Baby Smith .38

Gather App
Guns.com Vault
C

ccnv

Member
Joined
Jan 29, 2014
Messages
114
Reaction score
95
I have a Baby I am going to be selling. 1951, appears unfired, with a faint cylinder turn line. Nice Herrett grips that fit perfectly. How big of a price killer are the grips?
 
Incorrect stocks is a bummer for most collectors. Overall condition, low serial number, and original box and tools can help offset the lack of matching stocks. I would have to see some good pictures to say much more, but I would anticipate a negative hit of around $100. Some people claim it doesn't matter at all; I'm not in that camp. A nice set of sambar stags or the like can more than offset the negativity.
 
ccnv said:
I have a Baby I am going to be selling. 1951, appears unfired, with a faint cylinder turn line. Nice Herrett grips that fit perfectly. How big of a price killer are the grips?
Click to expand...
I have a set of (what I believe) are ‘51-52 grips. They have 12k serial number and plastic medallions.
Send PM if you decide you want to get it original looking.
 
This is a highly subjective question, of course, but since you solicited opinions…

I’m one of those weird guys who *really* wants revolvers like this one to be in as close to original configuration as possible. I would probably pay more for a well-used revolver with its correct stocks than I would for a pristine example with replacements.

But, again, I’m weird.
 
Last edited:
I bought the gun to shoot. But every time I get a vintage gun in this condition I can't get myself to shoot it. I have lots of other guns to shoot. I will post a picture.
 
ccnv said:
I guess grips do matter. This one sold recently on GB with a lot of wear.

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1158490536
Click to expand...
Yes grips do matter..... To a collector they matter a lot.
I cannot tell from your picture if the front sight is smooth or serrated. Based upon your SN, it could be either (but leaning a bit towards a smooth ramp). A smooth ramp - to a collector - may bring a bit of a premium as there seems to be fewer of them.
Give us some better pictures and I think you will get more accurate estimates of value.

As for the one on GB, that sold for stupid money, and there was no assurance that the grips were number matching.
 
"As for the one on GB, that sold for stupid money, and there was no assurance that the grips were number matching."
I'm not fussy. I accept stupid money.
 
I am not looking for a lot of $. But if a gun like this in this condition is only worth $400, I would just shoot it. Around here you can not buy a standard Model 36 in nice condition for $400. I think the Baby has a cuteness factor.
 

ccnv said:
I am not looking for a lot of $. But if a gun like this in this condition is only worth $400, I would just shoot it. Around here you can not buy a standard Model 36 in nice condition for $400. I think the Baby has a cuteness factor.
Click to expand...
Take some professional pictures with grips on and off and start it for a penny on GB.
IMO, it would bring more money than the other auction.
 
ccnv said:
No wear, just some light glare. #8202. Fair price for buyer and seller?

View attachment 882395
Click to expand...

Your revolver seems to have the smooth ramp front. One of these just sold on RIA today in excellent condition, with its original stocks, at a “hammer price” of $800.

I paid a bit less than this four years ago for one in this serial number range (8338) about 4 years ago, in what I’d call “very good” condition. Mine, however, had its original red box.

I don’t know what a reasonable price for yours would be, but this might give you someplace to start.
 
ccnv said:
I am not looking for a lot of $. But if a gun like this in this condition is only worth $400, I would just shoot it. Around here you can not buy a standard Model 36 in nice condition for $400. I think the Baby has a cuteness factor.
Click to expand...
If you’re not a seller at $400, what’s the magic number ?
If you were able to post in here, you should be able pictures reflecting its detailed condition from different angles. Some enthusiasts have said they prefer not to do the dance on price, condition or details.
 
Frailer said:
Your revolver seems to have the smooth ramp front. One of these just sold on RIA today in excellent condition, with its original stocks, at a “hammer price” of $800.

I paid a bit less than this four years ago for one in this serial number range (8338) about 4 years ago, in what I’d call “very good” condition. Mine, however, had its original red box.

I don’t know what a reasonable price for yours would be, but this might give you someplace to start.
Click to expand...
Wonder what the local gun shops would offer ? Also wondering if that $400 was a random number?
 
The one that sold on GB is not a baby, it is a chief's Special , but it did have the right diamond magna stocks
 
  • Like
Reactions: VM
ccnv said:
I have a Baby I am going to be selling. 1951, appears unfired, with a faint cylinder turn line. Nice Herrett grips that fit perfectly. How big of a price killer are the grips?
Click to expand...
They appear to be vintage Herrett grips so appropriate for a 1951 Baby Smith.

As a policeman the first thing we did with a new revolver was put “fancy” grips on. Of course some cops would go shooting a lot so they went with Pachmyr Grips especially if they were shooting Magnums.
 
Most likely the grips. But these are premium grips of the same era.
 
Here in Florida I'll routinely buy model 36s for $300 to $400 for a basic shooters and brand new ones in the box are around 750. Different parts of the country will probably vary a little
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

R
Price check!?
2
Replies
41
Views
2K
Nframe_is_no1
N
D
  • Locked
For Sale Smith & Wesson Model 28-2
Replies
0
Views
1K
Drm50
D
Rustywrench
FS Herrett's Grip, Model RK, Final Price Drop
Replies
3
Views
538
Rustywrench
Rustywrench
M
Please educate me on the smith and Wesson perfected model.
Replies
18
Views
816
Books
B
snuf
19-4 value?
Replies
14
Views
690
CH4
CH4

Latest posts

Back
Top