model 28 florida highway patrol

lug1 · April 24, 2009, 10:14 PM

I am interested in anyone who knows more about value than I do. I have a florida highway patrol model 28 5" nickel finish. this is a variant and one of only 25 guns. I know the value on this gun is jacked up and it is 95 to 98%. I have not taken it anywhere yet was wondering if anybody on here might have a clue before I take it out. It is a priceless family heirloom and not for sale but didn't know what we had until recently. Now that I know I am curious. Smith book says it shipped in 1959. Family said the F.H.P. number was the trooper number. I don't know if that is accurate. I know the numbers of the 25 guns shipped are between 32 and 56.
Thanks to anybody interested in sharing info.

AgentOrange · April 24, 2009, 10:36 PM

Go to the S&W forums for answers to this question. There are several experts over there who might be able to help you out.

Post your question in the "S&W Hand Ejectors: 1896 to 1961" section of the forum. Here's the link.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/eve

Good luck

lug1 · April 24, 2009, 10:42 PM

thank you i am trying to do so right now but they hand review all new registers so i cant post tonight. this gun is my father in laws gun. the gun belonged to his father who was the florida highway patrolman it belonged to and was his duty piece. i have known about this gun for 17 years and just now got the smith and wesson book that gave me knowledge i have so far. it is an absolutely beautiful piece. father in law still has holster and belt and ammo holders. I am on fire tonight with this family heirloom discovery.

Chesster · April 24, 2009, 10:43 PM

Welcome to the forum. A picture would be nice!!!

lug1 · April 24, 2009, 10:54 PM

trying to get the picture off wifes i phone. technology is difficult. but i assure you that gun is pristine.

lug1 · April 24, 2009, 11:00 PM

trying hopefully this uploaded picture and lighting are horrible gun looks way better than photo. i does need a slight polish but the mild haze came off with rubbing of cotton cloth.

kraigwy · April 25, 2009, 12:17 AM

I wouldnt even venture to guess the value. I understand the heirloom part. That alone makes it valueless to me.

I have my great grandfathers S&W 44 Russian that was made about 1876 that will go to my oldest.

I didnt know Smith made 5" Model 28s.

I have a Model 28-2 that was made in the 70s. It was my duty revolver when I was on the Anchorage Police Dept. I was allowed to keep it when I retired. Its nothing like yours but my Kids are already laying claim to it when I start pushing up daisies. I can imagine how your family feels about yours.

I still have the leather gear for mine, including a Hoyt Breakfront.

These revolvers were used when cops were cops. Pre-swat. Street cops handled everything. Before the days of shaved heads and tactical uniforms. We had hair and wore ties (clip on of course). No tasers or pepper spray. We had real billy clubs.

The Model 28 was what O.W. Wilson had in mind when he said "A service revolver should be heavy, so it can be used as a club if necessary" (Police Adminsitration, O.W. Wilson).

But I degress.

Beautiful gun.

lug1 · April 25, 2009, 12:29 AM

My father in law still has his fathers duty belt and holster that go with it as well as a couple of the ammo holders. He also has a set F.H.P. class 'A' uniform that belonged to his father. This is a unique setup. The history and story behind it are in the family he has a couple pictures of his father in uniform with, I believe, this gun. I believe he said he has never fired this gun and his father died in 61 the gun was issued in 59.

crghss · April 25, 2009, 12:35 AM

Real nice.....

We like pics.....

Singlesix1954 · April 25, 2009, 12:58 AM

Cool story and awesome gun. I'm glad that you shared this with us. I understand the need to know what the outside world would pay for a family historic gun like that. You already know that it is invaluble to your folks, but it will make you feel better to know it is also a goldmine!

Chesster · April 25, 2009, 01:04 AM

Now this is what I call a "Classic".

Gun 4 Fun · April 25, 2009, 01:10 AM

Your diamond magnas are worth about $100-125 all by themselves. Never seperate them from the gun, as they should be serial numbered to the gun.

