1899 navy contract value

[charley co.]

Curious to know what this beauty might be worth. An 1899 HE in 38lc marked on butt USN. Obviously refinished but in like new condition. The bbl., cylinder and frame have a star stamping. I have a letter from David C Chicoine, Contributing editor American Rifleman mag. that ids this as one of 1000 of a US navy contract delivered in 1900 and the star stamps indicate the gun was refurbished by the S&W service dept. at some time. I have this piece over 50 years.

 

[murphydog]

It looks nice! Have a look at the left lower side of the grip frame with the stock panel removed for a month.year date stamp and possibly a refinish code (often R-B in a rectangle). A factory refinish will make it worth less than an original gun in equivalent condition but more than a non-factory redo.

 

[wheelgun610]

As Alan mentioned, if the refinish was done at the factory, it may also be stamped [R-S] (in a rectangular box) to indicate "refinish - standard". The date codes were either 3 or 4 digits. For example, 3.67 would indicate the gun was serviced at the factory in March, 1967. The star on the barrel and cylinder could also indicate that those parts were replaced by the factory.

Mark