Hi Everybody.
I have this gun and i am forced to sell due to Covid 19 issues.
I was hoping to get manufacture date , possible resale value. to my untrained eyes it looks like it is in great shape. It was my grandfathers gun from WW1 .

Thank You Very Much.
DaveIMG_0747.jpg

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Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass! Your gun was made in August 1918. It appears to be in remarkable condition to be 102 years old. I looked for signs of a refinish, but don't see anything obvious. Would you post a picture of the tip of the extractor rod? I'm really sorry that you have to sell such a nice heirloom. I would think you could get over $1000 for it if the finish is original. Do you have any other accessories like a lanyard ring or holster? They would add to the value as a package.

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Guy
SWHF #474 SWCA LM#2629

Not much to add to Guy’s post except an original example would probably be in the $1200-1300 range.

If you really must sell it, given its family connection I would ask the buyer if you could have first right of refusal should it be sold again. Good luck in your decision.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Thanks for the input guys. here is the pic of ejector rod tip.1917.jpg

Very nice revolver, it saddens me when people are forced to part ways with family heirlooms. I value my early 1917 around $1500, yours appears in better condition finish wise and unless it has been expertly refinished enough to pass muster on this board I would hesitate to sell for less. I don't readily see them in this condition, mine was basically a gift from a friend.

Beautiful!

However, I believe it could be factory refinished. Look under the left side grip for a date, month and year (lower) or refinish mark (upper) like these:


Photo credit: Rick Bowles

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Jim
S&WCA #819

Dave,

Your 1917 appears to be a very nice example in your pictures. If you are going to follow through and sell it the eventual buyer will want to know if the serial numbers on the barrel, cylinder, back of the ejector star, and front of the yoke (visible through a cylinder charge hole) all match the serial number on the butt. Also the right side grip should have the serial number pencil numbered on the inside to match the butt (this number may be difficult to see). If all serial numbers match and the finish is original I would be in the $1200 - $1300 camp; if factory refinished as suggested by Hondo44 then it would be valued less.

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Terry Lester

The tip of your extractor rod indicates the gun was not refinished. Now, as Jim comments, it could have gone back for a factory refinish. But, I don't think so because it should have a star stamped next to the serial number on the butt.

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Guy
SWHF #474 SWCA LM#2629

If you must sell it, post it here in the classifieds with good pics and info about matching numbers, etc. A local dealer is not likely to realize its condition and scarcity, and won't offer anything near its value.

Sorry you have to make a choice like that, but I hope you have good luck with the sale.

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Mike H

what does it take to sell this gun. i live in california. the gun is not registered. pretty sure there are lots of hoops to jump through which i dont really think big brother needs to know if i sell this gun to a S&W collector with no paperwork . looking for advice for a clean way to sell.
thanks again guys
dave

If you sell it to someone outside CA, you can have a local licensed dealer ship it to the buyer's dealer. I think you can also send to the buyer's dealer directly by FedEx or UPS overnight service but that is expensive. Either way the buyer pays for the shipping cost.

You'll have to check CA law or ask a dealer about selling it to a CA resident, but I think the transfer has to go through a dealer and there is a waiting period before the buyer can have it along with other rules.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

California laws are very specific when it comes to transfer of firearms even to family members. When my FIL's estate was settled in order to avoid any legal issues my MIL went to a local FFL licensed dealer who then sent the firearm to a local dealer where the fee was paid by me who then needed to jump through our state hoops regarding registration.
Some of us have a cavalier approach to personal transactions between friends which does not in any way satisfy the states requirements and leads to those of us tending to follow state guidelines in order to stay on the positive side of registration, use, future sale, etc.
Most people that are able to get out of the house on their own do not have any problems going to a certified FFL dealer. In my MIL's case she made an excursion out of it by taking BART to another city in order to work with a dealer that gave her good phone when she asked pertinent questions. I can still see her with her bag of goodies getting on the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) then walking a good bit in order to fulfill her mission.