.38 pearl handle

[scount]

Can someone help identify my great grandfathers pistol? Any idea on what it would be worth too?

1) Type, top-break
2) Serial # - 474xxx
3) .38 S&W
4) barrel length 3 1/4"
5) fixed site

 

[nutsforsmiths]

I'm not sure of the age or worth of the top break, but those S&W pearl grips are worth at least $150 by themselves.

 

[opoefc]

Welcome to the Forum, It appears to have been reblued at least once, which takes away any collector value, as 1,000s of this model were made and only guns with original finish bring respectable prices. As said above, the pearl stocks, if no chips or cracks, are worth as much as the gun - so probably $275-$355 value range in a good auction, if the mechanics are good. Ed.

 

[scount]

Thanks Ed! Anything you can tell me on the history? Year built, etc?

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass! It is a 38 double action 4th model that was made from 1895 to 1909. It most likely was made after 1900 but someone that has data on these guns we'll have to pin it down for you. In that time frame the hand ejectors came out and knocked down the sales of the top breaks. So it may not have shipped until later in that time frame.

Guy

 

[BMur]

Hey Scount,
One of the hardest things to accomplish is an accurate appraisal of an antique firearm. Though like Guy mentioned it might be a post 1898 Manufacture from that serial number range and therefore a Curio.
I actively watch these sell on various websites and I saw one like yours without Pearl grips ( Hard Rubber ) fully functional with Zero finish sell for over $300 just last week. So there is Market interest in these! Yours is very sellable if fully functional ( Action works both single and double and the auto eject system works as well) and it honestly depends on who sees the auction and how much they “want the piece.” Those grips could be a significant motivator in an active auction. If they factory letter to the gun? ( That means you have obtained a historical letter from Roy Jinks from Smith & Wesson’s Historical Department that confirms the gun was originally shipped “ with” factory Pearl grips) Things could get very competitive!! Can we please have you carefully remove the grips and provide us with a photo of the back side of both grips? For further evaluation?