.38 top break 1887 revolver...need help quick

[tubajoey1]

So...I am going to do a trade on Monday to get the gun pictured below. The guy says the nickel is in great shape, and it is a model 1887. I have found that it may be called a lemon squeezer, and that it will only accept .38 S&W rounds, but that is about all I know. He claims it is worth around $450, but I havent the slightest clue.
I would ask my ex scoutmaster for help, as he is a veteran gunsmith, but I cant reach him before the trade happens.

The serial number is either 162744 or 182744, but the guy thinks it is the later of the two.
If anyone could fill me in more on this, particularly value range, I would forever be indebted.
Thanks a ton!
Joey

[Buford57]

It is late and I can't call the exact model designation to mind, but this is an earlier model than the Safety Hammerless or "Lemon Squeezer". It is of 1880 or later manufacture and has been renickled. The refinish alone eliminates this as a $450 gun. The trigger guard and latch on this model were originally blued and the trigger and hammer were case hardened. If in excellent mechanical and bore condition it might rate $150 to $200 tops as a shooter, but bear in mind it is well over 100 years old, takes ammo not usually in stock at most gun shops and was built to black powder standards, so weekly trips to the range are probably not in the cards either.

There are $450 specimens of this model out there. This is not one.

[murphydog]

Welcome! It's a refinished .38 Double Action, from the late 1880s as you already know. Buford57 has the value estimate and shooting viability correct.

[VeritasVincit]

This looks to me to be a .38 Double Action, Third Model. I just bought a similar gun in second model yesterday, so I've been cruising posts looking at them. Like Buford says, it's clearly been renickeled. My second model is 1881, so this would be a bit later. Really wish I had my Standard Catalog handy so I could give you more exact information. Hopefully some of the veteran fellas will pop along soon with a full history and mfg date.

I would readily fork over about $200 for this pistol, but not much more than that without more research. The grips look worn almost smooth, and the "restored" finish devalues the gun some as well. Check out the action. If it locks up tight and functions properly, that's good and helps retain some value. It's a cool piece, though. I know I'd be excited to get my hands on it!

[tubajoey1]

Thank you guys so much! Being that the value is low, it is pretty much a no go for me. I would love to have it, but I really want a gun I can open carry and that is reliable and durable enough to do so without having to worry about it. Now, this would be a good option if I was trying to look classy as hell...much like wearing a nice watch. But I would worry about scratching it, dropping it, etc.
I was told by the guy that it was worth enough that I could trade for a Glock or other semi auto for open carry, but I guess that is shot to **** (pun FULLY intended).
But, on a happier note...there is a gun up from grabs to anyone that wants it in Burlington NC.

[glowe]

Good for you tubejoey1 for coming to the Forum BEFORE the purchase! I can't tell you how many new members come to this Forum with a deal like yours already done, only to learn they spent way to much money. Some, however, will get the best expert advice and then continue to argue, but that is probably bruised ego.

Come back soon.

[murphydog]

Sounds as though a more modern CCW revolver may be in order for you, like a stainless model 60. It's still old school but not quite 130 years old school .

[robertrwalsh]

I just paid $250 for a blue 3 1/2" lemon squeezer. It is in excellent mechanical condition with a beautiful bore. the outside of the cylinder is a little ratty and the gun has a couple of dings elsewhere. .38, not .32

[gwpercle]

Save your money for a later model in 38 special, especialy if you want a shooter. The 38 S&W Double Action is just a little too old school for your needs. I have a 4th model which is rated for smokeless ammo but I still wouln't call it a proper self defense gun, more of an old classic to take to the range occasionally.
gary

[ljspoon]

Hang on though, upon closer inspection of the photo, it looks like those are the red and black mottled grips! They are quite rare, to my knowledge and I believe they were a factory option. That brings the value up but I'm not sure how much. Does anyone have experience with these and the value they add?

Annnnd after posting this I realize I'm logged into my husband's account. Lame. Give the new girl some points for picking up on this, this guy has enough fame on gun forums.

[glowe]

Originally Posted by ljspoon

Hang on though, upon closer inspection of the photo, it looks like those are the red and black mottled grips!

I have seen many old hard rubber stocks this color and it is oxidized rubber giving it the brown tone. Mottled stocks have streaks of red in the black rubber and are indeed valuable by themselves.

An example of a red mottled stock on a 38 DA below.

[VeritasVincit]

Aw, oh well. (posting from my own account, not LJSpoon) I zoomed in on the photo and it looked like there was some red in there. I have seen some pictures of really faint streaking on the mottled. Bad photo, late night, and wishing for more posts on the antique forum. I keep revisiting the same ones and this is what happens!

[gunfan]

If you want to but a Safety Hammerless in .38 S&W, go ahead and buy it. While it may not be the most powerful load in your battery, the break-top revolver can place a telling shot quite well (they hit a target with about as much energy as a moderate .380 load.)

Don't let anyone tell you what you "need", but be careful and feed the handgun factory loads or handloads that won't cause undue wear upon the top latch.

Scott