Value Question

[Dino44]

This past weekend I stopped into one of my area's large outfitter stores. They had a vintage Smith and Wesson that I am not familiar with. It was simply tagged, S&W 45 caliber, 5.5" barrel, $1159.99 Both sides of the muzzle had 1/2" to 3/4" of bluing loss and the lanyard swivel & ring had been grinded off. Otherwise, the gun is in very nice condition, bluing and stocks. When I returned home, I looked in my 3RD edition and it appears to be the US Army 1917 but this one has bright or polished blue finish and diamond checkered walnut stocks with silver medallions. Serial number is 181860. Is the above-mentioned price reasonable?

 

[22hipower]

Pictures would help a lot. Were the US Property marks and inspector stamps still there? SN match on butt, cylinder and barrel? Probably refinished with later stocks; hard to tell without more information or pictures. Most likely refinished, if so value depends on mechanical condition and quality of the refinish. Probably a few hundred too high, just guessing though.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[Hawg Rider]

Wow, sounds like that revolver has been "bubba'd". Without pictures, it's difficult to identify exactly what you have, but it does sound like a Model of 1917 in .45 ACP. The s/n (181860) would be very late production, or perhaps even just after WWI. Maybe Brazilian contract? I'm sure some of our resident experts will chime in shortly with their opinions. It sounds like the revolver was re-blued, probably after the lanyard ring and swivel were ground off. The stocks are definitely later than the revolver (see pics below), but they do have some value. Overall, I think your outfitter store is asking way too much for that revolver. IMHO, from your condition description, it's a $700-$800 piece- but that's just a WAG without pictures.

 

[Goony]

This sounds like the commercial version. Without examining it I can't form a judgment as to its originality, but if it hasn't been refinished or otherwise "improved" it would be a desirable piece.

 

[Retired W4]

Dino44, here is a picture of a 1917 Army that was assembled after WW II from parts that S&W purchased back from the US Army. This one has the butt swivel installed and an odd combination of old and late features.

 

[weatherby]

Is the butt of the gun stamped like hawg riders 3rd picture ?

 

[Dino44]

I have a buddy who lives very close to the store. He snapped this picture.

 

[Goony]

Characteristics suggest early 1930's vintage.

 

[HeloMt]

By the orientation of the serial number in the butt, it could very well be a commercial and not a refinish. I wish we could see more detail. Need some more photos to be certain.

 

[22hipower]

I have a buddy who lives very close to the store. He snapped this picture.

From what I can see in the picture I'm a lot more interested than I was by the description. If the SNs all match, including the one on the left side grip panel, I'd probably be trying to buy it. Good luck.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[Muley Gil]

Looks like a commercial 1917. It is not uncommon to see the lanyard loop hole plugged.

 

[weatherby]

To me the pins look polished.
Definitely not a clear enough picture for judging IMHO