.38 S&W Safety Model 2 Value

jkinser · #1 06-06-2011, 09:52 PM

I inherited a .38 S&W Safety Hammerless Model 2 from my grandfather, a sheriff in Tellico Plains, TN in the 1930s. It is in good condition (small section of nickel plating missing on the cylinder, minor corrosion on surface and in barrel). Serial number is 12xxx with original finish and grips. Shoots well with modern .38 S&W ammo.

I am wondering what it might be worth and if I should get a letter from the S&W historian prior to selling. I have been offered $450 on an asking price of $595.

I also have some old ammo - Western 145 grain Lubaloy (FMJ 15 rounds) and 2 rounds of Remington UMC (lead bullets, may be newer). There seems to be a collector's market for antique ammunition.

opoefc · #2 06-06-2011, 10:54 PM

jkinser, Welcome to the Forum. You have a nice family heirloom S&W .38 Safety Hammerless. It's worth your asking price, just as a speciman of that model, however it's priceless as a family memento. You will soon be sorry if you sell it. Pass it on to your sons or nephews. They will be thrilled to receive Great Grandpa's shootin' iron!
Unless you have some information from your Grandfather's records that he ordered the gun directly from S&W, the chances are 90% that the gun will letter as going to a distributor, such as M.W. Robinson, NYC. and 9% that it went to a retail outlet in Texas.
Antique .38 S&W ammo. has no particular value for individual rounds. Full boxes can bring $35 - $75, from collectors, depending on the maker and the box condition. Good luck, Ed.

alaskavett · #3 06-06-2011, 11:16 PM

I have to agree. Don't sell it! It is a part of your family history and perhaps you should do some research on your Grandpa. Keep it and pass it on so it will remain in the family. Just my thoughts. Kyle

jkinser · #4 06-07-2011, 04:40 PM

Thanks for the prompt response and advice; I have been going back and forth on keeping it. It is particularly useful to know what paying for a provenance is likely to reveal.

I also have his primary weapon (see attachment) a S&W .38 Special with a ~5" barrel of somewhat later vintage, nickel plated with a bit more wear, but a beautiful shooter. It has one of the sweetest SA and DA pulls I have ever felt and is remarkably accurate given the nature of the sights.

I will never give that gun up (until one of my daughters pries it out of my cold, dead hands) since it has both sentimental and functional value. The Safety Model 2 is actually a pretty good gun to hide around the house because the heavy trigger pull and grip safety make it unlikely to be misused. On the other hand it is one more caliber (of questionable use) to stock.

Guess it can't hurt to hold on to it for now, thanks again for your perspectives.

alaskavett · #5 06-07-2011, 11:06 PM

Glad we could help you in deciding to keep it. As to your new posting, it looks as you have a Military & Police model. It also has what appears to be a single line address in front of the trigger guard. If that is the case, do not fire any "Plus P" or any hot rounds out of it. This is the gun that became the model 10 in 1957 and in some form is still being made today. The stocks are not original, but what a wonderful remembrance you have. Kyle

dogngun · #6 06-08-2011, 08:52 AM

jkinser: FWIW, a few people here (myself included) occasionally carry one of those old top break.38 S&W Smiths...They still work well, and they do fit nicely in a pocket.

mark

jkinser · #7 06-08-2011, 04:01 PM

My normal CC gun is either a Taurus TCP 380 or Ruger LC9, but I have noticed the Model 2 would work well. I figure that my grandad probably used it for that. One reason I thought about selling it was that I have been eyeballing the S&W Model 442 (Airweight .38 Special) as a CC revolver option.

Any feedback on it, or other S&W options is welcome.
Thanks,
John