Vintage model 60 value

[Davidb=R5555]

I have a model 60 that looks like it has never been fired, also the serial # is R5555. Not knowing a lot about guns, my question is
( Would this certain gun be worth a little more, as the serial number is all 5's ? ) Also was hoping someone could give me a year that it was manufactured… Thank You…

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Welcome aboard from ol' Wyo.

Your Model 60 might have been created in 1969 or 1970.

S&W neither produced nor shipped guns in serial number order so
it's anyone's guess without asking for a historic letter.

All fives for a serial number might ring someone's chime, but
there's no rule that it make a difference to many of us.

My R3049 shipped in July 1969. It's very nice, and I'd rate it at
less than $700 in today's market. Views may differ.

 

[Retired W4]

Nice Model 60. I do like those smooth grips!

 

[bobsguns]

Nice looking gun!

I agree, no real bump on value with the all-five S/N. Although I did once buy a Smith 22A-1 because the last four on the S/N matched my phone number.

Personally, I would keep the Model 60 until the prices switched over to a seller's market. Stating the obvious, there's no clue when that might be.

Unless you just don't like J-frames, *I* would keep it, maybe carry it.

My .o2

 

[BE Mike]

As has already been stated, your revolver is a 1969 production piece. It should have come with checkered grips and it looks like someone has polished the gun to give it a bright smooth appearance. The smooth grips and polishing eliminate any potential collector appeal, but it is still a nice gun if the mechanics are good to go. I'd say it's worth $550-$650 as a shooter. Having said that, the economy has affected many people's ability and desire to buy things that aren't necessary.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

It should have come with checkered grips and it looks like someone has polished the gun to give it a bright smooth appearance. The smooth grips and polishing eliminate any potential collector appeal,

I heartily disagree with that thinking. The unusual serial number,
rosewood presentation stocks, and what might be a polished
finish all three lend themselves to the potential it was a special
order and shipped just that way. A history letter might say for
sure. We've seen stranger things from the halls in Springfield.

 

[Retired W4]

My Kahr Mk9 Micro Stainless has a SN of GA 1911. That's also the screen name of a member here. No premium on that one but a pretty good fit for me.

 

[larryofcc]

And I bought a S&W M53 for its serial number. K 444444. Big Larry

 

[BE Mike]

I heartily disagree with that thinking. The unusual serial number,
rosewood presentation stocks, and what might be a polished
finish all three lend themselves to the potential it was a special
order and shipped just that way. A history letter might say for
sure. We've seen stranger things from the halls in Springfield.

I hadn't even considered that it might have been a special order and the work done at the factory. If a letter accompanied the revolver, for sure that would change things, but as presented, without a factory letter verifying the polishing and grips, I'd have to stick close to my estimate of the gun as a shooter without box & accessories. The unusual serial number doesn't have any extra value to me. Having said that, I'm no expert.

 

[Davidb=R5555]

Thank You for replying so fast, and letting me know about this gun… A friend of mine sold it to me, It was his fathers who bought it brand new.Thanks again.

 

[Davidb=R5555]

Although I don't know a lot about guns, I started seriously collecting them about 7 years ago.. I really love the Smith Wesson 586 , and 686 models..I have 6 of the 686's and 2 of the 586's by next month I will have 3 more 686 models.. All vintage , all wood grips.. But all a little different, barrel length, and no dash to dash 4… Thanks for the info, think I will keep this one as well..

 

[Davidb=R5555]

I took the grips off, and on the inside of grips is stamped 5555, so they may be original, mechanics are perfect, and I guess I dropped the value when I polished it with mothers mag. I just like the way my smith guns look , shined up, and with wood grips…Thank you for the info…

 

[Davidb=R5555]

The gun was already polished when I got it, but I did re polish it with mothers mag, as it seemed the last polish was quite some time ago.. Also the grips to have 5555 stamped on the inside, which makes me believe they are original… Thank You

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

Vintage is an overused word! Most people consider that term applies to PRE-Model Number guns (1957-1958).
(But there is no law on such things in a Free country!)

Ivan

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Vintage is an overused word! Most people consider that term applies to PRE-Model Number guns (1957-1958).

Really?

I guess I'm not one of the "Most people."

... the inside of grips is stamped 5555 ...

