I have decided to thin my collection a bit and since pistols are not my strength I am considering selling two antique S&W revolvers. I have documentation from S&W that describes the revolvers as follows:

The revolver on the top in the pictures is a .38 Safety Hammerless. This model was introduced in 1887 and manufactured until 1940 with a total production of 261,493 revolvers. This model, which was also called the New Departure Model, was chambered to fire the .38 Smith & Wesson cartridge. It was available in blue or nickel finish.

During the first twenty years that this model was produced, four major design changes were made. These design improvements are now classified by collectors as separate models to distinguish the different variations from the original. The resulting five categories are simply labeled .38 Safety Hammerless First Model through .38 Safety Hammerless Fifth Model.

The revolver I have is classified as a Fourth Model. This model was introduced in 1898 and manufactured until 1910, with a total production of 104,000 revolvers. These were manufactured between serial numbers 116001 and 220000 of the .38 Safety Hammerless series.

The revolver on the bottom in the pictures is a .32 Safety Hammerless Model, which is sometimes referred to as the New Departure Model. This model was introduced in 1888 and manufactured until 1937 with a total of 242,981 revolvers being produced. The .32 Safety Hammerless was available in blue or nickel finish. During the first twenty-one years that this model was produced, two major design changes were made. These design improvements are now classified by collectors to distinguish the different variations from the original. The resulting three categories are simply called .32 Safety Hammerless First Model, .32 Safety Hammerless Second Model and .32 Safety Hammerless Third Model.

The revolver I have is classified as a Third Model. This model was introduced in 1909 and manufactured until 1937, with a total production of 72,981 revolvers. These were produced between serial numbers 170001 and 242981 of the .32 Safety Hammerless series.

Any input that anyone would have about the potential value of these revolvers would be appreciated.

Well, since no one wants to take a stab at it, I'll say if in all original condition, between $300 and $400 apiece.

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1891SingleShot

I think you are in the correct range. I have a 32 Safety Hammerless 3rd which I acquired about two years ago, and in similar condition to yours. I paid $400 at the time. Mine dates to Mar. 1921. I think that $400 is top end, and to move it quickly it would need to be priced in the $325 to $350 range. (Provided everything works and the bore and chambers are as nice as what the picture shows.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

Very nice guns.

For my two cents worth: I've bought quite a few of both .32 & .38 Safeties in the past year. In good condition .32s are $250-350. .38s are $350-450 with the same caveat.

I've seen shooters go for under $150, but they typically have no finish remaining or with mechanical issues.

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Peter #2091

Thanks to all who responded. The information provided is quite helpful.