Webleymkv · April 25, 2009, 01:13 AM

To shine up that nickel, you might want to try a product called Pre-Lim. I've used it on blued guns with good results and HammerIt, another member here, swears by it for both blue and nickel (it's hard to argue with him once you've seen the pics of some of his Smiths).

http://apps.webcreate.com/ecom/catal...roductID=17912

Hammer It · April 25, 2009, 06:26 AM

Hi
According to my Reference material 25 Model 28's with high Polished Nickel finish were shipped to the Highway Patrol in Florida. Given their Birth Date they should have been a 4 screw configuration meaning 3 side plate screws and one in front of the trigger Guard, They also should be Stamped F.H.P. and Number 32-56 shipped in 1959. The serial sequence for these revolvers should be S189071 to -S192687. Their Value will be based on what the market will bear and the retail prices could be all over the palce depending on the buyer and how bad they want one. Here is the same finish on a Mid 1970's Model 27-2 cousin to the model 28 that has been Polished with Rennisance Pre-Lim...nest Gun I would not seel it for any amount as to it's Rarity and past ownership History..

Hammer it

fredneck · April 25, 2009, 08:49 AM

Schweet gun! Being a FLA native, I have an FHP commemorative Model 66 and have always wanted one of these 28s. I would NOT polish the nickel though. Nickel plating frankly is none too sturdy. Way less so than hard chrome. Just wipe it down with a good silicone cloth and keep it clean.

Hammer It · April 25, 2009, 09:50 AM

Quote:

I would NOT polish the nickel though. Nickel plating frankly is none too sturdy. Way less so than hard chrome.

Hello
I have Polished Many S&W Nickel Plated revolvers and Never had any Problems of Hurting the Nickel what so ever. The Factory lays a deep finish on their Nickel Plated weapons and I have even chased very deep scratch's on Nickel finished S&W's and removed all Traces of the deep scratchs. The Model 27 shown looked much worse than the Model 28 shown so I know that 28 will Polish up fine to Look as good as New again...Polish away without any Worries..

Hammer It

Gun 4 Fun · April 25, 2009, 10:57 AM

Hammer It-

Howdy!
Those stocks on that 27 look mighty familiar!

harry carey · April 25, 2009, 02:51 PM

a friend has one of these FHP guns I will ask him about value. another friend carried one with the FHP. I think they had Colt 357 magnum model prior to the S&W.

harry carey · April 25, 2009, 02:53 PM

Tyler T -grip is still in business.

lug1 · April 25, 2009, 04:32 PM

Doc44 over on the smith site says $10,000 category.

Archie · April 25, 2009, 10:17 PM

Not to mention rare. Only twenty-five? Gads.

To my knowledge, S&W never sold a normally produced M28 in nickle or in five inch barrel configuration. I do not doubt Lug 1's statement at all.

Oh, it's too dang good a revolver to sell for filthy lucre. Keep it if you can.

Gun 4 Fun · April 26, 2009, 10:40 PM

Doc44 knows more about S&W's than about anyone, especially when it comes to N-fames. His collection of old, pristine 29's, and rare one of a kinds, in both Rugers and S&W's, is second to none.

lug1 · April 26, 2009, 11:05 PM

g4f because of you and your assistance I have gained a whole bunch more knowledge about this heirloom. Thank you. Because you were a good neighbor you have enriched the lives of a family. Thank you for your good deeds.

Gun 4 Fun · April 26, 2009, 11:20 PM

I try to treat people the way that I would want to be treated. Especially when I am involved in something new to me. I am very happy that you got the info that you needed. That is one fine old weapon. Having something that is valuable isn't really worth anything unless you sell it. Having a family heirloom like that is priceless. Enjoy it. You can hold it, shoot it some since it's already been fired, and just enjoy knowing that you have something so unique. Take extra care with that nickel finish though.

April 24, 2009, 10:43 PM	#4
Chesster Senior Member Join Date: September 6, 2007 Location: Dixie Posts: 2,538	Welcome to the forum. A picture would be nice!!! __________________ Chesster Proud NDN "The American Idle" Vote 'Pro-Choice' on 2nd Amendment issues!!!

