Need help ID'ing a pistol

LHS · #1 09-18-2011, 06:49 PM

Have a friend who has a pistol marked:
Top - Smith & Wesson Springfield Mass
Pat'd Oct 1883 Aug 1888 Apr 1889
Left side of barrel 38 S & W CTG

Any idea of year of mfg and value? He said instead of a model number it has a serial number "1542XX".

He said it opens hard and I do not know any condition but he wants to sell it to me for $250. I'm wondering if it is worth even making the drive to look at it.

Sorry, but no picture.

Muley Gil · #2 09-18-2011, 07:25 PM

It sounds like a double action topbreak.

The serial number is the one on the butt. .38 S&W is not the same as .38 special.

If you want a self defense revolver, look for something newer.

Model numbers didn't appear until 1957.

murphydog · #3 09-18-2011, 07:44 PM

Gil has the general ID correct. If it is SA/DA (with an exposed hammer) it is a .38 Double Action from the late 1880s; if DAO or hammerless it's a .38 Safety Hammerless from the early 1900s. (How about that truth in advertising?).

"Hard to open" may be simply sticky from old lubricant, curable with a good cleaning, or some major mechanical issue; best to get more information, photos, or a money-back/return agreement.

LHS · #4 09-19-2011, 02:17 AM

Does it sound like it is worth $250?

It is not a weapon I'd ever shoot - probably just resell it.

beagleye · #5 09-19-2011, 05:14 AM

It's hard to evaluate condition without pics and condition is the most critical factor in value.

Hondo44 · #6 09-19-2011, 05:28 AM

Have you seen this revolver? With 508 posts I'm surprised you'd expect an evaluation of this gun with such a lack of information.

walnutred · #7 09-19-2011, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LHS

Does it sound like it is worth $250?

It is not a weapon I'd ever shoot - probably just resell it.

It would have to be a remarkable example of a 38 S&W topbreak for me to consider purchasing @ $250 with the intent of reselling. In average condition they are a hard sell. I bought a 3rd Model Safety Hammerless off one of the auction sites last year in very good mechanical and average cosmetic condition for $125 + shipping, as an example.

LHS · #8 09-19-2011, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by walnutred

It would have to be a remarkable example of a 38 S&W topbreak for me to consider purchasing @ $250 with the intent of reselling. In average condition they are a hard sell. I bought a 3rd Model Safety Hammerless off one of the auction sites last year in very good mechanical and average cosmetic condition for $125 + shipping, as an example.

Thank you! That is all I was looking to find out.