Very Rare Smith & Wesson revolver-DSS

[slowburninsteve]

I have a Diplomatic Security Service model 19-5 which I intend to either sell or trade. It has a 2 1/2 inch barrel, matte blue finish, and the serial number is confirmed to be part of the run made for the State Department's DSS guns. It has a very, very mild scratch on one side which might be removed with 000 steel wool, but I will not attempt it. In looking at it I do not think it was ever issued. It appears to have been test fired at the factory, but any other firing is very questionable.

My quandary is that I have absolutely no idea of the value. I know it is worth considerably more than a regular model 19. I have kept it in my safe for many years, and have decided I would rather have something I can shoot with no guilt. If anyone can give me some guidance on value I would appreciate it.

Many thanks,
Steve

 

[Hapworth]

While it might fetch a little more than a comparable standard 19, only for a buyer that very specifically wants a DSS; I've watched their sales over the last couple years and they don't command a premium.

Fortunately, 19s in general are desirable and are usually good sellers, special order and finish or not.

Sounds like what you're describing is in "excellent" condition; since you do not mention box, tools or docs, I assume gun alone.

I think a private sale would reasonably net you in the $700 range, a little more if the winds are right.

What trades are you thinking about?

 

[cgpd2515]

Can you post a picture of the gun. I have one similar that I think might be a DSS gun, and I'd like to compare it.

 

[HarrishMasher]

If you posted a picture you could probably get a good answer. Posting a picture in this case should be a given.

 

[ken158]

Nothing "very rare" about ex LEO guns

 

[Triathloncoach]

I put one of those up for trade a few weeks ago with no box, near pristine condition. I think mine was matte black. I wasn't bombarded with offers, but I made a nice trade with someone who had been looking for that exact gun.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/guns-s...unusual-19-5-2-5-inch-matte-black-finish.html

IMH experience it's comparable to a regular unpinned 19 snub. But it's a very cool and unusual gun..

 

[Hapworth]

Nothing "very rare" about ex LEO guns

Not quite in this case; this was a special order of matte finish 19s for State Department's Diplomatic Security Service -- not the beater ex-LEO guns we're used to seeing.

Most examples I've encountered are in well-preserved condition.

That said, I agree it's a misnomer to call it "rare", much less "very rare". Don't think I'd even call it scarce, though I don't know its exact numbers. But I would call it uncommon; more along the lines of an NYSP 520 or genuine NY-1 64.

Relegating it to "ex-LEO gun" status isn't accurate. But as Triathloncoach can attest, for whatever reason they don't seem to spark much collector interest, selling for little more than their standard 19 counterparts, and not very fast, at that.

 

[WCCPHD]

Here's mine. Had to pay the princely sum of $250(plus tax) for it. Dealer called it an old dog with a poor refinish.

 

[Hapworth]

Here's mine. Had to pay the princely sum of $250(plus tax) for it. Dealer called it an old dog with a poor refinish.

Lucky dog's more like it.

What a score...when'd you get it?

 

[Triathloncoach]

Here's mine. Had to pay the princely sum of $250(plus tax) for it. Dealer called it an old dog with a poor refinish.

That's funny, when I first saw mine I passed on it because I thought it was refinished.

 

[slowburninsteve]

Here she is. The grips are Ahrends. I installed them, but have the Pachs that came on it. I would never put rubber grips on a blue gun. A sure recipe for retention of moisture and eventual rust.
Steve

 

[cgpd2515]

My possible. Trigger n hammer are different and the red insert. But serial nu,ber range is spot on. Maybe someone tweaked it a little.

 

[cgpd2515]

This is how it was when purchased. Also better lighting to show the finish

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

What is the s/n range for these guns? Are they mentioned in the SCSW?

 

[Hapworth]

What is the s/n range for these guns? Are they mentioned in the SCSW?

There isn't what appears to be direct reference to it in SCSW. Closest is a State Department run of 4" round butt 19-5s; serial range isn't stated, but prefix is AYY. I wonder if the 4" might be mistaken and these are the 2.5"s we see around here. Also no mention of the identical allegedly Connecticut State Police version.

But there are enough of them seen here and the tale is so consistently told (including by Model 19 experts on the forum) that I'm inclined to believe that the DSS and Connecticut origins of this batch are legit; SCSW is great but it has its gaps.

 

[murphydog]

This is how it was when purchased. Also better lighting to show the finish

It may be...the bluing looks even more matte than the factory version, and the hammer and trigger have been polished. A factory letter would be the only way to confirm.

 

[slowburninsteve]

Still looking for value estimates.........
Steve

 

[slowburninsteve]

Grips?

My possible. Trigger n hammer are different and the red insert. But serial nu,ber range is spot on. Maybe someone tweaked it a little.

I love those grips! What are they?
Steve

 

[Hapworth]

I love those grips! What are they?
Steve

Those are Ahrends Tacticals no finger grooves. Look to be Cocobolo, but might be stained Maple.

 

[old bear]

Still looking for value estimates.........
Steve

I thought there were several all ready. But I'll add my best guess, $650.00 - $750.00 on the high end, if you could find a buyer who wanted one NOW.

Best of luck selling that guy.