Terrier value

ACORN

ACORN

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Local shop has a 38S&W Terrier that looks like the proverbial sock drawer gun. I didn’t ask to handle it being I had little cash and I don’t like to handle unless I intend to buy if it checks out.
Through the glass I saw no wear other than a faint turn line.
It had a half moon front sight and I believe the later style cylinder release. Factory diamonds.
Asking $549.
Good thing is I saw it just before they closed Sat. They are closed Sundays and Mondays and Tuesday being the 4th. I have a couple days to mull it over.
 
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Certainly worth investigating that one. If it is in really good condition, it is valued about right, or perhaps on the low side - depending what it "is".
It could be a pre-war (six screw), a post-war (a few variations here - but still six screw), or perhaps an Improved I-frame (five screw - due to the elimination of the flat mainspring in favor of a coil spring). All of these, at least for a period of time, had the 1/2 moon front sight. IMHO the pre-war would command a premium over the others.
 
Is it possible that this is a pre-War Terrier? Both it and the earliest post-War examples fit the description you give and have the traditional style thumb latch. Of course these will have the leaf-type mainspring as you can determine easily by the presence of a strain spring screw. FWIW, some of us would regard this as a plus!

Froggie
 
Green Frog said:
Is it possible that this is a pre-War Terrier? Both it and the earliest post-War examples fit the description you give and have the traditional style thumb latch. Of course these will have the leaf-type mainspring as you can determine easily by the presence of a strain spring screw. FWIW, some of us would regard this as a plus!

Froggie
Click to expand...

I can’t say one way or the other.
I deferred to JH1951.
I hope it works out.
 
Thumbpieces have been known to be replaced. (Before I was familiar with S&W revolvers the thumbpiece on my 36 became lost and I had to buy another. Of course I learned to keep an eye on the screws and/or pins that hold my firearms together.)
 
S-W4EVER said:
Thumbpieces have been known to be replaced. (Before I was familiar with S&W revolvers the thumbpiece on my 36 became lost and I had to buy another. Of course I learned to keep an eye on the screws and/or pins that hold my firearms together.)
Click to expand...
Yeah but it isn't simple to change from an hourglass to a flat latch and vice versa. You also have to change the bolt and fastener.
 
That doesn't sound like something that would stick around very long, depending on the shop's clientele. Now I have to look up what a Terrier is, just in case it's still there, wherever "there" is, after Saturday! Now, you KNOW I'd never buy anything out from under you, or anyone else for that matter around here, but if you decide against it, my PM box has lots of space!!! Good luck! And pictures Sunday morning!!!
 
jeffrefrig said:
That doesn't sound like something that would stick around very long, depending on the shop's clientele. Now I have to look up what a Terrier is, just in case it's still there, wherever "there" is, after Saturday! Now, you KNOW I'd never buy anything out from under you, or anyone else for that matter around here, but if you decide against it, my PM box has lots of space!!! Good luck! And pictures Sunday morning!!!
Click to expand...

Jeff I bowed out on it and bird-dogged JH1951 to it.
He is looking for a pre war.
I’d just like to someday acquire a birth year gun(1955).
It’s just not in the cards for me financially, at this time.
I hoped I’ve not “oversold” it as far a condition, Model, etc.
it looked nice in the display with no blue wear I saw and only a thin turn line. Stocks were diamonds and probably numbered to the gun.
Just a cool old HE.
My understanding is a Terrier is an I frame HE, round butt snubby. This one is listed as .38 S&W.
Again I only know enough to be dangerous;).
My Pap was a private eye and a constable in McKeesport back in the day when it was a booming town. Kind of a mini-Pittsburgh.
Now days it makes you sick driving through town remembering what it was like in its heyday.
I don’t know what he packed but I do know he did. An uncle gave his revolver to another uncle who probably sold it.
My cousin got his cuffs.
Those old snubs remind me of him.
 
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ACORN said:
Unfortunately I can’t get back to the shop that has it until Saturday at the earliest.
It may be gone by then
Click to expand...

Hope not, that’s a good or a great price depending on the vintage. If you called them, they’d probably give you the serial # over the phone.
 
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ACORN, that was nice of you, if I read it right! I really don't need to spend $600 on another gun. I looked it up and saw the picture; kinda like a M36 Chief Special. Only if I remember from a few hours & beers ago, it is a M32? Nice gun.
To you or anyone, did I read it shoots the 38 S&W, or shorts? Thinking, they may have been talking about a different version.

Have a safe holiday to everyone. JLT
 
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