s&w 38
s&w 38 third model double action revolver 3.25" barrel
serial # 120397
original finish is mostly gone on frame and barrel.
date of manufacture? value?
couldnt find any in auction at this time.
thanks for the help.
serial # 120397
original finish is mostly gone on frame and barrel.
date of manufacture? value?
couldnt find any in auction at this time.
thanks for the help.
0
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I was given this gun. Im not a collector type. Any info about this gun like when it was made and what the star in the ser# is for?
Its a s&w .38 spcl like the one in the link. It has CTG on the barrel
http://www.GunBroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=345493163
Ser# has a star in it, *2140XX.
thanks0 -
hi and welcome, from the information you have supplied i'll assume this is the pocket pistol type. they were produced between 1898 and 1909. the third model had the trigger guard unlike the first and second editions with the fold-up trigger.. my five year old blue book of gun values states that in new in box condition around $400'ish and it rapidly drops to about $20 for 10% condition. the 38 s&w was also the design of the round it fired not to be mistaken with the 38 special. given the fact that the 'ol girl could be 100 plus years old, and if it were mine, i would not part with her. 0 -
Made in 1884. Finish "mostly gone" could be 10% or 20% remaining. If 10% remaining value about $115. If 20% finish value about $125. 0 -
125 years old...125$, i think i will keep it
thanks for the info[:)]0 -
danmetz,
First, welcome to the GB forums!
So sorry if our first guess-timate was not up to your expectations. We are only as accurate as the information supplied & lets be honest, you are really stingy with the facts.
Let it be known that there are a lot of "smyth & western" fakes out there. Have you critiqued your piece with an objective view? Is it in fact genuine Smith & Wesson?
You say "3rd model double action" but it would help to eliminate confusion on our part(we can't see it as clearly as you) if you include details such as:
top break action?
original finish mostly gone (is that blue gone to patina? as in normal wear from 125 years of service? nickel flaked off to rust? Bubba & his steel wool changed it to "contempory scratch"?
Even an antique (yes your gun is legally an antique) should be 80% or better to bring 'collector grade' prices. You neglected to mention anything about mechanical condition or bore. With a non functioning paper weight (not suitable for a shooter) I think a price of $125 is very optimistic.
SOOO! as stated on this board so many times before, pictures are the best way short of a hands-on inspection. The more complete information we have to work with, the more accurate answer you can expect.
At the top of this page is a 'sticky' with instructions on how to post pictures. I for one would like to see your S&W so I might be of help rather than just guess.
Jim
Edit:
Dan, GREAT job on the pictures, wish I could do as good!
The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, 3rd edition says there were 203,700 3rd model double action guns made in the 1884-1895 time span.
As already posted, your gun was probably made in the first year of this model's production as they started in 1884 with ser#119,001.
The Std. Catalog lists;
As new $750
Exc+ $385
Exc $285
Fine $235
VG $210
Good $175
Fair $120
Your gun was nickel plated with a blue trigger guard. In the pictures provided (only approx 1/3 total area is visible) there is no evidence of rust or pitting. There is some tarnish to the nickel (patina) plus scratching from previous cleaning attempts. I am going ahead assuming the rest of the surface area is same-ole same-ole.
If the mechanical function is good, with a servicable bore, I would rate your gun "NRA antique Fine". I see approx 50/60% finish remaining (the patina doesn't hurt the grade as much as the scratches). The Std. Catalog stipulates 80% original finish for "NRA antique Exc" & over 30% original finish for "NRA antique Fine" grading. For both of these grades, the gun must function properly.
Note, below the 80% grade is considered for shooter or paper weight only. The real collectors are the ones that have deep pockets. When they shell out Large Bucks they only do so for the cream of the cream.
I have posted my reply as an Edit to save space (Experts forum threads are locked after 10 posts).
Jim0 -
quote:Originally posted by cussedemgun
danmetz,
First, welcome to the GB forums!
So sorry if our first guess-timate was not up to your expectations. We are only as accurate as the information supplied & lets be honest, you are really stingy with the facts.
Let it be known that there are a lot of "smyth & western" fakes out there. Have you critiqued your piece with an objective view? Is it in fact genuine Smith & Wesson?
You say "3rd model double action" but it would help to eliminate confusion on our part(we can't see it as clearly as you) if you include details such as:
top break action?
original finish mostly gone (is that blue gone to patina? as in normal wear from 125 years of service? nickel flaked off to rust? Bubba & his steel wool changed it to "contempory scratch"?
Even an antique (yes your gun is legally an antique) should be 80% or better to bring 'collector grade' prices. You neglected to mention anything about mechanical condition or bore. With a non functioning paper weight (not suitable for a shooter) I think a price of $125 is very optimistic.
SOOO! as stated on this board so many times before, pictures are the best way short of a hands-on inspection. The more complete information we have to work with, the more accurate answer you can expect.
At the top of this page is a 'sticky' with instructions on how to post pictures. I for one would like to see your S&W so I might be of help rather than just guess.
Jim0 -
cussedemgun,
thanks for the warm welcome, ive been a member but havent posted for a year or two and forgot my login words[:(!]
so its a brand new me[;)]
i thought those were good answers, but if you have more to add...let er rip.
0
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