Need help on several guns inherited

350x · #1 08-27-2011, 02:48 PM

I inherited these guns a while back and am now going through them to find out what exactly they are. Any help is appreciated. Back story on why they are in the family is my Great Grandfather, Grandfather, and Great Aunt were all Jailers. As it was told to me, the Judge would award any confiscated guns to the jailer to recoup for the cost of meals and what not. The jails were not budgeted well I guess. Anywho, they have been kept in a leather brief case until now. I have a bunch more but they ar not S&W so I dont know if it would be acceptable on this site. Thanks again.

350x · #2 08-27-2011, 02:55 PM

more pictures

opoefc · #3 08-27-2011, 07:32 PM

The first gun is a .38S&W Regulation Police model, with altered grips from another S&W, it appears. The 2nd gun is either a .38 DA 2nd. Model or a .32 DA. 4th model, depending on which caliber it is. The Whitney is a Model 1 1/2 in .32RF caliber. These are not rare or high valued guns, but make a nice set of family heirloom guns. Congrats! Ed.

350x · #4 08-28-2011, 06:33 AM

Thanks for the info. Value is not that important to me, they didnt cost me a dime so I am already up, but I will not sell them.

Are you up for some more identifications? Not S&W though.

Model19man · #5 08-28-2011, 08:23 AM

All of us enjoy seeing the nice collection of guns. Since you started with the S&W revolvers why not go ahead with the rest of your inheritance? We are all interested.

opoefc · #6 08-28-2011, 02:54 PM

350x, Post good pics of whatever you have left & I will identify them for you. Be sure any markings are clear in the photos. Ed.

350x · #7 08-29-2011, 03:03 AM

I am in Iraq so the wife unit is taking the pictures for me. Getting her to understand the nomenclature of various parts of the guns is a very trying task.

350x · #8 08-29-2011, 03:10 AM

Thanks for all the replies.

gkitch · #9 08-29-2011, 07:04 AM

The first is a Colt Cobra 38 Special with non-factory stag grips. This is a 38 caliber snub on an alloy frame and is identical to the all-steel Detective Special, minus a little weight and inherit strength. ONLY shoot light load in it as these older alloy frames have been known to crack. It is a nice, well respected revolver and your gun was likely made in 1969. Fair value would be around $300. The grips appear to be real stag of good quality, but do not really add to the value.

The second is a 4" Colt Police Positive with a nickle finish. This was a small and light 38 Colt made for years. The thin grip frame indicates you have an older example, I'd guess made in the late 20s or so. The nickle may or may not be "factory original". The older the gun the more likely it has been refinished at some point. Again, fair value would be around $300 or so IF the nickle is original and the bore is sound. Colt also made these in 32, but yours is more likely a 38. It will be appropriately marked, of course.

The 3d is a British Webley Mk 1, and I know little about them. The last, the US Revolver Co, I have never heard of but it appears to be a revolver in the style popular around the turn of the century. It is the type of gun that is of little interest to the vast majority of shooters or collectors and I would advise against shooting it at this point.

Thank you ever so much for serving our country. Thanks to your wonderful wife for supporting you through this.

alanfir · #10 08-29-2011, 01:10 PM

The U.S.Revolver was made by Iver Johnson. It is the hammerless type and they were also made with exposed hammers. It will be either 32 S&W or 38 S&W caliber. They are fairly inexpensive guns but prices and interest in them seems to be on the rise.

dogngun · #11 08-30-2011, 10:02 AM

Yes, the US Revolver Co. was IJ's second line...they used some of Iver Johnson's designs, but with lesser quality of finish...Some models did not have the safety features that IJ introduced back in the late 1800's, such as a rebounding hammer and hammer safety block such as is found on Ruger revolvers that allowed them to be safely carried with all chambers loaded...I'd not load that one till I had time to check it.

mark

alaskavett · #12 08-31-2011, 01:39 AM

350X. I welcome you to the forum and I think you will find it a great place to hang your hat. I also wish to thank you and all our service members away from home that you are very much appreciated here at home for what you are doing! Cool toys there and be safe! Kyle

Retired W4 · #13 09-11-2011, 09:58 AM

Thank you for your service, especially on this solemn day. Watch your 6, stay safe, and come home soon.

TACC1 · #14 09-14-2011, 01:17 AM

Thank you for putting on your country's uniform, people like
you are our country's backbone. Not a collector myself, but that's
an interesting collection. Nice of your wife to help out, she's special!
TACC1