Another model ID please

[firsttimecaller]

Hi guys, I picked this up at a friends estate. I don't know much about revolvers. It all works, it is a snub nose 38 S&W and you can see the rest from the photos. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, I appreciate it.

 

[JP@AK]

On the left side of the barrel, does it say 38 S&W SPL?

It has a prewar (long action) hammer. Interesting.

 

[firsttimecaller]

does not say special, it says 38 S&W CTG

 

[DWalt]

Looks like it could be a .38 S&W Terrier. If so, SN would put it as pre-WWII, maybe around 1937.

 

[JP@AK]

does not say special, it says 38 S&W CTG

That makes more sense. It is a .38/32 Terrier, prewar. Not a particularly easy gun to locate. Congratulations.

 

[DWalt]

Prewar Terriers are fairly neat and desirable guns, and are not exactly common. Due to its condition, it wouldn't have a high value, but many would go for one as a shooter. .38 S&W ammo is a little difficult to find, but it is still made. You might have to find a dealer to special order it for you. .38 S&W Special cartridges won't work.

 

[firsttimecaller]

Thanks guys! I figured it was from the 50's or so. Pretty cool that it's that old.
And you figure it could be a good shooting pistol? I'll have it checked out, it looks clear and good to me, but i was holding off on firing it until i knew more about it.
Any guess as to a value?

 

[smith17]

Someone carried the snot out of it. The checkering on the right side grip looks smooth and that takes a lot of rubbing on a hard rubber grip.
If I had a table at a local show, it might move at $300 or a bit more.
I actually find it somewhat erotic.
Ed

 

[DWalt]

I probably wouldn't go much higher than $300, but I'd certainly go for it at $300. I like anything chambered in .38 S&W. Many do not because of the logistics problem with the ammo. I load my own .38 S&W, so that's not an issue for me.

 

[murphydog]

It's a fairly scarce barrel length for a prewar .38/32 Terrier. Hard to judge a value on it with the combination of low production and wear.

Forum member DCWilson has compiled information on them and will be along shortly. Enjoy!

PS Was "Longtimelistener" already taken?

 

[Hondo44]

These Terriers are built on the pre and post war I frame, the Improved I frame (coil mainspring replaced the leaf spring), and the New I frame until Jan 1961 when they began being built on the J frame.

There is no long or short action on the I frames; pre and post war actions are the same.

 

[DCWilson]

I have been tracking the prewar Terriers for about four years now, and this is only the 43rd specimen that I have learned about (maybe only 41, as I never got the serial numbers of two of them). They just aren't seen that often.

May I ask confirmation that the three digits in the middle of the serial number are 698? Deep-stamped serial numbers can be hard to read in photos. The same number should appear on the rear face of the cylinder and underside barrel flat.

I now believe that fewer than a thousand of this model were made, and maybe no more than 800. Aggregate postwar Terrier production (both transitional and redesigned varieties) is quite a bit higher. In top condition the prewar Terriers can sell for more than $2000. Even a well-used specimen like this one would bring more than its shooter value from a collector of rarely seen models. I don't know that anyone would spend more than $1000 for this one, but I bet several collectors and would-be owners might offer into the high hundreds for it.

Welcome to the forum. Nice way to make an entry!

 

[firsttimecaller]

Guys, thank you so much for all of the information!I had no idea of the pedigree of this type of gun. I just thought it would make nice small carry piece. Seems like I am now a gun collector!

DCWilson - It does look like it is 46987 for a series number

I have been tracking the prewar Terriers for about four years now, and this is only the 43rd specimen that I have learned about (maybe only 41, as I never got the serial numbers of two of them). They just aren't seen that often.

May I ask confirmation that the three digits in the middle of the serial number are 698? Deep-stamped serial numbers can be hard to read in photos. The same number should appear on the rear face of the cylinder and underside barrel flat.

I now believe that fewer than a thousand of this model were made, and maybe no more than 800. Aggregate postwar Terrier production (both transitional and redesigned varieties) is quite a bit higher. In top condition the prewar Terriers can sell for more than $2000. Even a well-used specimen like this one would bring more than its shooter value from a collector of rarely seen models. I don't know that anyone would spend more than $1000 for this one, but I bet several collectors and would-be owners might offer into the high hundreds for it.

Welcome to the forum. Nice way to make an entry!