April 25, 2009, 12:17 AM	#7
kraigwy Senior Member Join Date: June 16, 2008 Location: Wyoming Posts: 8,701	I wouldnt even venture to guess the value. I understand the heirloom part. That alone makes it valueless to me. I have my great grandfathers S&W 44 Russian that was made about 1876 that will go to my oldest. I didnt know Smith made 5" Model 28s. I have a Model 28-2 that was made in the 70s. It was my duty revolver when I was on the Anchorage Police Dept. I was allowed to keep it when I retired. Its nothing like yours but my Kids are already laying claim to it when I start pushing up daisies. I can imagine how your family feels about yours. I still have the leather gear for mine, including a Hoyt Breakfront. These revolvers were used when cops were cops. Pre-swat. Street cops handled everything. Before the days of shaved heads and tactical uniforms. We had hair and wore ties (clip on of course). No tasers or pepper spray. We had real billy clubs. The Model 28 was what O.W. Wilson had in mind when he said "A service revolver should be heavy, so it can be used as a club if necessary" (Police Adminsitration, O.W. Wilson). But I degress. Beautiful gun. __________________ Kraig Stuart CPT USAR Ret USAMU Sniper School Oct '78 Distinguished Rifle Badge 1071

April 25, 2009, 12:35 AM	#9
crghss Junior member Join Date: July 1, 2008 Location: South Florida Posts: 537	Nice Real nice..... We like pics.....

April 25, 2009, 12:58 AM	#10
Singlesix1954 Senior Member Join Date: January 30, 2009 Location: Rural Ne Posts: 563	Cool story and awesome gun. I'm glad that you shared this with us. I understand the need to know what the outside world would pay for a family historic gun like that. You already know that it is invaluble to your folks, but it will make you feel better to know it is also a goldmine! __________________ Luke 22:36 Single six 1954

April 25, 2009, 01:04 AM	#11
Chesster Senior Member Join Date: September 6, 2007 Location: Dixie Posts: 2,538	Now this is what I call a "Classic". __________________ Chesster Proud NDN "The American Idle" Vote 'Pro-Choice' on 2nd Amendment issues!!!

April 24, 2009, 10:36 PM	#2
AgentOrange Junior Member Join Date: February 3, 2002 Location: Illinois Posts: 8	Go to the S&W forums for answers to this question. There are several experts over there who might be able to help you out. Post your question in the "S&W Hand Ejectors: 1896 to 1961" section of the forum. Here's the link. http://smith-wessonforum.com/eve Good luck

April 24, 2009, 10:42 PM	#3
lug1 Junior Member Join Date: April 24, 2009 Location: fort worth, texas Posts: 13	thank you i am trying to do so right now but they hand review all new registers so i cant post tonight. this gun is my father in laws gun. the gun belonged to his father who was the florida highway patrolman it belonged to and was his duty piece. i have known about this gun for 17 years and just now got the smith and wesson book that gave me knowledge i have so far. it is an absolutely beautiful piece. father in law still has holster and belt and ammo holders. I am on fire tonight with this family heirloom discovery.

April 24, 2009, 10:54 PM	#5
lug1 Junior Member Join Date: April 24, 2009 Location: fort worth, texas Posts: 13	trying to get the picture off wifes i phone. technology is difficult. but i assure you that gun is pristine.

April 25, 2009, 12:29 AM	#8
lug1 Junior Member Join Date: April 24, 2009 Location: fort worth, texas Posts: 13	My father in law still has his fathers duty belt and holster that go with it as well as a couple of the ammo holders. He also has a set F.H.P. class 'A' uniform that belonged to his father. This is a unique setup. The history and story behind it are in the family he has a couple pictures of his father in uniform with, I believe, this gun. I believe he said he has never fired this gun and his father died in 61 the gun was issued in 59.

April 25, 2009, 01:10 AM	#12
Gun 4 Fun Senior Member Join Date: November 3, 2008 Posts: 956	Your diamond magnas are worth about $100-125 all by themselves. Never seperate them from the gun, as they should be serial numbered to the gun.

