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05-12-2018, 04:42 PM
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Would like info on revolver.
Hi everyone,
I'm new here and I'm pleased to be able to join the forum. Around 15 years ago my old friend gave me this .38 Terrier to satisfy a debt. He told me at the time that this revolver was his uncle's service piece as a Homicide detective during the 50's and 60's in Chicago. I've never fired it in all this time, although I've kept it cleaned and oiled.
I'm hoping you guys can give me some info on it and tell me what you think it's worth. Thanks so much.
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cndrdk, DCWilson, Eddie Southgate, JohnRippert, JSW, Jtown, Kframerbluvr, LEO918, Muley Gil, Ngtdog, nmxcop, pawncop, series guy, SFIDEC, Usmc5811, Wiregrassguy |
05-12-2018, 04:50 PM
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US Veteran
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Join Date: Jan 2016
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Welcome aboard from Wyoming.
Nice looking postwar Terrier, maybe from the early '50s. I'd put it in the $500+ range, but I've seen a few go for more recently.
One of the I-frame experts should be along shortly with more precise info.
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Wrangler of stray Chiefs
Bob
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05-12-2018, 08:12 PM
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Welcome to this forum!
You have not only a very high original condition 38 Terrier, it's a highly collectible version/vintage. I'd put the value in the $800 ballpark.
It's known by collectors as a Post WW II Transitional I frame .38 Terrier (which denotes the 2” barrel and rd butt) '6 screw' version, with pre war style round sight, small rd butt, flat leaf mainspring, and small trigger guard; post war "Service" style grips and medallions; and #4 style cyl release thumb piece. Based on the serial # it shipped in Nov. 1950.
This model was 1st introduced in 1936 as a more compact and concealable version of the .38 Regulation Police which had longer sq butt grips and longer barrels.
It's .38 S&W cartridge popularity was eclipsed by the slightly more powerful 38 S&W Special in the .38 Chiefs Special J frame. Therefore sales diminished until about 1974 when eventually discontinued.
Shoot and enjoy. All currently made ammo is safe to shoot in it and some more powerful loadings still make it a viable self defense handgun.
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Jim
S&WCA #819
Last edited by Hondo44; 05-12-2018 at 08:16 PM.
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05-12-2018, 08:21 PM
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Welcome to the forum. That's a nice one!
I have Terrier 56073, which the factory shipped in October 1950. That backs up the other suggestions here that your gun can be dated to 1950.
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David Wilson
Last edited by DCWilson; 05-12-2018 at 08:23 PM.
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05-12-2018, 08:23 PM
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That is a beautiful example of a classic S&W snub nose. Thanks for posting about it.
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05-12-2018, 10:16 PM
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Nice old gun!
That holster looks like a Chic Gaylord Treasury Thunderbolt, pretty collectible in it's own right.
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John
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05-12-2018, 10:26 PM
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The serial number on your gun falls between 2 that I have.
55601 shipped July 1950
56847 shipped September 1950
From recent sales the $500 estimate might be low.
Nice gun !!
This is an early I frame with leaf spring and prewar style service grips.
Have you pulled the grips to see if the number to the gun ?
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SWCA 1932 SWHF 135
Last edited by Toyman; 05-12-2018 at 10:29 PM.
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05-13-2018, 09:12 AM
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That must have been some debt. Your settlement
is no doubt appreciating nicely.
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05-13-2018, 09:32 AM
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Join Date: Aug 2010
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Welcome to the Smith & Wesson Forum from Arizona. Great Start!!!
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Living a dream - S&WCA #2364
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05-13-2018, 10:13 AM
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Beautiful gun. Please don't store it in the holster. Bad things can happen to the gun when they are stored that way.
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