S&W Mod 28-2 Highway Patrolman

[T0ki]

Is there any way to tell by the serial or markings if this is original nickel finish? I have a hand-me-down, but I couldn't get the story before my grandfather passed away. I'll probably end up writing S&W's historian, but wondering if anyone knew.

Thanks!

--"I never walk into a place I don't know how to walk out of. "

 

[riverdog]

I always thought the Mod 28's claim to fame was that flat blue finish over not quite polished steel. I don't think any had original factory nickel. IIRC and all that. Mike Irwin should know.

 

[Mike Irwin]

Apparently there were fewer than 100 Model 28s made in nickle finish.

If it's original, it's got collector premium.

Best way is to contact Roy Jinks.

 

[Frenchy]

Check over on Smith-WessonForum.com. A couple of the fellows have them and can help you.

 

[FPrice]

TOki...

"Is there any way to tell by the serial or markings if this is original nickel finish?"

Mike Irwin gave you the best advice for getting the most accurate information on your Model 28-2. However, there is one other thing you may check on your own. Supica and Nahas (The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson - the book most of us use) reports the following"

"Florida Highway Patrol: Twenty-five guns with 5" barrels with nickel finish marked "F.H.P." #32 through #56 shipped in 1959. Serial range S189071 to S192687..."

IF your Model 28 meets these criteria it may be a very rare variant. But this was two years before the Model 28-2 was introduced so the odds may be very low, but still worth looking at.

In any case I am sure we all would like to know along with you.

 

[Radicalcleric]

I am not an expert, but from what I have heard, apparently there were a small number of nickeled M28s produced and sold. Can be any barrel length (I think), but they are not shiny. The finish was a dull nickel that almost looks like stainless steel. I would spend the $30 and have the gun "lettered" by S&W just on the very rare chance that it might be original. You could probably get a couple grand for it if it is (but it's 99.99999% sure it is not).

 

[Mike Irwin]

"Can be any barrel length (I think)"

Unless there are some 28 variants out there that I'm not familiar with, the only barrel lengths the 28 was offered in was 4 and 6".

 

[FPrice]

Mike Irwin...

" Unless there are some 28 variants out there that I'm not familiar with, the only barrel lengths the 28 was offered in was 4 and 6"."

Mike, you must be away from your Supica and Nahas.

Florida Highway Patrol - 25 specially marked nickeled 5" barrel firearms.

Also, less than 100 manufactured with 8 3/8" barrels (reason not stated).

All special runs it appears.

 

[bountyh]

Every SW gun I've seen with original nickel on it has a big "N" stamped on the frame under where the handgrip goes.

 

[Mike Irwin]

Waaaahhhh....

You're right, Frosty. Brain fart.

 

[JoeHatley]

Usually, but not always there is also an "N" stamped on the back of the cylinder by the extractor.

 

[Barrocky]

Hello all, This is my first post on this forum, will attempt to add a little about the 28-2 in nickel finish. This gun is too new to be a FHP piece. The others were reportedly made as salesman's samples and have a brushed finish as already mentioned,none of them were shiny nickel. The current thought is only nine guns total were made,all with 4" barrel. The extractor star should be blue,as should the rear sight, trigger and hammer should be case colored. There is a collector on the S&W forum who owns 2 of the authentic guns both in N-420xx (1972)serial range. There are many around that have been redone,some were done very well and others not so good. I asked about current value of a real one and was told the last authentic gun offered for sale about 7 or 8 years ago was $1,000. If this gun has the features listed above,it's probably worth getting a S&W letter as already advised. If it turns out to be authentic,it's a rare bird and probably worth a fair amount more now.

 

[BigG]

The Mod 28 should not have a "rear sight" other than the groove in the topstrap, no?

 

[maxwayne]

Model 28's have adjustable rear sights.

 

[T0ki]

WOW!

Thanks for all the replies. I do know that N stamp under the handguard designates an aftermarked Nickel done by S&W's pro-shop. I was curious about the N in the serial (which is N854xx).

I'll pony up the 30 bones and have it papered by S&W. I appreciate everyone's assistance. I'm filling the form out as we speak.

 

[444]

I for one would definitely like to know what you found out.

 

[Barrocky]

The "N" in the serial number doesn't mean nickel. All S&W N -frames were serial numbered with the "N" prefix starting in 1970. Serial number range from 1972-74 was N60000-N190000, I'd guess your gun was made in 1972. It seems to be in the right era for the nickel pieces, maybe you'll get lucky.

 

[T0ki]

Barrocky

For your first 2 posts, you're a veritable horn o' plenty!!! Rookie of the year award, anyone?

Thanks a lot. Check, pics and letter are all stamped and in the mailbox.

Again, I appreciate everyone's help and I'll update the thread and even scan the letter if anyone cares to see it.

 

[Frenchy]

Barrocky..

The current thought is only nine guns total were made,all with 4" barrel.

I would be interested where the number "9" came from. I've only heard the term "few", in reference to the salesman samples. Thanks.

 

[Radicalcleric]

Mike- When I said the nickeled M28s could be in any barrel length, of course I meant the barrel lengths common to the M28.

I, too, have heard that the number of guns was small, but not as few as nine pieces. I would think that last one sold would have fetched a much higher price if it was documented that only nine existed. I was thinking maybe a couple hundred...