Hi folks, I hope some one can help me identify a revolver I'd like to purchase. A local shop has the gun and they have identified as pre model 33, I Frame and listed the price at $475 which is the 100% book value. I do not have any pictures to offer just yet but I was hoping someone could give me some insight as to value and age.

The SN is 40xxx and it is on the front grip strap. The caliber is 38 S&W. There is a patent date of 1917 on the bottom of the walnut checkered diamond grip. No model number is stamped on the frame or the yoke. The gun is in very good shape, I estimate 85%

Please let me know what you think and if I purchase the gun I will be sure to come back and add some pictures to the thread. Thank you.

Your gun is most likely from the late 1930s. The barrel length and butt shape (round or square) will have a bearing on the value, as will overall condition, of course. Someone will no doubt be along to narrow down the shipping date, but everybody tends to shy away from valuation without pictures. Welcome to the forum.

P.S. Opinions on value will be very subjective. At 85% I assume you’re looking for a shooter. Someone looking to round out a collection will value it differently than “shooters” who will probably suggest you get something else at that price point.

40,XXX would have most likely shipped in 1930, and could be just before or just after. Picture would be appreciated, but $475 for an 85% gun is about right.

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Gary
SWCA 2515

Regulation Police should be stamped on the right side of the barrel. You can usually rely on Gary giving you the most accurate information. Serials in the 47000 range were shipping in 1938 and sales were slow in the '30's. Do the grips on it have silver medallions?

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Guy
SWHF #474 SWCA LM#2629

It's way too early to be a pre mod 33. They began in 1953. Do you remember the barrel length, 3" or 4"?

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Jim
S&WCA #819

Hey folks, thanks for the quick replies. If I recall correctly the barrel is 4" and it had a square butt. No medallions on the grips. I do not recall what was stamped on the barrel. The shop is closed tomorrow and Monday but I will there Tuesday with my credit card in hand given what you good folks have told me here tonight. Assuming I make the purchase I will be sure to circle back and provide photos. Thanks for the help,

That could make the gun a 1929 ship date if the stocks are original. Convex stocks ran through the 1920s, but maybe spilled over to 1930. Check the right stock for a matching serial number if you are thinking about purchasing the RP.

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Gary
SWCA 2515

Should look like this except the ejector rod knob should be a barrel shaped large knob instead of the mushroom shaped knob.

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Guy
SWHF #474 SWCA LM#2629

Hi folks, just FYI I did not purchase the revolver. I wanted to but someone beat me to it. Turns out the clerk at the shop had shown it to someone before me and they came in as soon as the shop opened the next day and made the purchase. It sold for their asking price of $475. Oh well there are plenty of gun out there and I am sure I'll find another. Thanks again for the help.

Here is one I picked up last week at a LGS SN404xx. Very nice condition, looks to have been shot very little.

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OGCA Member.

Gorgeous! Nice catch.

Produced between 1930 and 1936. But due to the depression era, could have shipped anytime between 1930 and 1941.

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Jim
S&WCA #819

I letter all my Smith's, so I'll know soon enough...

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OGCA Member.

I have a similar revolver that is nickel plated and very tight. S/N 74XXX. Cal. is 38 S & W. No model number anywhere unless it was on the grip. Grips replaced w/ J frame grips that do not belong on this gun. Grips are too long and a hair too wide that does not adhere to S & W standards. Barrel is 2.25.
measured from front of cylinder. 4 screw side plate. Pictures to follow

Welcome to the forum.

It's a "38 Terrier - Improved I frame", likely with the ramp front sight and barrel rib. Sounds like it has later Model of 1953 New I and New J frame grips, 1/8" longer than the Baby J and Improved I grips.

You need Pre 1953 I and Baby J frame grips (same size).

Probably shipped around mid 1954.

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Jim
S&WCA #819