Old(er) S&W price check?

[JWF III]

To start with I've just recently gained a (rather large) interest in S&W revolvers. I'm not so up to par on identifying everything about them, models in particular. I need to get me a good book to study next time I'm at the bookstore (or order online). If anybody knows of a good book to research to, I'd be highly appreciative.

I was in a toy store earlier today and they had 2 older S&Ws that I am interested in, but I'm not sure of the prices on each.

The first one I think was a fair deal, nothing outstanding either way. It was, I'm pretty sure on this one, a Model 14 (I can't remember if there was a dash# or not), with a 6" (or close to 6") barrel. It was at 85-90% on the finish, the only real noticeable wear was on the muzzle. The crown was good, just blueing worn off. It also didn't have the factory grips on it, more like a mild target design. (Using the forum search, I found a picture of one that had "Fitz Combat Grips" that looked very similar to these.) This one was marked $369. Like I said, I was thinking that this was a decent price, not too outrageous. I may have to go back and make an offer for this one.

The second one I'm not completely sure of, but my guess is that it was overpriced. It looked like a Model 10, in every way, witha 6" barrel. When I looked for the Model #, there was a little wear in the area, and I discovered that I really need reading glasses for just such an occassion. But I would swear that it looked like it said 11. And I couldn't tell if there was a dash. This one did have a fair amount of wear. It looked as if it spent the last 20 years in a holster, never having been removed. I would rate it probably about 50-60%. It was mechanically sound, everything was tight (that needed to be). It just had maybe 70% of the blueing remaining, and the frame was slightly pitted above the grips on each side, and also above the trigger. This one was listed at $269. I think I did good passing on this one (but I could be wrong-remember newb to S&W collecting), because of the wear. But I'm still wondering just what it was exactly.

Again any help would be appreciated, even if it just directed me to a very good book on the matter.

Wyman

 

[Phydeaux642]

Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson by Supica and Nahas. Now, remember this is a book from 2006, so, the prices are not really reflecting today's prices. It's a great book for the history of S&W wheelguns and their various incarnations.

Those prices that you listed still seem a bit high for the condition listed, though. There was a fellow on another forum selling model 10s for $200 shipped a couple of months ago. They were mostly shooters that were in good mechanical shape with cosmetic wear.

 

[Oro]

The first gun is priced fairly per your description if the mechanicals are good. Not a screaming deal, but not bad by any stretch.

The second is likely an older 6" model 10 (it said 38 special on the barrel, correct? I doubt it is a Model 11). It may be a "pre-model" and what you saw in the yoke cut were assembly numbers, not a model number. The model numbers weren't stamped there until 1957.

 

[Rolando]

Take some photos!! There are some details that a good set of photos would show that could give clues to the model and value. Something like nice diamond grips could increase the value.

 

[Randy1911]

I just bought a Model 14 with a 6" barrel and paid $410 and thought I got a good deal. It was made between 1959 and 1961.