2 Revolvers I am trying to date and possibly value

mledbetter · #1 04-06-2015, 11:59 AM

Here are the two pistols I am having a hard time dating. I am pretty sure they are both from the 30s but would like to know for sure...

The larger is a .38 and the serial is 38XXX.
The smaller is a .32 and the serial is 77XXX.

These are family pieces so I'm not really wanting to get rid of them, but it would be nice to what they are exactly and a ball park of what they might be worth.

Thanks!

murphydog · #2 04-06-2015, 01:12 PM

Welcome! These are a .38 and .32 Safety Hammerless. They may have been acquired in the 1930s by your family, but the .38 dates to about 1889 and the .32 to the mid-late 1890s. Photos from different angles and a description of their mechanical conditions would help with value estimates. Does the finish of the .38's cylinder match the rest of the gun? Hope this is helpful.

mledbetter · #3 04-06-2015, 01:19 PM

Interesting.. thanks for the info! The .38 was my grandfathers (who died before I was born). He was a police officer and that was his personal firearm. My dad is 86 and he remembers seeing these things when he was very little, so i thought they should be older than 30s.

The .32 has not been touched. It appears to be in fantastic mechanical condition - nothing sticks, firing mechanism works, safety squeeze works properly. All pieces look to have the same patina on them.

The .38 is in equally good mechanical condition - my dad had it re-blued probably 30-35 years ago, so that is why it is shiny.

Neither of them have been fired since probably the late 30s or early 40s.

I could get more photos later, but that was all I could quickly get over the weekend. I'll get some detailed shots soon.

murphydog · #4 04-06-2015, 03:01 PM

If they are mechanically sound with worn or redone finish, figure about $250 or so each. If you are so inclined, current factory .32 S & W (not Long) and .38 S & W ammunition should be fine to use.