A long-time friend is selling a couple of revolvers and offered me first shot at them. One I am familiar with but the second one I know next to nothing about.
I handled it once several years ago but didn't look for details. All I remember is that it appeared in very good shape and not buffed and refinished. The markings are sharp and clear on the barrel rib. On the left side of the barrel is "38 CTG."
1. What is it?
2. What would be a fair price for both of us?

Attached Images

S&W 38.JPG (111.6 KB, 243 views)

Nice Gun.

Any time you see a long barrel on a double action frame? You must first look at ALL serial numbers to make sure they match. So we need to know that before evaluating net value. For some reason the long barrels seem to jump from one frame to another?

This is a 38 Double Action Fourth Model manufactured from 1895 to 1909. Since there is a Logo stamp on the right side frame and a caliber stamp on left side barrel? It’s considered a modern gun. Manufactured after 1898. Probably after 1902 and would have a serial number higher than 385,000. I would bet higher than 400,000.

Can you post more photos? I also suspect a re-nickeled finish, a weld on the trigger guard, etc

Murph

Has he put a price on it? Could be a re-plate, hammer and trigger. Look at
the Sn. on the grips, inside.

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Mike 2796
SoFo Bunch member

That is the only picture I have. I'll try to get more but thought I'd get some preliminary info. I do more now than I did.
There hasn't been any money discussed, just the comment he is planning on selling it.

It really looks like it's had finish work done on it. The hammer and trigger should be case colored and the trigger guard and barrel release should be blue.

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SWCA #3356, SWHF#611

Markin.., It looks like a .38 Double Action 3rd Model.

All indications is that it's a re-nickel. The trigger and hammer should be case colored(hardened). The trigger guard and top latch would be blue.

Still a nice revolver so good luck to you if you grab it up.

Regards,

Kobsw

This ^^^^^

Yeah,
Actually to me personally what Grabs me is the long barrel. It looks like a 6 inch barrel? But you’d need to confirm that. “ IF” the barrel number matches the frame number? You’ve got yourself a keeper! I’ve seen these sell for a lot even with the refinish!

So from a “ value “ standpoint? A 6 inch barrel that matches is going to bring on some collectors interest!

Murph

This gun has all of the hallmarks of a refinished gun. The edges are dulled, and the barrel catch, trigger and trigger guard are plated. As others have mentioned, these three parts should be case hardened.

Long barrel top breaks aren't all that hard to find. So if it were me, I would pass on this gun.

Mike

As it turns out, he gave it to me in exchange for work I did building a 1911 for him. Being retired and in these "uncertain times" I needed a new project.
I took it down to parts and pieces and discovered the cylinder stop was broken. Ordered one from Jack First. While waiting on that, I had the nickel stripped off the hammer, trigger, trigger guard and barrel latch. Case hardening is above my budget so I just blued everything with Brownell's Oxpho Blue.
After a few hiccups, I finally got it all back together and functional. Now just need to find some 38 S&W ammo.

And on to the next project...