Old .38 S&W snub nose

Marty D · #1 02-11-2015, 05:20 PM

I have a .38 caliber chief 5 shot with a serial number of 508. It was purchased by my father in the 1950s from a retiring NYPD Police captain who had it probably 30 years prior. I am wondering if it valuable with such a low serial number. I cannot seem to get any answers that don't come with some crazy price tag around them first. Any help in getting an approx. value would be appreciated.

hawkeye17 · #2 02-11-2015, 07:53 PM

Marty D post a photo and good condition description thanks

Hondo44 · #3 02-11-2015, 11:12 PM

Welcome to the forum Marty,

The Chiefs Special wasn't introduced until Sept of 1950 and only in .38 Special. If you say it was owned for 30 years before your dad got it in the 1950s and It's chambered in 38 S&W, it can only be a .38 Terrier if 2" barrel or .38 Regulation Police if a longer barrel.

If the # 508 came from the front strap of the grip frame it can only be a 38 Reg Pol. and made in 1917, the 1st year of production.

Once you confirm the "if"s, I can identify and value it.

This will help: To IDENTIFY your Gun >

DWalt · #4 02-12-2015, 12:40 AM

"I have a .38 caliber chief 5 shot with a serial number of 508. It was purchased by my father in the 1950s from a retiring NYPD Police captain who had it probably 30 years prior."

As previously noted, that would be impossible were it a Chief. I think the earliest CS shipped in late 1950. The only likely possibilities for a 5-shot .38 would have been a Terrier or a Regulation Police, and chambered in .38 S&W, not .38 Special. In which case it would date back to about 1917 for the RP, and have a 4" barrel. I don't believe Terrier SNs (2") were ever that low. And RP SNs are on the front grip strap. The RP also has an unusual grip, as the wood extends below the metal butt.

Is it possible it could be a top break, not a swing-out? Just thinking it might be a .38 DA or a .38 Safety Hammerless also. Some pictures would be very good to eliminate all doubts.

Marty D · #5 02-12-2015, 10:23 AM

These are the pictures. I hope they are in the thread. Never did this before so I am hoping it works.

Marty D · #6 02-12-2015, 10:24 AM

serial number picture

Marty D · #7 02-12-2015, 10:26 AM

Sorry this should be it.

DWalt · #8 02-12-2015, 10:37 AM

It appears to be an early CS with a half-moon front sight. If so, it's from ca. late 1951, not earlier. Your reference to "...30 years prior" threw everyone off. A collector would call it a "Baby Chief" (BC) as there are some differences between earlier and later manufacture which occurred around SN 46000. The early CS revolvers have a considerable collector following and are very desirable.
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You might look here for a little more talk about BCs. Baby Chief - Smooth Ramp Find Note the discussion about the differences in front sights. That's significant to valuation.

George_in_SD · #9 02-12-2015, 11:02 AM

Indeed, you have a very early Chiefs special. The low serial number is quite desirable though it is hard to judge the condition from your photographs. There can be quite a range of potential dollar values, $800-$4000, though the condition will determine where it falls.

I collect early small frames and would be happy to help you with photography tips and assessing fair market value for you.