Trying to date a S&W model 19-4

[kyle1058]

Recently picked up a very nice Smith and Wesson, looks like a 19-4 (although i can't see a model number anywhere??)

It has the pinned and recessed barrel, diamond cutout wood grips, blued metal. It's a 357 magnum 6 shot of course. It has counterbored/recessed chambers for the rounds.

Serial D961xxx

I don't have the smith and wesson standard catalog because i don't really collect a lot of S&W stuff...

My best guess is late 60's to early 70's manufacture??

Any of the more avid S&W collectors please feel free to chime in.

 

[Osobuco]

That serial # puts it at 1976-1977
Also, the model # should be stamped under the barrel on the frame when you open the cylinder
Finally model 19 guns start with a K serial #
D prefix numbers were used on Models 10, 12, 13, 14 and 45

 

[kyle1058]

Model 13-1... wow,, thanks I was convinced it was a model 19.

 

[kyle1058]

Model 13-1... wow,, thanks I was convinced it was a model 19.

Any idea what one is worth in 80-85% condition?

 

[barrelmaker_2002]

S&W customer service will look up the date of mfg. of a gun.

Call 1-800-331-0852, ext 2905. Tell them you want to find the date of mfg. and be ready to provide the serial number of your gun.

 

[Osobuco]

Any idea what one is worth in 80-85% condition?

The 3rd edition smith book has them at $285 in very good condition but that was in 2006 (the edition of my book) and the book is below the market now. Go to gunbroker and see what they are selling for. My guess is $350-ish in 85% as long as it locks tight and cycles smoothly.

 

[Colt556]

The 19 would have adjustable sights whereas a 13 would have fixed sights. Basically the same gun. The model 13 heavy barrel is a very nice and durable hand gun. I would probably shoot more .38s out of it than the full power .357s though.

 

[RHurt919]

S&W customer service will look up the date of mfg. of a gun.

Call 1-800-331-0852, ext 2905. Tell them you want to find the date of mfg. and be ready to provide the serial number of your gun.

I thought you had to send in a check and letter to get the mfg. date. Thanks for the heads up.

 

[shooter1054]

I suggest dinner and a movie

 

[kyle1058]

I suggest dinner and a movie

I knew someone was going to do that....






Thanks, i called that number and extension and smith and wesson told me 1977. I didn't have to send them $50 and a letter like their website suggests. Very nice.

Thanks again!

 

[jimbo-indy]

The check and letter is to obtain a "FACTORY LETTER".
This is a written document from S&W stating when the gun shipped, where it shipped and a description of the item: finish, accessories, barrel length, etc.
Factory letters are desirable for collectible firearms. It's nice they provide the ship date info for free as that's all that most people want.

 

[barrelmaker_2002]

You only have to pay to get an official Letter of Authenticity.

 

[RHurt919]

I called S&W on Monday, very helpful and friendly too. Thanks again for the heads up.