Hey all. I have a chace to purchase this revolver. It appears to be all legit and not anything faked. I want to be sure im doing the right thing buying it. It has two areas on the side not pictured that are missing the nickel plating. The spots are half the size of a pencil eraser. It is from it being stored in this case for long periods of time. The grips are the most amazing i have ever seen. I dont collect this era of S&W and have no idea of value. I can buy it for $1,200. Im asking for input as to whether it is a good investment or not. Thanks in advance!!r20151106_102924.jpg

This is a Model 1 1/2, 2nd Issue often referred to as "New Model" to differentiate it from the rim fire Model 1 1/2. It will date to the late 1870's and 1880's. It is in outstanding condition, minus what you mention about the missing finish on the non-pictured side. The box would not be original, but the ammo is collectible itself, are there any rounds in the box or is it just an empty box?

Without seeing the other side, and knowing about the mechanics of it, the price is too high. Depending on what we can't see possibly double what the asking price is. Also, what are the bore and chambers like? Often if fired just a couple times when new, and not cleaned properly there could be some problems there also.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

H Richard is incorrect about the model. It is a .38 single action 2nd issue, sometimes referred to as a no 2 centerfire. The model 1 1/2 is a .32 with birds head grip. The 2nd issue is the most common of the three issues of the .38 single action.

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Tom
1560

It is a nice .38 SA 2nd Model, but, IMO, not worth $1200.00. $700.00 tops.

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Don Mundell

A beautiful gun, but without a large following. Both the first model (Baby Russian) and third model (1891) are more in demand. My guess would be in the $700-800 range.

Bob

Wow it does look like a beauty. Nice to have a piece from that era. Offer a price that you think is fair and see what happens.

I have to agree, maybe $650, tops.

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Tom
NRA Pistol Inst

Just to clarify what we are and are not talking about. The 38 S&W spur trigger revolver was referred to as a Model No. 2, First or Second Model. That one is a Second Model, or 38 Single Action and the "Baby Russian" was the First Model. The 32 top-break, (32 S&W) revolver was referred to as a Model No. 1 1/2 Single Action, or 32 Single Action revolver.

I agree that the price is high . . . BUT . . . a near 100% 38 SA is a very rare gun and almost impossible to come across at any price. The caveat here is that the demand is relatively low and there has never been a large following, so that deflates value. Will it be worth that amount of money someday is almost a certainty, but someday may be a very long wait.

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Gary
SWCA 2515

Thanks for your help. I know its hard to go wrong and hard to over pay for a nice old S&W or Colt but i felt like i could take the same money and find something more along the lines of what i like. Dont get me wrong i do like the gun. But i like using them also. Im still considering buying it if i can get it for $800 or less. As far as mechanics, bore, and cylinder it is like new. Almost too good to be true. The ammo box is also full. Thanks again for all the help. Ill let everyone know how i end up.