2quads
Member
Can any one give me an approximate value of a a 1942 .38 spl. Marked Dept. of corrections?
1942 S&W
- Thread starter 2quads
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We need a little more info to nail down the specific ID and possible value. What is the serial number stamped on the butt of the gun, and what is the last patent date stamped on the barrel? What leads you to date the gun to 1942?
If there is a letter stamped in front of the S/N -- V, for example -- we need to know that too. It is part of the gun's number.
Pictures would be a big help in establishing both identity and condition.
If there is a letter stamped in front of the S/N -- V, for example -- we need to know that too. It is part of the gun's number.
Pictures would be a big help in establishing both identity and condition.
DWalt
Member
As DCWilson suggested, the key piece of information is the serial number on the bottom of the butt. If there is a letter there, like V, VS, S, or C, include it. There should also be the same number stamped on the bottom of the barrel and on the rear face of the cylinder. You should also provide the barrel length (measured from the front face of the cylinder), and list all markings stamped on it. Value is very strongly influenced by condition, so without a series of good pictures showing detail, it is not possible to estimate a value, except over a very wide range, like $100 to $500. $100 would be with little or no original finish, damage, defacement, modified/missing/replaced parts, or in non-working condition. $500 would be for one in complete and original condition that looks much like it did when it left the factory.
OP
2quads
Member
It was dated by the serial # a while back but I can't remember what it was and I don't have the gun here. Finish was nothing special, but it locked up pretty good. The guy wanted to sell it and I was thinking on it. That's why I was asking about a ball park figure. I just found my notes on it.
5 screw, 4" barrel, diamond grips,S&W logo on left side and made in USA on the right side, Dept. of correction stamped on the rear butt frame.
Serial # is 6136XX found on the bottom of butt and on the cylinder.
I hope this will help a little.
5 screw, 4" barrel, diamond grips,S&W logo on left side and made in USA on the right side, Dept. of correction stamped on the rear butt frame.
Serial # is 6136XX found on the bottom of butt and on the cylinder.
I hope this will help a little.
charlie sherrill
Member
It's probably a 1905 4th change. There's a lot of them around. The "Dept. of Corrections" wouldn't mean anything to me unless I knew which department and it was one I wanted. In decent shape it might be a $300 gun to me. Don't shoot +P in it. It probably doesn't have the hammer block either. Is the serial number preceded by a "V"? I've bought several similar to what you describe in the $200 range, just not lately.
OP
2quads
Member
Charlie, no prefix with the serial #.
OP
2quads
Member
Was I correct on the date?
That serial number would actually have been shipped in the early to mid '30s. A 1942 gun would usually have had either a V prefix or an unprefixed number above 900000. We can't get you to a manufacturing date because S&W controlled inventory by ship date. In good times, guns could (but didn't always) go out soon after assembly. But during the depression the company had a lot of inventory and little new production, so the ship dates don't correlate very well with serial numbers.
I would agree that sounds like about a $300 gun as a shooter, but if you could determine which DoC actually owned it, the price might go up for specialty collectors. A factory letter might tell you which agency received it, but then again the letter might just say that it went to a regional distributor who later passed it on to a state institution.
I would agree that sounds like about a $300 gun as a shooter, but if you could determine which DoC actually owned it, the price might go up for specialty collectors. A factory letter might tell you which agency received it, but then again the letter might just say that it went to a regional distributor who later passed it on to a state institution.
OP
2quads
Member
OK, thanks for the information guys I really appreciate it.
DWalt
Member
It was likely made in the early-middle 1930s, but could have been shipped somewhat later. During the depression gun sales slowed drastically, and frames and finished revolvers could remain in factory inventory for years. It would not be unexpected to find that the actual shipping date could have been in the late 1930s, possibly even as late as 1940.
That one is called a S&W Model 1905 Hand Ejector, 4th Change, Military and Police Revolver.
$300 is a reasonable price, again depending upon exact condition, which is difficult to assess without some pictures. If you do get it, a factory letter ($50) would probably be worthwhile to establish the exact shipping date and to whom it was shipped.
That one is called a S&W Model 1905 Hand Ejector, 4th Change, Military and Police Revolver.
$300 is a reasonable price, again depending upon exact condition, which is difficult to assess without some pictures. If you do get it, a factory letter ($50) would probably be worthwhile to establish the exact shipping date and to whom it was shipped.
