Guys, I have this old pistol that originally belonged to my father, and I'm wondering about the value if I decide to sell it. I have the factory history on it, and it was shipped back in 1900 from the factory. My dad bought it circa 1940 from a police officer in Rocky Mount, NC and carried it all over the world as a Merchant Marine during WWII. It had lost most of its nickel plating by the 1990s, and so my father had a gunsmith put a matte gray electroplating on it. It has mother-of-pearl handle grips (still in perfect condition), and they were on when dad bought it 75 years ago. It still shoots okay, and I take it to the range occasionally.
I have no sentimental attachment to it anymore and am thinking about selling it to someone who might appreciate it and enjoy it. Any ideas on the value? It's pictured in the lower left of the attached photo of my pistols.

Blanco

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Given the type of refinish, your question presents some problems when it comes to valuing. The 1896 Hand Ejector was a milestone for S&W, being the first solid frame handgun made by the factory. Depending on the serial number, some are actually antiques.

If you had a working 1896 in only good condition with original finish, you could expect $500 at today's auctions. If it were professionally refinished in nickel as original, you should see even more money. With the contemporary finish that is totally wrong for the era of the revolver, I might think the value would drop below $500, maybe down to $400, or even less, for someone desperate to get an 1896.

What you have going for you are the stocks and the 6" barrel. If it were in excellent original condition, you would be looking at 4 digit values. Pearl stocks on poor quality guns don't seem to add much value. If you were looking to maximize value, you could get a set of I frame hard rubber stocks for the revolver and sell the pearl stocks seperately, since I do not think they were original factory anyway.

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Gary
SWCA 2515

Gary, I appreciate those insights -- very helpful indeed.

Do you have any idea what the old mother-of-pearl grips would be worth? They are in flawless condition even after 75+ years.

Blanco