I work part time in a LGS and am the go-to guy for information on guns made before last week.
As such, a customer was referred to me to evaluate a gun he has inherited from his father.
Here is what I know. It is a .357 Magnum, or pre-Model 27. It has
a 3.5 inch barrel and all numbers match. The finish is a very high polish blue and the grips are after market. The grips appear to be genuine pearl and the right panel has a Texas Ranger emblem attached in an unusual orientation-presumably so it would be in an upright position when carried in a right side belt holster.
The gun would date to the early-mid 1950's [I was asked to not post the serial number].
No box, papers, or original grips.
What I don't know is how the grips affect the value of the gun.
The customer would like to know what a fair price to ask should he decide to sell it.
I only had time for a 20240711_103713.jpg

20240711_103732.jpg

20240711_103743.jpgcouple of quick pics.

Values are really regional. Around here, it would pretty easily pull 1800 to 2 grand. If you can document LE history and particularly if the owner was a Ranger it could add to the value. Documentation would need to be written down and verifiable. Additional accoutrements, like original box, original grips, invoice, etc., would add value. A collector (this one appears collectable) would pursue these items and may negotiate price based on the cost of replacing these items.

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Even older, even crankier....

Those 3.5" 357 Magnums are one of the more desirable guns. Some of us especially love the ones with the proud front sight pins. Value range is between $1K and $3.5K (lower if it has been refinished, higher if it has goodies and some verifiable provenance).

Glad to see you posting - don't be a stranger here.

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Richard
Engraved S&W fan

I don't think the grips change the value of the gun. If it has Texas Ranger provenance that would absolutely increase the value. That should be investigated. Not an expert, but my guess would be that the value would be double or triple if owned by a Texas Ranger.

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David Reynolds

Thanks, the finish is original but not much in the way of provenance.
The gentleman who owns it said his father was given it as a gift by a long time employer. No known affiliation with any law enforcement.
I forgot to mention that the gun shows no signs of having been fired.

Are those diamonds on the grip medallion?

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Pete
I ain't no fortunate son

They look like they are, but I'm no expert. The badge itself looks like gold.

From the photos I doubt that gun was ever holstered. I would spend the effort to have it lettered.

In addition to getting a historical foundation letter, I would send photos of the badge to the Texas Ranger Museum in Waco, TX, and learn what you can abou that badge. It certainly appears to be something along the lines of a presentation or retirement badge. Could be very interesting.

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Randy
Provenance nerd

Beautiful gun and I dare say it would win the award at any BBQ gun competition.
I think value estimate ranges have already been covered and thanks so much for sharing here.

If my memory is correct, Special Ranger appointments were sometimes given to LE types that were maybe railroad detectives or Cattleman's Association investigators. They were not regular rangers, but some were former rangers.

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Richard Gillespie
FBINA 102

No doubt a letter would effect value, one way or the other. Get a letter before proceeding.

Welcome back to the Forum, you've been absent for awhile! That is one cool revolver that your customer inherited. As you know, .357 Magnum revolvers, and 3-1/2" bbl. versions in particular, are highly sought after and valuable. I would have to agree with other Forum members that it was probably a presentation revolver of some sort, and may never have been actually carried or shot by the original owner. The Mother-of-Pearl stocks are very, very nice and the Texas Ranger Special badge insert is gorgeous. MOP stocks are extremely handsome, but they are rather fragile and are prone to chipping and cracking. I think that those MOPs would add appreciable value to the revolver if the TR provenance could be established. I would think the "as is" value would be around $2K, and perhaps $3K+ if a bona fide connection was made to the Texas Rangers. Your customer is a very lucky fellow...if he decides to sell, he may get his best return by posting here on the Forum.

Thanks, all. I'll talk to the owner on Monday, give him all this info and see how he would like to proceed.

Richard is right. Most of the "special Ranger" appointments were to investigators with the Texas Cattleman's Association. They did not have the same authority as commissioned Texas Rangers.
If the owner is willing to wait, it would still be wise to get a letter on the gun before setting a value.

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Mike H

TSCRA special rangers are stationed in districts in Texas and Oklahoma where they: Investigate thefts of cattle, horses, saddles, trailers, equipment, and even poaching. Pursue white-collar criminals who commit agricultural fraud.

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SWCA #2306
DAV in honor of POP