S&W Model 25 Nickled Revisited

CLR

Folks I know have the gun in front of me. On the right side of the barrel is written 45 CAL. Model 1955. The gun serial number is S130XXX. The cylinder assemblies have a serial number also XXXXX and is stamped on the frame close to the butt as well. Barrel is 6 1/2 inches long with target hammer and trigger. It all came in a Mahogany presentation case. I appreiate your input. In the mean time I will shoot it as much as possible............CLR

CLR

Some additional information is that I made a mistake Model 25 isn't stamped behind the crane assembly on the frame. The barrel is pinned. Judge Colt stated it would be a 4 crew. The right side plate does have 4 screws, if that is what he is referring to. The cylinder assemblies are serial numbered 59XXX. Now y'all have my curiosity up as to the date of manufacture, guess I'll write Smith as suggested.

woodsrunner

You should give S&W a call. Ask for Roy Jinks. When I aquired my Triplelock that's what I did. That was 8 yrs ago, I'm assuming he still works for them. He can tell you quite a bit about your gun right over the phone. I would also ask him about getting a factory letter. I wouldn't shoot this gun untill it was appraised in person by a S&W expert. If you want a shooter you could always sell this one and buy one of the new Heritage model 25's. Putting several hundred dollars in your pocket in the process.WOODS

JudgeColt

If there is no model number in the crane cutout, how could you report it as a pure M25 on an earlier post? It either has a model number or it does not. If the revolver has four screws in the sideplate, it is a five-screw. (The fifth screw is in front of the trigger guard where it meets the frame.) This means this revolver was made in 1955, and is a first-year gun. The top sideplate screw was eliminated in 1956. The trigger guard screw was eliminated in 1961. (Get it? From five to four to three screws, hence those important collector designations.)You still need the letter as I do not believe any of these "pre-model" guns were ever made in nickel.This revolver probably has significant collector value if the nickel is factory original, and some if it is a factory renickel.Get the letter and let us know what you find out.

CLR

You guys have been right so far. There is a screw in front of the trigger guard as well. I said it was a Model 25 based on memory alone, actually a 25 with 45LC/45ACP cylinders is what I wanted. Since that time I have acquired the revolver and have reported actual markings. Needless to say if it is a collector's piece I will sell and buy a shooter. I'll be back in touch after contacting Smith & Wesson. Have a great Holiday Season.......