|
|
07-29-2015, 10:14 AM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
|
|
Help identifying 38 S&W Special CTG
New to forum. Let's try this again with a new thread.
My relative has a 38 S&W Special, US Service CTG, serial # on butt and cylinder is 47###, on frame of cylinder, 25###. No other letters with sn. On other side of barrel, Smith & Wesson Springfield, Mass USA, numerous Pat dates that are hard to make out, although seem to be between '89 and '01 ( is that possible?) It appears to be chrome (nickel?) with a 4 inch barrel. I would like to find out when it was manufactured and about what it is worth. And can it be fired. Hope the picture helps,
Thanks,
|
07-29-2015, 10:48 AM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Chico, CA
Posts: 451
Likes: 79
Liked 400 Times in 165 Posts
|
|
According to the SCSW, it's a .38 Military & Police Model of 1902, 1st Change. Best way to estimate value is to look at gunbroker auctions that have sold recently. I'd probably look to get $400-$450 out of it if I were selling it. Hope this helps!
|
07-29-2015, 10:58 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: South of Rochester , NY
Posts: 1,229
Likes: 77
Liked 1,342 Times in 559 Posts
|
|
The '89 to '01 you reference is between 1889 and 1901....not 1989 and 2001.
__________________
1st smiles,lies.Last,gunfire.
|
07-29-2015, 01:48 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
|
|
Thanks
Thanks to both of you. I just couldn't believe that the patent dates were that old as the gun appears to be in great shape. Parts fit and move smooth.
What significance does the 25### number mean on the cylinder holder? It does not match the serial number on the butt, inside of the handle or the cylinder. Just wondering.
|
07-29-2015, 01:53 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Chico, CA
Posts: 451
Likes: 79
Liked 400 Times in 165 Posts
|
|
It's more than likely an assembly number used at the factory to keep the frame and the gun together. They don't really have any significance outside of the factory
|
07-29-2015, 01:55 PM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Palmer, Alaska
Posts: 14,459
Likes: 5,109
Liked 18,943 Times in 6,845 Posts
|
|
When S&W revolvers were assembled in those days, there was a step called "soft fitting." All the parts were carefully matched up and precise fitting was attained. Then the parts were sent to another part of the factory for polishing and finish. Since the serial number was not yet applied to the various parts, the number you are looking at was used to keep the soft-fitted parts together, preventing them from getting mixed up with the same parts fitted to other frames. When they came back to the fitter for final assembly, he could just put them together for the final time.
Once the gun got its serial number applied (in those days, it was put in 6 different locations) and goes to the vault, the "assembly number" ceases to have any significance.
BTW the "cylinder holder" is called a yoke, on a Smith & Wesson.
__________________
Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318
|
07-29-2015, 01:57 PM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Michigan Western UP
Posts: 12,878
Likes: 3,019
Liked 14,177 Times in 5,407 Posts
|
|
Welcome to the Forum. That 38 M&P would have left the factory in 1902 or early 1903. The picture you have is not detailed enough to assess the value with any certainty, but I doubt it would sell for anywhere near $450. What I can see is some minor loss of nickel and some abrasions here and there. A very similar 4" Model 1902 sold 3 days ago at an online auction for $275, so if not refinished, I would say $300 tops for that one. https://www.proxibid.com/asp/LotDeta...797&rfpb=0#Top
There were over a million 38 M&Ps made, not counting the WWII production, so they are one of the most common S&Ws out there.
__________________
Gary
SWCA 2515
|
07-29-2015, 02:04 PM
|
SWCA Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: VA & SoFL
Posts: 8,641
Likes: 469
Liked 5,691 Times in 3,184 Posts
|
|
400-450 is very optimistic at gun shows down here in SoFo.
If you want a little better idea, post some more pics a whole lot closer than you have. Concentrate on the side plate, pins, screws and barrel address.
Pls. post full number on frame butt, close up. Worth? Very elusive term.
Do you mean what they would sell for or price on the tag at a show/shop?
__________________
Mike 2796
SoFo Bunch member
|
07-29-2015, 02:05 PM
|
SWCA Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Virginia
Posts: 1,170
Likes: 1,038
Liked 2,448 Times in 454 Posts
|
|
IF the finish is original, the gun is worth at least $400. Assuming the revolver is in good mechanical condition it can be safely fired with standard velocity lead bullets, preferably lower velocity wadcutters. It was not designed to fire modern jacketed bullets or +P ammo.
Bob
|
07-29-2015, 05:39 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
|
|
Worth
Gentlemen,
I don't think that I would sell this gun as it has sentimental value. I asked about "worth" as much for a dollar amount as I was asking about it's "value", as in: "is it rare or collectible" or "its just a piece of ****". Remember, I'm a newbie as far as guns go ( but not in age!) but am very interested in learning. Sounds like there are lots of this model out there, but to me a gun that is in good shape and is some 111 years old is a keeper. I really do appreciate all the info you guys have provided. I'll try to get a couple of additional photos posted, if you all are interested....I'm sure fascinated by your input. Thanks again.
|
|
Thread Tools |
|
Display Modes |
Linear Mode
|
Posting Rules
|
|
|
|
|