another "what do I have here" request

Billclou

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I have searched and searched, looking for what this gun is, but I can't find one of this size. It's a 38 S&W.
The serial number is 5 numerals starting with 57xxx.
It also has matching numbers inside that can be seen with the cylinder open, but I understand these are just assembly numbers.
On the backside of the butt there is another number, one letter and 3 numerals, starting with a S1xx.
Here are some pix's
IMG_1896.jpg

IMG_1892.jpg

IMG_1904.jpg

also curious to find what kind of value this gun has.

This forum is a GREAT place.....
Thanks to all in advance.
Bill
 
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Bill, welcome to the forum. It appears to me to be an early Chief Special that later became the model 36 around 1957 when the feds required guns to be model marked. It is a very early example as evidenced by the round blade front sight and of course the 5 digit serial number.

The stocks are not original to the gun and the S 1XX number on the backstrap is most likely an after sale marking perhaps by some law enforcement agency as a rack number.

These guns were typically carried by detectives and higher ranking officers that did not work in the street. Designed as a smaller carry piece that could fit in a pant holster or carried in a pant or jacket pocket. The name Chief Special was chosen at a convention of police officers when the gun was first introduced. Unfortunately, in recent years S&W has seen fit to use the name again so the term is sometimes confusing.

Hope that helps.:D
 
I agree with armadillo, a post-war Terrier based upon the 4 line markings on the right frame. Terriers are neat guns and not frequently seen. The 38 SW was considered a rather underpowered round but are fun to shoot. If I recall SaxonPig did some testing of this round with decent results.
 
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Jim,
I think if you look a little closer at the Caliber Marking on the Barrel you will see it is Stamped "38 S&W Ctg."!! If I'm correct this should make this an Early Production "Post-War" 38/32 "Terrier" or Pre-Model 32 whichever you would care to name it. I'm not an expert on these,but I did acquire one in a multiple gun deal about 25 yrs ago & I mistakingly took it for an Early "Chief's Special" as well. I think it would have been produced in Late 1948-Early 1949 at the latest,but without a letter who knows for sure.
 
Yes, a .38/32 Terrier. These were numbered in the .38 Regulation Police series. Postwar I-frames resumed production in 1950. This gun has a fairly low postwar serial number and probably dates from that year.
 
Yes, later 1940s 'Terrier', with original Factory Blue finish, if wearing non-original stocks.


I really like these, good find!

I hope I can find one like yours one of these days...I like the mellowness and character it has.

Anyway, as others have mentioned in passing, yours is chambered for ".38 S & W Cartridge", not to be confused with .38 Special, which is a different Cartridge altogether.
 
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these are interesting little guns. you certainly don't run across one very often. it is good to see one "come out of the woodwork"!
 
"Terrier"

Neat early Terrier you have there... I love these "little guns" from this era... There were other calibers too.

This .38 Special "Baby Chief" is 1,1xx

BabyChief4.jpg


BabyChief1.jpg


BabyChief3.jpg


This .32 is 578,xxx

5-ScrewImpIJFrame008.jpg


5-ScrewImpIJFrame009.jpg


"I", "Improved-I" and then later "J" framed guns marched through a series of design progressions in the late 40's through the 60's and many will be found with prewar features... Note the rounded front sight, The differences in the size of the trigger guard bow, the lengths of the cylinders and stocks.

5-ScrewImpIJFrame001.jpg


Later Terriers ended up looking like this... No. 79,xxx

PreModel32Terrier79881008.jpg


PreModel32Terrier79881006.jpg


PreModel32Terrier79881004.jpg


Drew
 
Wow... Kinda neat to see this is not really a "worthless" gun as the guy at the range led me to believe some 20 odd years ago. The gun functions properly, isn't too loose, and is fun (however expensive) to shoot.
Isn't the internet great. Thanks for all the info. I'm sure I'll be hangin round these parts (this forum) for a while.........

Bill
 
Bill,
Although the .38 S&W is a bit anemic by todays standards it is certainly much stronger than harsh words .

While it does not surprise me that a gun shop owner even 20 years ago might value your Terrier revolver very low as a self defense weapon,
Many of us really enjoy early post war examples like yours as they represent a link in the chain of post war production when S&W was developing different ideas for the consumer market.

Thanks for sharing it with us.
 
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Bill, my bad. I did not see the barrel marking and went by the guns appearance only. Not being a .38 special, then no way it could be an early Chief. Luckily the others caught my error and gave you the correct info.:(
 
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