Moderators, please move this to the appropriate forum if I've incorrectly posted here.

Trying to find the value of this pistol and also the grips.

I've got a Model 10 S&W with original Ivory S&W grips that are aged beautifully to that very desirable golden color and have the brass S&W inserts. It belonged to my wife's Uncle who was a Highway Patrolman in the 30's or 40's, I think. I sent it to S&W 40 some-odd years ago when I inherited it to see if they'd do an action job and check out it's functions in general. They sent it back and said the action was as good as it was the day it left the shop............which, back then, was equivalent the custom shop of today..............and needed no work. They said while the pistol itself wasn't of exceptional value, the grips would be worth at least twice what the pistol was, though they didn't want to get into appraising either for free. Back then I cared little about the value so dropped the subject. It has the Bone/charcoal case hardening on the smooth trigger, with a typically blued body with small nicks and scratches expected of a duty gun. The cylinder locks up as tight . The bore is absolutely beautiful. It's a 4-screw if that helps. The numbers on the bottom of the butt are 325XXX. The outside of the barrel, opposite the Smith & Wesson banner, is stamped "Smith and Wesson Special OTG"

I've been told there are some pretty knowledgeable S&W people here on this site. I'd sure appreciate it if you could share with me as much as you know about this old firearm. I'd sure like to learn more about it. Sorry, but for security reasons, I won't post pics of my firearms on open forums.

The model 10 was made in the millions from the late 1800s to today. They are the bread and butter of S&W sales. At one point just about every cop in America was carrying a model 10. Because of that their prices arnt high. Around here in SE Pa a police used model 10 goes for $250 - $350 regardless of year. In fact at my local gun store there is a ww2 model sitting on the shelf for $299

Now I'm talking about the gun. Couldn't tell you anything about the grips

Thanks. Not to worry, every little bit of info helps. Basically that they were made in the millions was what S&W told me.

If these grips are truly ivory, with S&W Medallions and in pristine condition they could be worth several times what the gun is worth. But, without detailed pictures from inside and outside no one would venture a guess what they may be worth. This should be posted in the 1896-1961 Forum. A 38 M&P (eventually the model 10) wasn't made before 1899.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

Sorry, Richard. I'm new here and didn't know where to post the thread.................and even asked moderators to move it if incorrectly posted. I'd be glad to PM anyone pictures of the grips. I just don't post pictures openly on-line.

Your Military and Police .38 Special was made approximately 1920. Others may come closer on the correct date. Although very similar to the Model 10, and is it's immediate ancestor, SW did not begin marking model numbers on guns until 1957. Prior to that they just had interesting names, in this case, the classic M&P. What length is the barrel, measured from front of cylinder to tip of barrel? The 4" version is the most common.

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Some collect art; I shoot it!

The barrel is indeed, 4"

Anyone care to evaluate/value the grips? I'll send you pics.

Welcome to the Forum. There is a small problem with your description. If there are no letters associated with the serial number, it would be a 5 screw revolver, not 4 screw. There should be 4 screws in the sideplate and a screw in the front of the trigger guard, which is the 5th screw.

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Gary
SWCA 2515

Ah, correct you are.

My information was correct...............you guys know a lot about S&W pistols!!!!!

Hey Chris, welcome to the forum.
I'm sure no expert but do like the look and feel of ivory grips. Send me a pic, I'd love to see them.

Okay guys, I've had several people contact me and suggest I post pics of the grips on the forum. (everybody knows what a Model 10 looks like, so won't post pics of the entire pistol)

325xxx would date likely shipment of your M&P at around August-September 1920 from nearby SNs on my list.
"...is stamped "Smith and Wesson Special OTG""
The actual barrel caliber stamping should be "38 S&W SPECIAL CTG" where CTG is simply S&W's abbreviation for Cartridge.

I cannot tell a whole lot from your picture, but I assume from what I can see that at some time it was re-blued. The fact that it has a round butt is a little unusual for that time. The grips do appear to be ivory and would be quite desirable. As noted, the Model 10 yoke stamping would be found only on M&Ps shipped in 1958 and later. Prior to that they would have been called the Military and Police (M&P) Model.

Also, the roll mark on the barrel is "CTG", not "OTG". It's simply CARTRIDGE abbreviated.

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Chris
SWCA #2243 SWHF #292

Thanks. My old eyes saw OTG. (gettin' old ain't for sissies) If memory serves me, the folks at S&W said the bluing was original.

It would be helpful if someone with the knowledge could give me an idea of the value of the grips.........and the pistol, or the two together. I'm going to the Wanenmacher show in Tulsa next month and would like to sell it to help finance a long-range vintage target rifle project.

The grips are quite valuable. The gun's value depends on condition, and whether it shipped with ivory.
The grips alone are worth at least $500, assuming there is no damage we can't see and the cracks at top of the right panel are not severe enough to make a piece come off.
If you want the gun evaluated, pics are necessary. How much would you pay for something you haven't seen?

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Regards,
Lee Jarrett

The cracks do not penetrate through to the back of the grip, so nothing is going to come off. I'll be glad to PM you full pics if you can valuate the gun, grips or the two together.

Ivory grips can no longer be made or sold (at least legally) in the USA, nor imported. Newer Ivory is now considered contraband and subject to seizure and possibly criminal penalties. That's why the valuation is high. I am not up with the current state of the legality of any items made of Ivory, and I advise you to do a little research before you attempt selling them. Maybe others here can comment.

Welcome to the Forum.

That is a nice old revolver. Looks like the strain screw (in front of the gripstrap) needs tightening.

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

That law has not passed.You are free to buy and sell at will.It is only restricted in CA.

Everything firearm related is banned in Commiefornia.