38 S&W Perfected Model, Unk Grips

[SgtDog0311]

Considering this. Pictures is all I have and no price given yet. Would appreciate some education on value in this condition.

I’m questioning the Pearl part, guven the pictures. Opinions on that?

Thanks! John

 

[wlw-19958]

Hi There,

I'm sorry but this revolver is Not a Model #3. It is a .38 S&W Perfected model.
Basically, it is the more modern lock work of the Hand Ejector series built as a
top break. I'm not an expert of these and I will let those more familiar with
this model tell you the story behind its conception.

Cheers!
Webb

 

[SgtDog0311]

I thank you for the correction Webb. I’d be the last to know. A friend who knew I was interested in S&Ws just called and said that is what it was. I thought I might buy it if the price was right. I like old pieces albeit I usually acquire those in better condition. At least now I know what to google. Have no idea of value unless I find some for sale.

 

[mmaher94087]

Roughly 59,000 were made starting around 1909 to 1920. The pearls are aftermarket which is common. The S&W factory pearl would have the S&W medallion inset in the grip. Even so, the revolver is still a nice collectible or shooter.

 

[SgtDog0311]

I’m thinking about an offer of $150.

 

[glowe]

The revolver is easily worth $400. There were 59,400 made and your revolver shipped somewhere before 1919, when the company introduced a hammer block safety and added a 1914 patent date to the barrel. The majority of these revolvers were sent to foreign counties in South America and Europe. It is a modern firearm by BATF definitions. If interested in the history, you can read a piece I did about the Perfected Model.

Medallions were ordered on all pearl stocks starting just before 1900, so those were not installed on that revolver when it left the factory. They could, however, have been a factory pair from prior years put on by the owner, maybe from a 38 DA.

 

[SgtDog0311]

The revolver is easily worth $400. There were 59,400 made and your revolver shipped somewhere before 1919, when the company introduced a hammer block safety and added a 1914 patent date to the barrel. The majority of these revolvers were sent to foreign counties in South America and Europe. It is a modern firearm by BATF definitions. If interested in the history, you can read a piece I did about the Perfected Model.

Medallions were ordered on all pearl stocks starting just before 1900, so those were not installed on that revolver when it left the factory. They could, however, have been a factory pair from prior years put on by the owner, maybe from a 38 DA.

Outstanding work Glowe! And thank you.

 

[SgtDog0311]

Well, I bought it. Part of a package deal. Had to pay a little more than a Ruger New Model Blackhawk (Convertible) was worth. But maybe with a little cash that will serve as trade-stock for one-of-three Smiths I still would like to own.

 

[SgtDog0311]

Arrived! And the grips do appear to be MOP.

Some pictures. You won’t get any glare off stupendous bluing. Condition is what it is but I like it. Have not run a patch down the bore yet; could improve slightly!

Came with a nice little Hunter holster.

Only other top-break I had was my grandfather’s. I gave that to my son who was named for him.

 

[mmaher94087]

Looks nice. Take it out and shoot it. They are fun to shoot even if the .38 S&W isn't the most robust cartridge. Please don't keep it in the leather holster as the finish will deuterate to brown from the tanning Tannins in the leather.