They are original.

 

[Truckman]

Vintage is an overused word! Most people consider that term applies to PRE-Model Number guns (1957-1958)

A girl told me the other day she's not into vintage dating...Now I know what she meant......Ben

 

[RKmesa]

Welcome to the forum David B!!! Beautiful little Model 60!!! I love the high polish and I love the smooth grips. It's a Model 60 - the factory made a BUNCH of them. If it was polished after it left the factory, I do not believe that the polishing effects value one way or another. Blanket statements that modifications reduce collector value do not ring true with my experience. I for one, (and I know that I'm not alone) love tastefully and professionally modified guns and find them collectible in their own right. Don't get me wrong, I love mint from the factory guns, but modified guns have a significant place in my collection.

Smooth "presentation" grips were often affixed by the factory to special order guns (e.g. engraved guns and special finish guns). As the grips number to the gun, and as many of the above posts point out the SN is rather unique, it would not surprise me at all if this gun was special ordered with the high polish finish. Were it in my collection, I would probably spring for an historical letter to confirm the finish, the grips, and the possibility that it was special ordered by someone special...

Thanks for sharing,

 

[THE PILGRIM]

My 629 no dash Serial No starts with 7777.
Can you bet 4- 7s and a 44 Magnum?
Here's my 60. Bought it in 1968 I think!

 

[05srt10]

I would have to get a letter on that one. Very nice.

 

[45NUTT]

Color me green with envy!! Nice Smith!

 

[viceunit]

I seem to remember that some early model 60's came polished from the factory. In 15+ years of reading on this forum, seems like I read something about that.

 

[dsf]

The gun was already polished when I got it, but I did re polish it with mothers mag, as it seemed the last polish was quite some time ago.. Also the grips to have 5555 stamped on the inside, which makes me believe they are original… Thank You

Very nice looking gun. I tend to use IOSSO or Flitz - 6 of one as they say. I have a somewhat later Smith and the finish is more of a satin type, although still bare metal and not the "spray on" style Smith has gone to.

Re shameless promotion, if you're in southern Oregon Fox Firearms in Grants Pass has an abundance of older Smiths.

 

[sophie]

I took the grips off, and on the inside of grips is stamped 5555, so they may be original, mechanics are perfect, and I guess I dropped the value when I polished it with mothers mag. I just like the way my smith guns look , shined up, and with wood grips…Thank you for the info…

Welcome to the forum Davidb. That's a great looking Model 60 you have. I like the high polish and the smooth grips. After reading all the posts above and the fact that the grips are numbered to the gun, there's a real good chance it was shipped that way.

Here's a couple of my Model 60's. One is high polished and pinned barrel. The other is a later non-pinned gun.

 

[THREEDFLYER]

I seem to remember that some early model 60's came polished from the factory. In 15+ years of reading on this forum, seems like I read something about that.

My high polished Model 60 shipped October, 1965 and does NOT have the "R" prefix.

I believe the high polish was standard for the first couple of years on the M60

 

[AC Man]

I have a model 60 that looks like it has never been fired, also the serial # is R5555. Not knowing a lot about guns, my question is
( Would this certain gun be worth a little more, as the serial number is all 5's ? ) Also was hoping someone could give me a year that it was manufactured… Thank You…

For what it's worth I just bought a 1969/1970 model 60 no dash with box, papers, tools, un fired. Still has the protective dried gun grease from the factory. To me that doubles the price over just a gun. I paid $1,000. Yours is unusual with the smooth grips and polished frame. Not sure if you have box, papers, and tools. It is a beauty.

 

[Davidb=R5555]

Thank you everyone for your input. I will definitely be contacting S&W to see what they can tell me about it…

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Based on experience it's too old for the "kids" at S&W customer
service to know anything about it or be able to help answer your
questions.

If you truly want to know more join the S&W Collectors Association
Smith & Wesson Collectors Association or the S&W Historical Foundation
Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation or both.

Then request a letter from the S&WHF ($100 or non-members)
--request form available on the website. The letter will tell you
the day S&W shipped it and to whom. If it was a special order,
more details might be available.

Merry Christmas.

 

[Retired W4]

I'm thinking the smooth J magnas, numbered to the gun go well with a factory high polish 60. I would be requesting that letter.