S&W Model 25 of 1955

CLR

A model 25 Smith and Wesson of 1955 nickle plated. It has the interchangeable cylinder assemblies 45LC and 45ACP. It has the target trigger and hammer. It is in excellant condition, but has no factory paperwork. It is in a wood box but I have no way of knowing if it is original. What is a reasonable price for the revolver?

AntiqueDr

Interesting... I'm assuming there is a model number stamped inside the crane? Also, what is the barrel length?

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Der Gebirgsjager

Soooo nice! If it wasn't nickel plated I'd be trying to buy it myself! Anyway...here's an attempt to help and the logic behind it: Blue Book says 100% condition, $450. Add $150 for 6 1/2 inch barrel (you didn't say), add 300% for .45 LC caliber. If the revolver was produced 1955-57 it's a Mod. 25, after '57 it's a 25-2, approx. '85-'87 a 25-5. The box, if an original S&W box in nice condition is worth $75 out here. So, figuring everything at the max--$450+$150+$1350+75=$2025. Now for the subtractions. It's probably not 100%, so start at about $350. If it doesn't have the 6 1/2 inch barrel drop the $150. Now 300% of $350 is $1050. Not-so-nice box, $25. $350+$1050+$25=$1425. Probably more realistic, and you should be able to get it if you hold out for the right buyer because of the uniqueness of the interchangeable cylinders. The truth probably lies somewhere between the two figures, but short of a visual appraisal by an expert, you'll have to set a figure. If you set it a little high you can always come down--but if low you can't go up!

AntiqueDr

Slow down just a second... let's see exactly what he's got first.I've seen 25-5's with ACP cylinders fitted...

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CLR

Gentlemen, It is marked Model 25 on the frame behind where the crane hinges open and shut, not a 25-1 etc. It is a 6 1/2 inch barrel. Did S&W produce a nickle version or is this an after production plate job? The box is mahogany but has a foam rubber liner covered in velvet. The foam is molded to fit the pistol and extra cylinder assembly. It is a good job, just not sure if it is a factory box. Anway I guess it is worth the $600 I paid.....Thanks for sharing your expertise.

Der Gebirgsjager

My book says blue finish only--but that doesn't mean that it wasn't done at the factory as a special order or returned as special work. The factory could probably enlighten you as to if they did the finish or not. Very possible, as they probably did the custom extra cylinder fit. Can't tell you about the box without a look-see, but they usually bear the S&W monogram. You got a great deal! I could even put up with the nickel plating for that price! Congratulations.

mazo kid

All this talk got me curious and I had to dig my gun out of the safe. Mine is nickle plated and appears to be factory as the lettering is crisp and sharp. It is a 4" .45 Colt 25-5. I always thought the nickle gun was a mdl.625; are they so marked ? Emery

Der Gebirgsjager

Here's what the book says. Model 625-.45 ACP stainless variation of the Model 25-2, 6 shot, 3 (disc. 1991), 4 (disc. 1991) or 5 in. barrel, round butt, full lug barrel, Pachmayr grips, New 1988. 100% $550 95% $315 This variation has the frame stamped "625-2", roll engraved barrel with ".45 CAL MODEL OF 1988" barrel inscription. Sounds like you've got a nickel plated 25-5.: Model 25-5-.45 LC cal. 4,6, or 8 3/8 in. barrel, blue or nickel finish (no extra charge-disc. 1987), Disc. 1991. 100% $375 95% $250 (my note--too low--well worth $325 here).

ref44

Obviously, there is a lot of difference between a 25-2 and a 25-5. I have seen a lot of 25-2's, but never with a nickel finish. As noted, they may have made a few, or this gun may have been sent back to the factory for the plating job. Whatever the case, $600 is a good buy as the gun is described.

roundball

FYI...standard production 1955 "Target Model 25's were made in blue steel, not nickel;Also, the first digit "6" in S&W model designations stands for stainless...625's are stainless.

JudgeColt

If this is a true M25 (no dash), it is a 4-screw gun that was made from 1957 through 1960. Supica's Second Edition shows a M25 with auxiliary .45 Colt cylinder on page 142, but that gun does not have diamond grips so it is obviously a much later gun. Supica places the value of a 4-screw NIB at $550. Supica says that the finish was blue or nickel, but I have never seen a nickel. I would think the .45 LC cylinder might add a couple of hundred tops. The nickel finish needs a factory letter to determine if it adds or subtracts from the value. After closing, I realized I should have mentioned that a true M25 would not have come in the wood case. The wood cases were introduced much later, sometime in the 1970s I think. Are we SURE this is not a M25-5?[This message has been edited by JudgeColt (edited 12-25-2001).]

JudgeColt

Well, I see CLR has started another thread and now gives the serial number range, which should have been done the first time. This is apparently a real M25 (no dash). I still would want to see a factory letter on the nickel. Real M25s are getting hard to find, but not nearly so as the M25-1, which was made only one year. CLR also states he or she plans to shoot it as much as possible, so we collectors have wasted our time debating its collector value. CLR will be doing all possible to remove that.