me.

JayCee & gjamison = those are fine looking guns!

 

[Mickey D]

Originally posted by photohause:
It warms me to see you spend your money so wisely ~

Congrats ~! Can't wait for the pix after you bring baby home.

Click HERE if you want to ignore me.

JayCee & gjamison = those are fine looking guns!

Thanks photo!

Looks identical to jaycee's only a satin blue.

 

[Geronimo Jim]

Congrats to Mickey! What a score on a really, really desireable gun! I am drooling on my keyboard.

 

[JayCeeNC]

Congrats, Mickey, sounds like a very nice pistola! The one I still have (top one in the photo above) is about 98% as well.

 

[smith17]

Very nice gun, Mickey. Something was going on in the mid-50s with the front sight bluing. I hunt with a 1954 model .357 N frame and the only blemish on it is the corrosive marks right there where the sight base meets the barrel.
Ed

 

[Quarter Cherokee]

Great gun, cool caliber, decent price.

They work real good on those dog sized coastal whitetail you fellers have out there. Don't ask me how I know. Is there a statute of limitations on stuff like that?

 

[fat tom]

Great guns! Please permit me a minor gloat. Bought this one for $495. Of course,that was six years ago. I was still very happy!

f.t.

 

[Mickey D]

Very Nice ft! Another identical cousin. I envy your price paid too.

Keep 'em coming guys. I need some eye candy while I have to wait to pay her off.

 

[230grfmj]

Congratulations Mickey D. Here's more eye candy to tide you over.

Keep us posted on getting that gem of a gun.

Minor gloat here too!!

This one, S144999 (how's that for a serial number) shipped to Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin in April 1955.

 

[Speedo2]

Here's mine. Picked it up cheap at a local auction 'cause "it weren't a 44 magnum". These gun will turn you into a 44 spl addict, if you aren't one yet. Congrats on a great gun.

 

[jeremyws1]

Here is my 95%er:

 

[feralmerril]

Here is mine but I dont know what I done with the original grips. This one was shipped in january 1955. I bought it from a friend for $250 back in 1971 or so. I dont think it was fired before I bought it. I doubt I fired 1 or 2 boxs through it. I guess its a safe queen. I do have 5 other .44 specials, so it hasnt been nessasary to shoot the hell out of it.