Came here after reading the "To IDENTIFY your Gun..." thread.

Looking for model number, estimated manufacture date, and range of values. I'm not ready to spend the $ to get the letter from the SWHistorical folks. Top-break with plastic grips and fixed sight. The extractor pops up during the break. Barrel is 3 and 3/16". The cylinder has one of five notches worn off, and the others are worn and allow it to spin nearly freely (small push results in spin, but not loose). Trigger still works fine from what I can tell. Not sure on caliber. Numbers engraved on the gun into the finish on one side, which I know reduces value. Gun has been stored in plastic bags for 20 years, and not cleaned up. Serial number appears to be 567973. Thanks in advance!

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Welcome aboard and good job checking the "How to identify..." thread!

I'd say you have a .38 Double Action, probably a 5th Model (.38 S&W, NOT .38 Special). Double check the serial number, it seems a bit high. A good photo of the butt might help. I'd guess it was made around 1910.

I can't help with monetary value, but it's not a lot. I wouldn't invest in a letter either. I'm sure others will be along soon with their thoughts.

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"I also cook."

Thank you for the quick reply and info. Attached is a picture.

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It looks like the serial number is 367XXX, which would make it a 4th Model. Double check it with a magnifying glass or a loupe.

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"I also cook."

They are not worth much to start with; but the cracked grips and etching really hurt the value. Around here(SC) it is worth $75 to $100 or so. Values for these types of guns seems to be very localized though.

Welcome to the forum.

As stated, value on these is low unless in pristine condition. So many were made that collectors don't rate them very highly unless in new or near new condition. There is no model number with these as during this time period, S&W's had model names. Many times production numbers run up into the hundreds of thousands so rarity is not a value point.

Also tough to grade exactly from a few online photos but I would think $100 is about all it is worth. Condition, possibly broken parts, cracked and chipped stocks, and numbers engraved in the finish really hurt.

Collector value is nil and most folks today aren't looking for one of these as a shooter so your market is limited.

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James Redfield
LM #497

Check out the engraved number. It appears to be a Social Security Number. Maybe it belonged to Poncho Villa.

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Mike Maher #283

Thank you EVERYONE! Much appreciated. The SSN was my relative's.

Darn, I thought we had a positive link to Poncho.

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Mike Maher #283

Mike, he didn't say his relative wasn't Poncho . ( Offer him a quick $500 for the gun and you may be getting a sleeper ! ) Ed.

Hello C1M and welcome. You have a gun that every kid back in the day found in the garage and diddled with. We shot them and played with them.
But they are neat.

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Mike 2796
SoFo Bunch member