13-2 Nickel

[Crookedcreek]

An LGS has a 13-2 nickel, 4" pinned, recessed chambers, target stocks, and also has it listed on three national web sites. Have not seen/held it, but photos look to have 'reasonable' wear, light scratches, nickel looks to be 'all there', no rust or flaking, and normal wear on checkered target stocks. Don't know if the stocks are original to the gun, but what is interesting about them is the one piece metal plate attched to the bottom of the stocks with four screws (two in each panel). The plate is engraved with a 'Sheriff's star' with three letters WSP engraved within. A quick search of the letters revealled one posibilty....Washington State Patrol. (??). Could have been the initials of a previous owner, lawman, etc....don't know. Perhaps a factory letter would reveal where the shipment was made, as a clue. Certainly the plate was not factory, being added by the receiving agency or?
At any rate, I plan to go take a 'looksee' and handle it when the shop reopens on next Tuesday. Any opinions as to desireability and what a current market reasonable purchase price might be? Is that model as describe encountered with any frequency, or are they hard to find?
I'll try to link to a photo of the plate here: https://s3.amazonaws.com/mgm-conten...5/01/29/15320194_03_smith_wesson_13_2_640.jpg

 

[Crookedcreek]

Well, this is discouraging! No opinions?

 

[Martyk]

Another possibility is "WSP" might be Wisconsin State Patrol. It sure looks professionally done. Might be someone's initials and it was a retirement gift.

 

[444 Magnum]

Here's a picture of the pistol. I erased the hangtag so as not to violate any rules.



I think it would have originally been issued with magnas. The targets were added as was the "skull knocker". As you noted, it's been carried and shows it. Not everyone likes a trigger shoe. I don't think it's worth any more than the asking price. In fact, if it's something you want, I'd offer less.

I picked up a 3" round butt last year. 13-3 nickel.



It came with a set of lady smith grips which I removed and I added the combats. It's has a very nice feel in my hand.

The net has a little history on the Model 13.

Smith & Wesson Model 13 - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[45Smashemflat]

Is it just me, or does the thumb latch look oversized?

 

[Crookedcreek]

Here's a picture of the pistol. I erased the hangtag so as not to violate any rules.

If you looked at all the photos listed, the right panel grip shows more wear than the left panel. My thinking is could be holster or body wear from a left handed carrier or vehicle wear on the right side, console, etc.? Also, look closely at the top of the right panel, there is an intentional 'X' cut into the wood...curious, could it be a 'notch' as in the 'old west' grip notches? The gun might have an interesting past!

 

[444 Magnum]

Just my thoughts...since the checking wear is even, I would think it's handling wear. The 'x' is very shallow-just looks like a couple of scratches. Also, there's a chip on the right top of the grip.

If the trigger shoe is removed, it will likely leave impressions on the trigger.

I don't see any collector value based on condition unless you can tie it to a department or officer. Probably a good shooter/truck gun with an unestablished LE history if that's what you're looking for.

If they're local and you want it, point all this out, start at $500 cash and see where it goes.

 

[Crookedcreek]

@444 Magnum, thanks for your insight and experience...it's all about learning for me. Since I don't have a truck, the decision is easy, I'm going to pass on this one. It still would have been interesting (maybe) to find out the history of the gun. My luck would be that the previous owner found the stocks with butt plate on a table at a gun show and paid $10 (due to the wear!) strickly for the 'novelty'.

 

[WCCPHD]

Could be someone's initials???

 

[Crookedcreek]

Apparently someone 'wanted it', as it was gone when I visited the GS today. No surprise when 'publicity' and location is exposed to the masses, so to whomever bought it....you're welcome!
Probably someone that is attracted to former LEO firearms, hoping to find a gem after some research and possibly a factory letter.

 

[38 Specialist]

Too bad you missed out. I think the model 13 is the perfect duty revolver. Having one in nickel would be cool.

 

[Mike LaNier]

I had a Model 13, 4", blue, issued in 1973 as a duty gun; owned it for years but sadly lost it in a wildfire that destroyed our house in 2020. I still mourn the loss of that gun, it was, for years, a part of me. The M.13, like 38 Specialist said, was the perfect duty revolver, and with a good trigger, easy to shoot.

 

[MajorD]

I have seen a few of those plates on the butt of target grips usually - WSP - Washington Wisconsin Wyoming probably anyone’s guess.