4-screw Hand Ejector Pre-WWII

[Quenchcrack]

Gentlemen, This is my first post here and it is a question. I have a .38 SPL 6" bbl with real pearl grips, condition is about 75%. No pitting in the barrel or cylinder. Serial number is 239262. There is no "V" in the serial number. I see 4 screws in the frame, 5 if you count the grip screw. The cylinder locks up extremely tight with very little clearance at the forcing cone. It has a smooth but stiff action. Any idea about what this revolver might be worth?

 

[Quenchcrack]

Gentlemen, This is my first post here and it is a question. I have a .38 SPL 6" bbl with real pearl grips, condition is about 75%. No pitting in the barrel or cylinder. Serial number is 239262. There is no "V" in the serial number. I see 4 screws in the frame, 5 if you count the grip screw. The cylinder locks up extremely tight with very little clearance at the forcing cone. It has a smooth but stiff action. Any idea about what this revolver might be worth?

 

[pace40]

Welcome to the forum.

Is your revolver round or square butt? Would love to see some pics. Should be a 5 screw, 4 on the sideplate, 5th one in the front of the trigger guard.

 

[Quenchcrack]

Pace, you are correct; 5 Screws. I can take a couple of photos but I don't know how to post them here.

 

[Quenchcrack]

Sorry, I forgot to mention it is a round butt.

 

[pace40]

Here ya go...

How to post photos

 

[Quenchcrack]

 

[Quenchcrack]

Sorry, I forgot to resize the image. If a forum ADMIN whats to delete them, I can post smaller photos. At least you can really see the details!

 

[delta-419]

Photos are good. A nice revolver! Love the grips.

 

[larry21556]

Just another opinion obviously but I think you have a model 1905 third change from 1914-1915 in something closer to 40-50% original finish, value about $250-$300 for just the pistol. On the bright side those pearls if they prove to be factory, which I think they look like they are, would be worth about the same maybe more depending on their condition. All in all a nice pistol to own. nice clear photos too.

 

[mikepriwer]

1914 or so is about the right date.

One interesting thing about this gun is the fit of the sideplate. It is completely
original, and so perfect that the seam is not even visible around most of its
perimeter. This is what an original-finish gun is suppossed to look like. Any
time the side-plate edges have been rounded over, to where you can see the boundaries
clearly of the side plate, the gun has been refinished.

Without any grips, I doubt the gun is worth $250 to $300. Its more like a $200
gun, given the finish condition of the barrel. I do think the grips have more
value if sold separately - otherwise someone buying only for the grips is going
to have to figure out what to do with the gun , and how much extra are they paying
for the gun, etc.

Together, I think its worth $350, give or take a few bucks. Separately, the grips
would sell easily, but the gun is going to be another story.

Later, Mike Priwer

 

[Quenchcrack]

Thanks for your opinions, guys. The fellow at the gun store said about $900-$1100 but that didn't seem right. Guess it all depends on whose buying it. A bit of history on this gun: my grandfather owned it and he lived in an Italian neighborhood in North Denver. Lots of mob action, including murders back in the 20's and 30's. Not sure how Gramps got the gun but with those pearl grips, it sure looks like a mafia pistol to me. You lookin' at me?

 

[Quenchcrack]

Forgot to ask: is this gun safe to shoot with modern .38 spl ammo? If it is not a high-dollar gun, it might be fun to shoot.

 

[ladder13]

Originally posted by Quenchcrack:
Thanks for your opinions, guys. The fellow at the gun store said about $900-$1100 but that didn't seem right. Guess it all depends on whose buying it. A bit of history on this gun: my grandfather owned it and he lived in an Italian neighborhood in North Denver. Lots of mob action, including murders back in the 20's and 30's. Not sure how Gramps got the gun but with those pearl grips, it sure looks like a mafia pistol to me. You lookin' at me?

If that were my grandpa's gun, I wouldn't sell it for any price. bada bing.

 

[pace40]

Originally posted by Quenchcrack:
Forgot to ask: is this gun safe to shoot with modern .38 spl ammo? If it is not a high-dollar gun, it might be fun to shoot.

Stick with lead cowboy loads and it should be fine. I wouldn't shoot it with the pearls on though. They tend to crack.

 

[charlies]

Not trying to crash into this site but I have the 1st model with those same grips and often wondered if they were factory. No reason for them not to be. My 1st model has adjustable sights and no lug on the bottom of the barrel. All serial numbers match.
Charlie

 

[Quenchcrack]

Nope, not gonna sell it, just wanted to know if it was really valuable or more of a keepsake. Maybe in a few years it will be like a Peacemaker is now.

 

[opoefc]

Those grips are factory and may well be original to the gun, as they look like a good fit. If they are original, there should be a penciled number on the back of the right grip panel, matching the serial number of the gun. Mike has a sharp eye, and what he's pointing out about the sideplate fit, is what every student of S&W's should learn and remember about how to spot a refinished or monkeyed with gun, whether factory or aftermarket. I agree with Mike on his value estimates, but it should not be for sale - it's a family heirloom! .

 

[Bell Charter Oak Holsters]

Originally posted by charlies:
Not trying to crash into this site but I have the 1st model with those same grips and often wondered if they were factory. No reason for them not to be. My 1st model has adjustable sights and no lug on the bottom of the barrel. All serial numbers match.
Charlie

I imagine from your comments you are telling us you have a M&P Model 1899 Target? How about a photo or two?

 

[Bell Charter Oak Holsters]

Quenchcrack;

I agree with Mike Priwer and others on value and condition. It's a nice heirloom from your Grandfather and the grips which I believe are factory original contribute the majority of value to the revolver.

As to your question as to whether or not it will someday approach the value of 1st. or 2nd. generation Colt Single Action Revolvers, (you said "Peacekeeper") I would say that's pure conjecture and doubtful at best. Those Colt's will also continue to rise in value and this revolver will never achieve that level of collectors interest. But, a hundred years from now, who knows? We won't be around to find out. Enjoy your legacy, it's a truly nice memento of your ancestor and a bygone era.