Presentation Smith & Wesson S&W Model 19-5 .357 Combat Magnum Revolver 1987

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SOLD FOR: $1,025.00

LSB#: LSB251111JH013

Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: 19-5

Serial Number: AYD0650

Year of Manufacture: 1986-87 / Modern (The Standard Catalogue of Smith & Wesson)

Caliber: .357 Magnum

Action Type: DA/SA Double Action & Single Action Revolver with Swing-Out Recessed Cylinder

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON”/ “.357 MAGNUM”. The right side of the barrel is inscribed in gold to “S.L.E.D. J. P. STROM, CHIEF / 30 YEARS 1956-1986”., The right side of the frame has the SC Law Enforcement Division seal in gold. The left side of the frame is marked with the S&W logo and “S.L.E.D. 73”. The right side of the frame with the four-line Marcas Registradas address. The crane cut is marked with the serial number “AYD0650” and the model number and “MOD. 19-5”. The butt of the grip frame is marked with the serial number.

Barrel Length: 6 inches

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated blade on a ramp set on the serrated rib. The rear sight is a square notch with a white outline on a serrated leaf in a base that is micro-click adjustable for windage and elevation.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece, smooth walnut combat grips with a thumb cutout. The grips have a few minor handling marks and some slight loss of finish from age. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Blued. Case colored trigger and hammer.

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mirror bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. This bore rates in 10/10 in this writer’s opinion.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. There is a very thin turnline on the cylinder. There are minimal marks from storage and handling. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The double-action trigger is smooth and the single action crisp. The cylinder produces very little play in lockup on each of the six chambers with the trigger depressed. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Inscribed wood presentation case with blue felt lining.

Our Assessment: This Smith & Wesson Model 19-5 is a significant presentation revolver honoring J. P. Strom, longtime Chief of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). Joseph Preston “J.P.” Strom served as Chief from 1956 to 1987 and was a pivotal figure in modernizing South Carolina law enforcement during a transformative era. Appointed by Governor George Bell Timmerman and having joined the agency shortly after its formation under Governor Strom Thurmond, Chief Strom became the longest-serving head of SLED, guiding the agency for over 30 years. Strom established a massive informant network that curtailed White Bedsheet Party activity, managed major civil rights-era unrest, and modernized the agency. This revolver is inscribed in gold on the barrel “S.L.E.D. J. P. STROM, CHIEF / 30 YEARS 1956-1986” and features the SC Law Enforcement Division seal in gold on the frame, marking it as a commemorative presentation piece of historical importance.

Built on Smith & Wesson’s revered K-frame, the Model 19-5 “.357 Combat Magnum” is widely regarded as one of the finest balanced double-action revolvers ever produced. This 6-inch example retains approximately 98% of its original blued finish, complemented by a case-colored hammer and trigger. There is a very thin turn line on the cylinder and only minimal storage and handling marks. The screw heads are sharp and the markings, including the gold inscriptions and SLED markings, are clear and well executed. The smooth walnut combat grips with thumb cutout show only minor handling marks and slight age-related finish loss, with no chips or cracks, rating in Excellent condition.

The bore is mirror bright with sharp rifling and no erosion, rating 10/10 in this writer’s opinion. Mechanically, the action functions correctly, with a smooth double-action pull and a crisp single-action break. Lockup is tight with very little play when the trigger is depressed on each chamber. This presentation Model 19-5 combines the desirability of a classic .357 Combat Magnum with documented historical association to a prominent state law enforcement leader, making it both a collectible Smith & Wesson revolver and a meaningful piece of South Carolina law enforcement history. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids!