This revolver has a serial number of 16625. It is chambered in 38S&W. It belonged to a friend's grandfather who was active in law enforcement starting sometime in the early 1920s. It is in substantially less than perfect cosmetic shape, but is mechanically good. Bore is shiny with clearly visible rifling. Timing and lockup are both good. Trigger pull is OK too, nice in single action, a little heavy in double.

Any help regarding manufacture date, and a rough current value is much appreciated. Thank you.

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It dates to sometime in the first half of 1920; it already has 1920s style stocks, but no frame S&W logo yet. So that fits with your narrative.

As for value, anyone without the family connection would see a pretty heavily worn specimen. 3-400 at most? Others may pay closer attention to the current market.

A fine point is, It is chambered in the 38 S&W cartridge and not 38 Special. All factory ammo is safe to shoot in it (But I would avoid Buffalo Bore's hot SD ammo!) While not the power house Self Defense ammo of today, 38 S&W is a deadly ammo, but is really a pleasure to shoot. The Regulation Police is very popular with people that have smaller hands. In fact, the day I bought mine, my wife picked it up and stated that it fit her hand very well! I took it back from her and explained that it didn't fit her hand at all! (I lost too many nice guns that "Fit her hand well!")

Your gun was built on the I-frame. The later versions were built on J-frames and was later called a Model 33. (now you know what size holster to buy)

The gun's action & trigger pull should be very smooth. If it isn't, it probably needs disassembled and detail cleaned. You want that done by someone who knows what they are doing!

One last thing on ammo. There is an English loading commonly called 38-200. I have seen American, English, and FN ammo loadings. Assume that it is corrosive primed! Clean it right away with a appropriate solvent (Those solvents usually stink pretty bad).

Ivan

Welcome to the forum. Nice heirloom!

I believe I see a faint logo on the left side frame. That, the grip style, and since it does not yet have the MADE IN USA rollmark on the right side front of the frame indicate 1920-1923 manufacture.

Value $300-400 depending on your local area.

It will need cleaning and lubrication!

If your not familiar with taking off the side plate to clean, remove grips then flood the interior thru every opening with a CLP (Cleaner, lubricant preservative) gun spray product until no more black gunk runs out. Wipe entire gun with same product and enjoy shooting it.

__________________
Jim
S&WCA #819

Thank you all.
Yes, after cleaning and lubrication the action is quite smooth.
The gun came with 15 rounds of Remington 146gr LRN. I'm looking forward to shooting it.

Jim,

I think you're right. What looks like just discoloration is, upon enlargement, too symmetric and in exactly the right spot for the logo.

I also found a 14xxx shipping in Oct. 1920 in the database, so this one likely was made in late 1920 or 1921.