Baby Russian and model 1 3rd issue?

[Tony M.]

I've had these guns for a while, and I was reminded of them today, when their previous owner called me to ask a question about something unrelated.

I bought both guns on a whim, as the price was right for me at the time they were for sale. I've been thinking about shooting the .38, as it locks up tighter than some modern S&W's I've shot.

First up, I believe this is a "Baby Russian" caliber of course is .38 S&W. serial 107XX

Second, I believe is a model 1 3rd issue? serial 1208XX

I was wondering if someone could verify my identification, and help me determine a rough valuation of the guns.

 

[mmaher94087]

Tony M.
Your identification is correct in both instances. If you shoot the Baby Russian, use Black Powder loads. It was not made for Smokeless ammo. Also, on the subject of your Baby Russian, measure the barrel length as it appears to be the scarce 4" barrel. Mike #283

 

[Tony M.]

Thanks for the info Mike, I just checked, and the barrel on the baby russian is just 3.25. I'll heed the warning about the pressures in the old gun if I shoot it.

I'm wondering about the value of the guns mainly because the previous owner tells me that he has something like 20-25 more S&W's from the same era, (all pre 1898) all in similar condition (some a little better, some a little worse) and I'm wondering if I should try to sell the ones I have to buy some of the rest of what he's offering.

 

[H Richard]

If they are in anywhere near the condition of the two you show, get them all listed on the forum so we have a chance to buy them. My third issue SCSW3 lists the Baby Russian; as new 1600, Exc+ 650, Exc 800, Fine 500, VG 375, Good 300, Fair 200, and Poor 125. From what I can see, it would rate in the Fine to Exc catrgory with the exception of the broken grips.

The Mod 1, 3rd issue would probably fall in the VG to Fine category with a value between $250 and $350. Keep in mind these prices were compiled in 2005. The market has gone down and now coming back up so may not be too far off. You would need to have valued by someone that can actually hold and evaluate the condition.

 

[Tony M.]

I'll talk to him again. When I asked a while ago, he didn't want to sell them online, or have anyone sell them online for him. maybe he's changed his mind by now.

 

[alaskavett]

Nice guns. Selling his collection on line, especially on this site, will most likely get the best response. I.E., they will sell quickly and at a fair price for everyone involved. just my thoughts. Thanks for sharing yours with us, Kyle

 

[Tony M.]

Thanks for the help and advice guys! I guess I'll put these for sale sometime soon, and see how things go from there.

 

[H Richard]

You can also tell him that any gun issued prior to 1898 is an antique and requires no paperwork of any kind, and may be mailed through regular USPS. Most will fit in the small flat rate box, I believe is about $6.00.