An SOS Show Pickup

italiansport · #1 03-06-2017, 03:02 PM

I picked up this tip up S&W 38SW revolver at the SOS show. The plating is somewhat the worse for wear but it's a mechanically sound revolver and I plan on shooting it.
Jim

gmborkovic · #2 03-06-2017, 03:30 PM

Hello Jim, nice little find. Appears to be normal wear for this era.
See them all the time at shows and club meetings. I do like the grips and barrel length. Best

Breakaway500 · #3 03-06-2017, 03:44 PM

That's the only downfall about nickel.If it was a blued gun,that corrosion would barely be noticeable. Does't affect how it shoots!

mmaher94087 · #4 03-06-2017, 08:45 PM

italiansport, you have a "Top Break"; not a "Tip Up". Call it Brad, if you like; gold finishes just don't seen to hold up with use and storage. I've said before; I need a new monitor. That finish looks gold; not nickel.

opoefc · #5 03-07-2017, 02:50 PM

You have what appears to be a .38 Safety Hammerless, 4th model, top break. (Pinned front sight ? ) The photos seem to show a gold wash finish, not nickel, or is it just the way light reflected from the gun. What is the serial number? The pearl stocks are after market and not original to the gun, as at the time this gun was made, S&W used only pearl stocks with S&W medallions in the stock circles. These guns are very accurate, despite their age, so shooting can be fun, and they will safely shoot any .38S&W rounds made today. Ed.

JSR III · #6 03-07-2017, 04:56 PM

I have to agree with Breakaway500, rusty blue guns look used whereas rusty nickle guns look like they have mung.

Göring's S&W · #7 03-07-2017, 10:23 PM

The gun is NOT gold plated or gold washed. It is nickel!

Its an optical illusion caused by the red background in the photos...

italiansport · #8 03-08-2017, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by opoefc

You have what appears to be a .38 Safety Hammerless, 4th model, top break. (Pinned front sight ? ) The photos seem to show a gold wash finish, not nickel, or is it just the way light reflected from the gun. What is the serial number? The pearl stocks are after market and not original to the gun, as at the time this gun was made, S&W used only pearl stocks with S&W medallions in the stock circles. These guns are very accurate, despite their age, so shooting can be fun, and they will safely shoot any .38S&W rounds made today. Ed.

What your monitors are showing is wrong which may be due to the red background I used.. This pistol is nickle plated. Excuse tho description "Tip Up" as Top Break is correct. The serial number is 1691XX. I know the grips are aftermarket but they are what came with this pistol and at the price I paid I wasn't going to argue about it. Yes the front sight is pinned. Again I bought this pistol as an inexpensive "shooter" and the mechanical condition was most important to me. If anyone has a set of correct grips they will part with let me know. Would anyone venture a guess as to current market value?
Jim

Wiregrassguy · #9 03-08-2017, 12:06 PM

Jim, guns like yours rarely get over $200 around here.

JSR III · #10 03-08-2017, 09:07 PM

Unfortunately, there are fewer and fewer folks that find these historic guns appealing. Most of the younger crowd wants black plastic semi autos that shoot a bazillion rounds in 10 seconds.

The tip ups and top breaks were made in the 100's of thousands so unless you have a high condition example or the original box and tools, mega prices are seldom seen.

I would agree with Guy that yours is probably a $200 example based on condition. Double the condition and you might double the price.

Not sure if you have attempted to clean her yet but a very gentle cleaning with Flitz or one of the other very mild cleaning products would probably improve the appearance dramatically. Should you decide to attempt same, after photos would be appreciated.