Identify this Smith & Wesson revolver please

[omgwtfbbq]

Hey fellow calgunners,

A friend of mine is looking to sell his old Smith and Wesson revolver and asked me to see how much he should ask for it. He bought it years ago in a private sale, and the original owner didn't give him the model number or anything. I would have posted a pic but my phone is dead. If I can I'll post one later. For now all I have is the serial number. I understand the risk one takes when exposing their serial numbers online but I'm kinda at the end of my research experience. I appreciate the help. Thanks.

The number on the bottom of the grip is "S 1873xx"

What I'm really looking for is the model type and year and what it might be worth based on various condition.

[savasyn]

do you have any more info? Caliber or frame size perhaps?
My wild guess, based on the S prefix, is that it's a .38 Special M&P from the late '40s. If it is from that era, there will be no identifying model number on the inside of the crane. If it's from a later period, it most likely will.

A picture would really help here though.

If that is indeed what it is, depending on condition, it could be worth from ~$200-$700. A rundown, well worn 4" on the lowend and mint, in box snubby on the highend.

These are all mid-40s-early-50s M&Ps. Does it look like this? The 4" is an S prefix:

[Oceanbob]

Open up the Cylinder and take a look

All you have to do is push the cylinder latch and swing out the cylinder.

Then look at the area where the crane is. It will say MOD 66-1

or something like that. On some models the serial number will also be
just above that MOD number.

This is on the frame just below the back part of the barrel.

[anothergunnut]

On modern S&W revolvers, the model number is stamped inside the frame, hidden by the crane.

[Oceanbob]

Yes..

On modern S&W revolvers, the model number is stamped inside the frame, hidden by the crane.

I've seen old Model 10s from the 50s with the M-10 on them. Perhaps earlier Smiths didn't have that feature.

A photo would sure help.

[omgwtfbbq]

It's a .357 with a 6" barrel. The only markings I could find was on the bottom of the grip and then under the grip on the side of the frame. I know the grips have been replaced and that reduces the value. Hope the info helps narrow it down.

[Oceanbob]

Even a model 10

Hey fellow calgunners,

A friend of mine is looking to sell his old Smith and Wesson revolver and asked me to see how much he should ask for it. He bought it years ago in a private sale, and the original owner didn't give him the model number or anything. I would have posted a pic but my phone is dead. If I can I'll post one later. For now all I have is the serial number. I understand the risk one takes when exposing their serial numbers online but I'm kinda at the end of my research experience. I appreciate the help. Thanks.

The number on the bottom of the grip is "S 1873xx"

What I'm really looking for is the model type and year and what it might be worth based on various condition.

Would be worth anywhere from $200 to 400 depending on the condition. A junker might fetch $150. A perfect finish that still shines might fetch $350.

That's my opinion.

[BigRich]

If it is an S prefix it probably is pre 1958 so won't have a model number. Post an image and we can probably help you. From the additional information it is beginning to sound like an N frame so might be what we now call a 27 or maybe a Highway Patrolman. OP, is the finish a high polish blue or more brushed/matte looking? Is the top strap (area in front of the rear sight) checkered or smooth?

[Oceanbob]

So..

It's a .357 with a 6" barrel. The only markings I could find was on the bottom of the grip and then under the grip on the side of the frame. I know the grips have been replaced and that reduces the value. Hope the info helps narrow it down.

It might be a .357 before WW2...you opened and swung out the cylinder and no marking on the on frame below the crane....hmmm...interesting.

I am clueless until I see a couple of photos.

[savasyn]

It's a .357 with a 6" barrel. The only markings I could find was on the bottom of the grip and then under the grip on the side of the frame. I know the grips have been replaced and that reduces the value. Hope the info helps narrow it down.

Sounds like a pre-27 then, unless it says "Highway Patrolman" on the barrel. is the top strap above the cylinder checkered?

[savasyn]

Does it look something like this:

[omgwtfbbq]

okay so we just checked the crane and it looks like a model 27 and the serial number is:
96678 Y

Any idea on the year or worth?

[omgwtfbbq]

Does it look something like this:

yes, exactly like that, but with a crappy aftermarket replacement grip

[savasyn]

okay so we just checked the crane and it looks like a model 27 and the serial number is:
96678 Y

Any idea on the year or worth?

So it actually says "MOD 27" on the frame under the crane? Now that I have the book in front of me, the serial # fits, it would indeed be a very early M27. Too bad the original grips are gone, that always helps with the value. You may want to check to see if it has a 6.5" barrel instead of a 6", that would help bump the price. What kind of condition is the bluing in?
MOD 27 were built from 1957-early 1960. 27-1 came in 1960-'61, 27-2 from '61-'82

value could be anywhere from $200-$1000, but without box and original stocks, you're looking more on the lower end.

Oh, that other number is not the serial number, those are codes used at the factory. The serial number is on the butt, which you previously identified.

[omgwtfbbq]

So it actually says "MOD 27" on the frame under the crane? Now that I have the book in front of me, the serial # fits, it would indeed be a very early M27. Too bad the original grips are gone, that always helps with the value. You may want to check to see if it has a 6.5" barrel instead of a 6", that would help bump the price. What kind of condition is the bluing in?

value could be anywhere from $200-$1000, but without box and original stocks, you're looking more on the lower end.

Oh, that other number is not the serial number, it's build codes used at the factory. The serial number is on the butt, which you previously identified.

Yeah it says MOD 27 on the crane.

The bluing is in very good condition. The only issue with the pistol is that it needs to be cleaned and the original grips are gone. In a private sale, with the bad grips, would 350-400 be too high to ask? And how about if he invests in a set of stock grips? thanks again.