38 S&W Top Break

[Ol'Pappy]

I am trying to help a friend identify this revolver. Serial no. on butt of grip is 536XXX. On the left side, to the right of the sideplate screw is a crest with what appears to be a fruit horn, a deer, and a flower inside of a shield. I think this will be visible in the pictures. I appreciate any info you can provide. Thanks.
Edit: Also, any info on value would be helpful.

 

[Jim Watson]

Looks like a .38 Double Action Fourth Model.
The serial number is high, they only reached 539000 in 1909, so this is a late gun as such things go.

I haven't a clue on the crest, does he have any European aristocrats in his family tree who might put their coat of arms on a gun?



deadin, I think you got it. That sure does look like the Peruvian Crest. But I had to look it up after you said so.

 

[deadin]

You might want your friend to letter that gun. The crest looks like the Peruvian National Crest. I don't know if this would add much value, but it can't hurt....

 

[Ol'Pappy]

Thanks for the replies Jim and deadin. They really narrow down what the gun is. I did find an old sale (2008) on gunauction.com for one like it with the peruvian crest for $250. The gun appears to function well, but does have a fair amount of rust. Does $200-$250 sound about right for value?

 

[deadin]

I would do a little more research than depending on a 6 year old sale on the internet. Hopefully some of our advanced collectors will sign in with some opinions. Give them a little time......