Please tell me about my .38 Special 64-1

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madre

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Hi, I inherited this revolver from my Dad. It's a model 64-1, 38 Special. The serial number is 1 D 6 (no dashes, that's all there is.) It's a brushed nickel finish. There are some other numbers besides the model number behind the yoke, you said you didn't want to know what they were but you can see them in the photo if you want. There's also a mark under the gun which I think must be from when it was brought in from Canada.
I have the original box as well.
Could you tell me more about this gun? I'll post photos from my phone. Thanks for your expertise!
 

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just got the photos up

Hi, just uploaded the photos. Thanks for the quick response!
 
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Ah, stainless steel. Sorry.
1D6 is what’s stamped on the butt. I thought it was curious too. I’ll send a photo when I get home. Thanks!
 
This is going to be interesting!!

The SCSW 4th says the model 64 and 65 started with serial 1D1 in 1976 (p490). But they first became available around 1970 (SCSW p 263).So maybe this was the 6th one made after a new serial sequence was started. I'm no expert, though, someone should be along soon with additional info. I think I would get a letter!!



Best Regards, Les
 
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Serial number photo and what kind of letter

Here is the photo of the serial number on the butt. I think that’s what you’re looking for.
By a letter, do you mean some kind of certification from Smith and Wesson?
 

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les.b said:
The SCSW 4th says the model 64 and 65 started with serial 1D1 in 1976 (p490). But they first became available around 1970 (SCSW p 263).
Click to expand...
Les
You are misreading the information on page 490, but I can see why. It isn't very clear. So let me straighten this out for you and for the OP.

When the Model 64 was introduced in 1970, it was assigned serial numbers in the Dxxxxxx range. I own at least two of them in that numbering sequence. In 1976, this model jumped to the 1D numbers, while the carbon steel guns (for example, the Model 10) were still using up the remaining Dxxxxxx serials.

In 1972-73, the 64-1 became available as a heavy barrel variant. Production overlapped with the continued Model 64.

The OP's gun, with serial number 1D6 would be a from the 1976 production year, probably early in the year. It is clearly a Model 64-1. By that time the original .357 Magnum Model 64-1 had been re-designated the Model 65-1, and Model 64-1 revolvers were chambered for the .38 Special.
 
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madre said:
By a letter, do you mean some kind of certification from Smith and Wesson?
Click to expand...

Yes. He means a Letter of Authenticity from the S&W Historical Foundation. They cost $75 and, in my opinion, there is no good reason to purchase one for this revolver. It won't tell you anything you don't already know, based on the responses here. Unless, of course, you are dying to know the name of the distributor to whom it was shipped. :rolleyes:
 
No worries, Sistema1927--it is kind of an odd serial number!

Awesome...so to recap, this is a SW 64-1, chambered in .38 Special. It was produced in 1976, probably early in the year, which is why it has serial # 1D6. It's made of stainless steel. It has the original box. Anything else particularly interesting?
 
Also, is it gauche to ask how much it might be worth? If a lot, do people insure guns? Does having the box help the value a lot?
 
madre said:
Anything else particularly interesting?
Click to expand...

No. Although I do want to say that is an interesting import mark, if that's what it is. It is neatly done and they didn't put it on the outside of the frame like so many do, defacing an otherwise nice looking revolver.

You have a fine and very serviceable revolver. The Model 64 is the stainless version of the Model 10 .38 Military & Police revolver. They are good guns. Personally, I prefer the tapered barrel on these (and on the Model 10) but there is absolutely nothing wrong with the heavy barrel variants. Thanks for showing us this one.
 
This is interesting:
attachment.php

Appears to be an import mark from Borderview BORDERVIEW | International Firearm Logistics | Firearm Export and Import Services to Canada, Australia, New Zealand and more! in Lynden, WA indicating that this revolver was indeed re-imported to the USA as you mentioned. It appears that Borderview is mostly involved in imports from Canada.

BTW value where I live would be in the $600 range with original box and docs.
 
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Import mark

Yes, Thin Man. Borderview handled the export from Canada/import to the USA of my Dad's handguns. If it's ok to post this kind of information, I'd like to say they did a great job. They were extremely professional and communicative during what was a pretty challenging process for our family.
 
madre said:
Yes, Thin Man. Borderview handled the export from Canada/import to the USA of my Dad's handguns. If it's ok to post this kind of information, I'd like to say they did a great job. They were extremely professional and communicative during what was a pretty challenging process for our family.
Click to expand...

That is indeed interesting!
Good info to have!
 
It's interesting in that it is such a low number. But I think in most cases S&W started with 1 for each new prefix series so its not really weird. Some people collect low numbers. I saw a collection of about 30 different guns in an estate auction many years ago and every one of them was serial 7.
 
I'm surprised no one mentioned the import mark on the barrel flat . . . it may or may not warrant a letter of authenticity to know where it shipped. I had a 3" Model 10-5 that came back as shipping to the Gov't of Jamaica in Kingston, Jamaica.

Here is an excerpt from BorderView web page:
ATF requires Import Markings to be placed on imported firearms (excluding antiques manufactured before 1899). Required markings include at least our Name, City and State as the importer, and other markings if not already present on the gun (i.e. caliber, model designation if any, country of manufacture, serial number and manufacturer name). As ATF has approved our name to be abbreviated to “BV”, the basic marking is “BV LYNDEN, WA”.

For the rest of the story, go to:
USA Firearm Import Service | BORDERVIEW | International Firearm Logistics

Russ

Edit to Add: I must be very slow to respond with this observation . . . others here are way ahead of me . . . which comes as no surprise!
 
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linde...I don't think others were ahead...it's just great minds thinking alike! :^)
 
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