I went to the Local Gun Store today to pick up a couple revolvers, and they had this on the shelf on consignment. The owner (a friend), urged me to pick it up as well, so I did and I walked out of the store with it. It is the earliest S&W that I own.

The condition is what really caught my eye.

I paid 385 dollars for it. He dropped it down from 415.

What would this be worth on a good day on FunBroker? (I won't ever sell it, but I need to update my estimates on my personal collection spreadsheet).

And more importantly, did I pay a decent price ?

Can you tell me when it was made? And is it the original box?

Thank you.

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The 38 Double Action revolver is probably one of the most undervalued models in the S&W line. Mainly because of the fact that over a half-million were made and most all of them seem to still be around today. Many pristine examples exist today because they were often kept in dresser drawers and seldom or never shot.

The turn line is quite pronounced, so it was either cycled a lot or shot some, but well taken care of and in excellent condition. If I wanted to buy more of these, I would probably pay $385 since it has the box. Did you look on the bottom for a serial number?

The first number is hard to read, but I believe it is a "2", making it a 38 Double Action, 3rd Model. The 3rd Model was manufactured from 1884 to 1895 in serial number range 119,001 to 322,700. All are antiques. Your serial number probably shipped in 1888 or 1889, plus or minus a year.

__________________
Gary
SWCA 2515

Well,
That is an original box and one of the best that I have ever seen. They sure want a lot for them now! You add the condition of the gun? Which is impeccable! This gun and box would be taken to a large and reputable auction house if It was mine and wanted to sell it. Let the big boys With money to burn bid on it!

Great set and an outstanding price!

Go Navy!

Murph

Navy that is a very nice piece of Smith and Wesson history and a great purchase.

I would love to see a range report.

Hi all, thank you for your input. Yes, the serial number starts with "2".

This type of Smith isn't normally in my Wheelhouse.


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I really like your revolver, it looks in very good condition both the pistol and the box, good purchase, congratulations.

I love it!

Dang she's ready for duty. An underrated caliber as well. I agree, well bought and we need a range report.

peter-paul, Your .38 DA, 3rd model, was made March 7, 1889. Very nice find. Ed

Remarkable condition. You did very well I think.

Beautiful gun. I think you stole it for that price. I would have jumped on it.

Just a heads up regarding revolvers like these.. If sold to international buyers they may fetch quite a bit higher price than in the US because of gun laws in certain countries. Where i am from for instance antiques dated pre 1890 are exempt from registration in what is an otherwise strict country when it comes to gun control.


Needless to say these things are sought after. I've seen pieces like that sell for 3 to 4 times what you paid.

Fabulous....

I would have bought that in a heartbeat. A stunning find, well done.

Cheerio,

Roy

I had no idea that these are commanding such prices overseas!

I am not planning on selling it, but how does a US seller sell overseas anyway ?

Very interesting to know this, thank you !

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Wow! Thank you !!

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Okay, don't kill me but I have found something that fits more in my collecting wheelhouse so this one is going to go.

Thank you all for your input!

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