Smith & Wesson S&W 19-4 Los Angeles Bi-Centennial 357 Mag Revolver 1980 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1136
LSB#: 220526LT011
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 19-4, City of Los Angeles 200th Anniversary
Serial Number: 66K3013
Year of Manufacture: 1980, ATF C&R
Caliber: .357 Magnum
Action Type: 6-Shot, Double Action / Single Action, Swing-Out Fluted Cylinder Revolver
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON / .357 MAGNUM”, the right is marked “1781”, “CITY OF LOS ANGELES / 200TH ANNIVERSARY”, “1981”. The left side of the frame is marked with S&W’s monogram logo, the right is marked with the four line Marcas Registradas. The side plate is marked with an LAPD badge number “1981”. The sides of the grip frame have inspection marks, the butt is marked with the serial number. The yoke cut is marked with the serial and model numbers, the yoke has inspection marks.
Case: The top of the presentation case’s lid is marked with an LAPD seal and there is a recessed cut on the bottom-right for a brass plaque marked “City of Los Angeles / 200th Anniversary / 1781-1981”.
Medallion: One side is struck with the LAPD seal, the other with the Los Angeles Police Revolver and Athletic Club (LAPRAC) seal.
Barrel Length: 6?, Pinned
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramp blade with a red insert, fixed to a rise in the barrel’s solid rib; the top of the barrel is serrated and matte finished for glare reduction. The rear sight is a flat top, square notched and white outlined leaf in a base that is micrometer-click adjustable for windage and elevation.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are smooth Goncalo Alves presentation stocks with S&W medallions. The stocks have light handling wear. There are a couple ripples and small bubbles in the finish on the bottom faces. There are one or two little spots of finish loss, most noticeable on the front of the right panel towards the bottom. There are no chips or cracks. The grips rate in about Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, with Case Colored Trigger & Hammer
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are some scattered little marks that have lightly thinned the finish on the barrel. There are a few scattered light marks. There is a bit of wear some of the leading edges. The cylinder has a thin turn-line through the finish. The screw heads are sharp but the grip screw is lightly worn. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fine Plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder produces no play in full lockup of each chamber with the trigger depressed. The double action trigger is quite smooth and the single action is very crisp. We did not fire this revolver. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes with a wood presentation case with blue felt interior, brass plate marked “City of Los Angeles / 200th Anniversary / 1781-1981”, LAPD/LAPRAC medallion, LAPD Commemorative paperwork, case care paperwork, and a key for the case. The case has a few marks and dings, the most noticeable is on the right edge of the lid.
Our Assessment: The Model 19 was introduced in 1955 and built on a K frame that was slightly larger in the yoke area and was initially offered only with a 4″ barrel. The Model 19 was intended to be a “peace officers dream” and offered a heavy barreled four-inch K-Frame with a shrouded ejector rod and adjustable sights. In the ’60s was this revolver offered with a 6″ barrel and then in a more concealable 2 1/2″ barrel configuration. The model was a major success and would go on to be used by the uniformed officers of the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service and U.S. Border Patrol until they replaced them with .40 S&W semi-automatic pistols. This is part of a limited of 1,981 Smith & Wesson Model 19-4 made to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the City of Los Angeles and were only available for purchase by active duty or retired members of the Los Angeles Police Department. The revolver shows a few light marks and operational wear, retaining about 97% of its finish, with Fine Plus condition stocks. The revolver comes with a presentation case and medallion that both look good. This is a great find for collectors, particularly those in or from Los Angeles. Please see our pictures and good luck!