Hello,
I have come across an unfired S prefix Smith and Wesson 38/44 that is factory nickle plated. Gun is UNFIRED with no box (figures) and condition is conservatively in the 98 to 99% range. Gun is a 4 inch with fixed sights. Gun also appears to have the correct diamond grips. The serial number is S1493XX which from my research should have been made between 1955 and 1956. I have also been told that this serial number is too close to call and it could in fact be an early 1958 vintage gun. Any help with the following four questions would be greatly appreciated:

1. How many nickle plated s prefix 38/44's were made during this time period? I have heard that there were not that many post war nickle 38/44's made, is this correct?

2. With a serial number of S1493XX, is this in fact an early 1958 vintage 38/44 and if so where could I find this info?

2. What would have been the correct box for this vintage 38/44 and was this vintage box serialized to the gun. Also could you point me in the direction of a source for a box?

3. I know what Blue Book valuations are but there is no mention of a premium for a nickle variation. With that said, what valuation could I use for this vintage nickle 38/44 in unfired condition without a box?

Thanks for your time and efforts with this.

Your gun would be a 1950 model Heavy Duty, or pre model 20.

That appears to be a 1956 vintage gun. The book doesn't say anything about 4" nickel guns being scarce or hard to come by.
That gun is in the correct serial number range to be an Austin PD gun. Are there any markings to indicate that it was a cop gun?

Hello and thank you for your reply. I did not notice any PD markings. The gun will have to be held at my dealers for two weeks before I can pick it up. I will be over there again next week and will check again.
Any idea on valuation or a source for a correct box?

Tks
Tony M.

It sounds like a neat old gun to have. You should post pics here when you get it.

Besides the Gun Broker and E-bay type of over priced places, you could post a WTB ad here in the classifieds. Make sure you get it in the right forum though, so that you get as many views as possible.

I'm not an expert on PD guns, but most I have seen are either marked on the left side below the cylinder, or down the backstrap with the departments stamp.

I hope this helps some.

Thanks for the info.
Will double check on the PD marks.
Tony M.

1Aspenhill is the resident HD guru.

I have heard that nickel pre-war HDs are very rare but I have not heard the same regarding the post-war guns.

Of the guns in your serial number range, they were shipped anywhere from 1956 to 1962. Nickel guns production ran from 10-12% annually depending on orders such as PDs which could raise those numbers annually. Austin PD guns are marked on the back strap. Boeing Aircraft guns are marked either on the left side of the frame under the cylinder or on the sideplate. Would you send me the full serial number for my database?
Thanks,
Bill

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