I pick up a nice pre-war N frame today in 38-44 (.38 S&W Special CTG s/n 3713X). It is a nice gun w/ muzzle holster wear and a small scrape on the rear of the cylinder. The revolver probably has 90+% of the blueing remaining. The case hardening is still fairly strong, although weaker on the trigger. The only thing that I can see that is wrong W/ the gun is that someone one in the past installed a nice pair of ivory grips. I’m fairly new to S&W collecting so I hope that I didn’t pay too much. It was a consignment revolver for a gentleman who needed to sell a collection at a old gun shop. Any idea of what I should have paid?

Can't tell much without pictures. The description sounds very interesting though so post some pictures and the knowledgeable folks here will be able to help.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

Good ivory grips are very valuable in themselves.

The SN puts its probable shipment at around late 1930. At least I have listed other SNs nearby which did. But it could have shipped somewhat later as S&W did not ship in SN order. Yours is very likely what is called a Heavy Duty (HD) as it does not have an adjustable rear sight. If the grips are REAL ivory, they would be quite valuable. All this boils down to saying that a reasonable value cannot be estimated without several good pictures showing everything. My conservative guess would be $1000-$1500, but maybe more or less depending on condition and we don't know that. Consider that most any old HD in shootable condition will bring at least $500.

All the serial numbers match and the markings are sharp. There is some mild putting & a small scrape on the cylinder & holster wear on the barrel.

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That is a very nice HD. From your pictures, I can't tell much about if the grip material is ivory or not. You might remove them and take some good pictures of fronts and backs, also of the bottoms. Real ivory would add considerably to its value.

That looks like a 5" barrel. I like them a lot, but don't think they're rare ... If those stocks aren't ivory, they sure have me fooled. Of course you can't say definitely just from pictures. A very nice and desirable revolver.

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You're shy a few manners.

Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass! I love the patina of those ivories. Perfect! I think in a bidding war, you might be pushing $2000. The SCSW, 4th Ed. says $1250 for VG condition but that is for standard stocks. You said this was an estate. If there are more guns like this, I want to know where they are.

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Guy
SWHF #474 SWCA LM#2629

I love HD and you have a nice one! looks like ivory grips to me,,,,,,,,,

Can't pay too much if it makes you happy . If you don't like it you for sure overpaid . Only thing that ever keeps me from buying something I really want is lack of sufficient funds to fund the purchase ,otherwise , I don't let a few dollars one way or the other make or break the deal . I won't borrow money (anymore ) to buy guns .

Whatever you gave for it you got a great looking gun , I'd be feeling all warm and fuzzy bout now if I were you . Congratulations !

Eddie

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Grumpy Old Man With a Gun

I really like N frames, I carried a 4” Model 28 when I worked for LaConner PD back in the early ‘80s. I’m just getting into collectible N frames. I have quite a few modern N frames, they just are not the same as the early revolvers. My late ‘70s Model 27 was my favorite, until now. Thank you for your feedback.