2 to Identify/date

[99Grizz]

Hi, hoping to get some info on a couple hand ejectors I just got from from father. I've gathered some knowledge thanks to your sticky threads

First is a pre-war adj sight, 6", 5screw, 22LR.
No model # on yoke. Front strap has serial 364882 which is also on back of cylinder and on the bottom of the barrel near yoke with the addition of the letter "B" in front of the serial.

Second: post war adj sight, 8" 38 special, Model 14-4, serial on bottom strap 34K9885

Any insight greatly appreciated,
-Grizz

 

[DWalt]

25K001 – 56K9,999......1978 – 79

On the .22, are you certain the SN is correct? That doesn't seem right for either the first or second model .22 Target revolvers. The B ahead of the SN generally would mean it had a blued finish when it left the factory.

 

[murphydog]

The .22 revolver is probably a .22/32 Heavy Frame Target, from the 1920s. It is also called the Bekeart Model, after the man who proposed S & W produce it and who received some of the first ones made in 1911.

 

[99Grizz]

25K001 – 56K9,999......1978 – 79

On the .22, are you certain the SN is correct? That doesn't seem right for either the first or second model .22 Target revolvers. The B ahead of the SN generally would mean it had a blued finish when it left the factory.

So the .38 special really isn't all that special?

The 22LR serial is correct. Iv'e got 48 year old tired eyes but thanks to glasses and magnifying tools with LED lighting I discount daaable checked the #. I'd bet money on the "B" prefix but could see how it was a heavy stamped "S" instead. Other than some slight blueing wear due to holstering its about flawless. Any idea on value for insurance purpose?

 

[DWalt]

As stated previously, the .22 revolver is probably a Bekaert Model, which is much different from the later first and second model .22 target revolvers built on K-frames. I don't know how the SNs date on Bekaerts.

Value depends largely on condition. As there are no pictures provided to give a hint of that, I don't think too many will venture a guess as to value for insurance purposes. I'd say no more than $1500 for the pair, could easily be less.

 

[Hondo44]

The .22 LR chambered gun (and NOT .22 High Velocity) is a ".22/32 Heavy Frame Target", earliest versions of which from 1911 were known as the "Bekeart Model" until serial # 209XXX, of the Phil B. Bekeart Co., the first retailer to order a .22 on the .32 frame size. Known as the 'Heavy Frame Target' beginning in 1915 when introduced as a regular catalog item.

Your #364882 is above 258000, when HFTs were equipped with Regulation Police stocks with one screw after WW I instead of the 2 screw Target pre war stocks. And it's under 365000 which is before 1922 when the single-line MADE IN U.S.A was introduced and roll stamped on the right side front of the frame.

Insure for $1200 contingent upon an accurate estimate of the percentage of original finish left. Of course that's more than current value for obvious reasons and also because market value is constantly climbing on this model.

Is yours like the top gun, 60 to 70% condition (with 1 screw Regulation Police grips)?

Or closer to this 95% one (with 2 screw target stocks)?

 

[99Grizz]

Hondo44: My 22 looks just like the one you pictured (long barrel on top) but is in better condition. Forgot to mention that on the bottom of grip is stamped/carved "PAT. JUNE 5, 1917" and no "MADE IN USA" on right side

 

[murphydog]

I would agree on an insured value for both of about $1500 (a little higher wouldn't hurt either), if the model 14 is in similar condition.