April 25, 2009, 01:13 AM	#13
Webleymkv Senior Member Join Date: July 20, 2005 Location: Indiana Posts: 9,500	To shine up that nickel, you might want to try a product called Pre-Lim. I've used it on blued guns with good results and HammerIt, another member here, swears by it for both blue and nickel (it's hard to argue with him once you've seen the pics of some of his Smiths). http://apps.webcreate.com/ecom/catal...roductID=17912 __________________ Smith, and Wesson, and Me. -H. Callahan Well waddaya know, one buwwet weft! -E. Fudd All bad precedents begin as justifiable measures. -J. Caesar

April 25, 2009, 06:26 AM	#14
Hammer It Senior Member Join Date: December 8, 2004 Location: The Great Smoky Mountain Range Posts: 1,329	Hi According to my Reference material 25 Model 28's with high Polished Nickel finish were shipped to the Highway Patrol in Florida. Given their Birth Date they should have been a 4 screw configuration meaning 3 side plate screws and one in front of the trigger Guard, They also should be Stamped F.H.P. and Number 32-56 shipped in 1959. The serial sequence for these revolvers should be S189071 to -S192687. Their Value will be based on what the market will bear and the retail prices could be all over the palce depending on the buyer and how bad they want one. Here is the same finish on a Mid 1970's Model 27-2 cousin to the model 28 that has been Polished with Rennisance Pre-Lim...nest Gun I would not seel it for any amount as to it's Rarity and past ownership History.. Hammer it __________________ "Yeah, though I walk through the Valley of the Shadow of Death, ... I shall Fear no Evil, as I carry with me My Loaded S&W"..

April 25, 2009, 08:49 AM	#15
fredneck Senior Member Join Date: October 20, 2007 Location: Old Dominion Posts: 136	Schweet gun! Being a FLA native, I have an FHP commemorative Model 66 and have always wanted one of these 28s. I would NOT polish the nickel though. Nickel plating frankly is none too sturdy. Way less so than hard chrome. Just wipe it down with a good silicone cloth and keep it clean.

April 25, 2009, 10:57 AM	#17
Gun 4 Fun Senior Member Join Date: November 3, 2008 Posts: 956	Hammer It- Howdy! Those stocks on that 27 look mighty familiar! Last edited by Gun 4 Fun; April 25, 2009 at 11:30 AM.

April 25, 2009, 02:51 PM	#18
harry carey Member Join Date: April 25, 2009 Location: georgia Posts: 67	a friend has one of these FHP guns I will ask him about value. another friend carried one with the FHP. I think they had Colt 357 magnum model prior to the S&W.

April 25, 2009, 02:53 PM	#19
harry carey Member Join Date: April 25, 2009 Location: georgia Posts: 67	Tyler T -grip is still in business.

April 25, 2009, 04:32 PM	#20
lug1 Junior Member Join Date: April 24, 2009 Location: fort worth, texas Posts: 13	Doc44 over on the smith site says $10,000 category.

April 25, 2009, 10:17 PM	#21
Archie Senior Member Join Date: May 27, 2000 Location: Hastings, Nebrasksa - the Heartland! Posts: 2,018	That is a very nice revolver Not to mention rare. Only twenty-five? Gads. To my knowledge, S&W never sold a normally produced M28 in nickle or in five inch barrel configuration. I do not doubt Lug 1's statement at all. Oh, it's too dang good a revolver to sell for filthy lucre. Keep it if you can. __________________ There ain't no free lunch, except Jesus. Archie Check out updated journal at http://oldmanmontgomery.wordpress.com/

April 26, 2009, 10:40 PM	#22
Gun 4 Fun Senior Member Join Date: November 3, 2008 Posts: 956	Doc44 knows more about S&W's than about anyone, especially when it comes to N-fames. His collection of old, pristine 29's, and rare one of a kinds, in both Rugers and S&W's, is second to none.

April 26, 2009, 11:05 PM	#23
lug1 Junior Member Join Date: April 24, 2009 Location: fort worth, texas Posts: 13	g4f because of you and your assistance I have gained a whole bunch more knowledge about this heirloom. Thank you. Because you were a good neighbor you have enriched the lives of a family. Thank you for your good deeds.

April 26, 2009, 11:20 PM	#24
Gun 4 Fun Senior Member Join Date: November 3, 2008 Posts: 956	I try to treat people the way that I would want to be treated. Especially when I am involved in something new to me. I am very happy that you got the info that you needed. That is one fine old weapon. Having something that is valuable isn't really worth anything unless you sell it. Having a family heirloom like that is priceless. Enjoy it. You can hold it, shoot it some since it's already been fired, and just enjoy knowing that you have something so unique. Take extra care with that nickel finish though.