I have an old S&W “K” frame revolver which I would like to learn when it was manufactured and approximate value.
It is a nickel finished 4” pre-model 10 revolver in 38 Special caliber. Here are couple markings I’ve found on the revolver:
On one side of the barrel it is marked
SMITH & WESSON
On the other side of the barrel it is marked
38 S&W SPECIAL CTG
On top of the barrel it is marked
SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS USA
PATENTED FEB.6.06 SEPT. 14.09 DEC. 28.14
Finally, on the right side of the frame just under the cylinder is marked
MADE IN USA
The serial number is 4383XX and is located on the bottom of the grip strap, bottom of the barrel and on the cylinder face. Under the cylinder yoke and on the yoke is marked 69628. I pretty sure the 4383XX is the serial number but what is the 69628 under and on the yoke? The grip did not have any writing on it but looks original to the revolver.
The nickel finish is in pretty good condition and I guess I would rate it at about 90%. There are some very minor flaking and couple of faded spot/areas on the revolver but no rust and all the plating is intact. The nickel finish looks to be the original finish based on sharp stamping of letters and along the edge of letters.
The grip does not have a medallion but looks original to the revolver and is in good condition with only two minor missing chips.
So based on the serial number when was this revolver manufactured and it’s based on it’s condition what is an approximate value?
Here are some pics of the revolver
The grip looks just like these but in slightly better condition.