Finally got my Terrier cleaned-up

Tjsuchy7 · #1 04-19-2017, 06:55 PM

This is the same gun that Forum members helped me identify last week. Picked it up on GB, where it was advertised as a Chief's Special. Turns out it is a circa 1938 Terrier. It looked pretty bad in the GB pics, but that helped me in that I was the only bidder. It's not going to win any prizes, but I had fun taking it apart and cleaning it up. Functions flawlessly, and now that it's cleaned-up, I don't think it looks so bad. Found a 'B' stamped on right side of grip frame, so I believe that means it was refinished in nickel at some point.

DCWilson · #2 04-19-2017, 10:12 PM

Even refinished, that's a nice score. There are not many prewar Terriers around, and it's always a pleasure to see another one turn up.

I track prewar Terriers and knew of only 40 before you posted yours, which brings us to 41. Would you be willing to share the full serial number with me? A PM is fine in case you would prefer not to broadcast in the clear. All privately communicated information is treated only as raw data, which means the number may be discussed in statistical summaries, but ownership and source are never revealed.

Tjsuchy7 · #3 04-20-2017, 04:18 PM

Here's a pic of my Terrier with the side plate removed, with the tip of the pen pointed at what is the old style hammer block?

ExcitableBoy · #4 04-20-2017, 04:39 PM

Now THERE'S an EDC with character!

DCWilson · #5 04-20-2017, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tjsuchy7

Here's a pic of my Terrier with the side plate removed, with the tip of the pen pointed at what is the old style hammer block?

The pen tip is pointing to a sort of lever or cam that the hand contacts as it rises to move the cylinder. The actual hammer block is the small "flag" attached to the top of the strip inside the narrow channel in the sideplate. When the hand is in the raised position, the flag is pushed out of the path of travel of the hammer. When the hammer is down and the trigger released, the flag is allowed to spring forward just enough to interfere with the hammer's forward motion.

This wasn't a bad system (though not as reliable as what succeeeded it), but internal fouling could leave the hammer block stuck inside its channel. Under the worst circumstances, dropping a gun on its hammer with the block stuck out of the "safe" position could lead to an unwanted discharge.

Hondo44 · #6 04-20-2017, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tjsuchy7

Here's a pic of my Terrier with the side plate removed, with the tip of the pen pointed at what is the old style hammer block?

Pretty darn good lookin' pre war Terrier.

You'll also find the B for blue in front of the barrel s/n.

There are two pre war "old style" hammer blocks mounted in the side plate. Yours is actually the 2nd type hammer block safety and the post war sliding bar hammer block safety being the 3rd type.

1st style shown in post #14 here: M&P Hammer Safety Dilemma: I was correct

Tjsuchy7 · #7 04-20-2017, 07:25 PM

Thank you both for the information. I'm certainty getting an education on this site. It's great to have knowledgeable people around who you can go to.

Green Frog · #8 04-20-2017, 08:33 PM

Great find. My pre-War Terrier is still in the original blue (at least what's left of it) and although it technically still has a place in my EDC rotation it doesn't get quite as much carry time as it's two mates... maybe I should so something about that.

Froggie

PS Here's my trio of EDCs, from the top, a Baby Chief, then the pre-War Terrier on lower right, and the post-War 32 HE snub. Notice that I can pick up any of the three and have the same feel... at minute of bad guy range they shoot pretty much the same way.

Eddietruett · #9 04-20-2017, 11:25 PM

Got a pretty decent terrier that if memory serves me right Hondo44 said was shipped 52/53. Anyone got an educated guess at the current value?

Tjsuchy7 · #10 04-22-2017, 09:57 PM

According to the 37th edition of the Blue Book of Gun Values, a Terrier in 98% condition is valued at $375, plus add $300 for 5 screw frame. 100% condition is $450. Of course, these prices may or may not reflect real world prices. Your gun is very nice, and definitely at the top end of the scale.

rwt1405 · #11 04-22-2017, 11:55 PM

I think she looks great!

Congrats and good job!

LEO918 · #12 04-23-2017, 12:41 AM

I picked up a high condition Post War Terrier at the Phoenix gun show today. Serial # 65336 I think may date to 1951. It's serial number matching magna grips have the grey plastic medallions. Traded a Model 60 and took in a little cash.

Hondo44 · #13 04-23-2017, 03:21 AM

Congrats!

~ Feb 1952. Improved 5 screw I frame with round sight.