Ball park value???

[Greyman50]

Friend got this 4th Mdl. Top Break in 38 S&W? My knowledge on old Smiths is just from reference books. Anyway he asked me to clean it up and take it to next gun show to sell. After 3 days soaking in Kroil and scrubbing with Soft brass brush its presentable. Cylinders and bore is not bad( left over Kroil in them), action and lock up is fine and even found 10 rounds of ammo for it in other “ stuff” he got.
So whats a fair asking price? Have to post pics in 2 posts.

 

[Greyman50]

More pics.
Comments welcome too.
Thanks in advance

 

[gmborkovic]

Greyman, tough from pics. The blue, from the pics, raise a question of a re-fin. For one, the hammer and trigger should not be blue. Along with the extractor star. Would have to examine more closely.

 

[Greyman50]

Greyman, tough from pics. The blue, from the pics, raise a question of a re-fin. For one, the hammer and trigger should not be blue. Along with the extractor star. Would have to examine more closely.

Not a re- blue as it was in estate that no one “ took care” of much. Colt 25 ACP mag. and PPK mag almost solid rust, still soaking in Kroil. Revolver had rust spots all over. 3 days soaking in Kroil got most of rust off. Still has Kroil on it, perhaps I should wipe it off.

 

[gmborkovic]

Greyman, like I said, tough from pics. Others will be along. Hey, hope Im mis-guided on my opinion.

 

[mrcvs]

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it appears there is bluing in the pitting, which means that it was (re)blued after pitting developed. Also, the sideplate seams are poorly fitted which tells me it was buffed prior to rebluing. This is in addition to what gmborkovic has already stated.

I hope you accept this as constructive criticism.

 

[mmaher94087]

It is definitely a reblue. That affects the value for collectability but not necessarily for Cowboy Action shooting. The reblue telltale points are that the hammer and trigger appear blue and not case colored, the side plate appears rounded at the edge, the extractor star is blue and has been reassembled improperly as the DOT on the star should align with the serial number on the cylinder and, lastly, the barrel pivot pin is not properly 'clocked' with the witness mark on the barrel and sits proud of the frame at the hinge.

 

[Greyman50]

K, no issues. From what I was told thought most of what he got was junk as “ owners did not take care” of anything. Wonder how they got a re- blued piece?
Anyway, whats it worth? Have no Dog in the fight…

 

[BMur]

Power coating/ paint?

It doesn’t look like bluing to me. See close up photo.
I’ve never seen bluing peel. Looks like a powder coating applied with heat. Interesting.

It’s pre-1897 since there is no Logo on the frame so antique. I would list it on the web with really good photos and let the Market decide it’s value.

Murph

 

[murphydog]

A functioning but worn (or refinished) .38 DA is perhaps a $200 gun. Someone who really likes it may go $250.

 

[raljr1]

Bring it on Tuesday, We can look it over then, but I think Alan is pretty close on the value.

 

[rct269]

The gentlemen who've authored posts numbered 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, and 10 are among a fairly large group within this hive who have "been there and done that", as the saying goes. I'll suggest what they may kindly offer as opinions , especially on such a simple matter as original vs. refinished items should be taken as irrefutable facts---rather than the opening gambit in a debate.

Ralph Tremaine

 

[Greyman50]

Want to apologize for my no reblue post. May take it to gun club swap meet and see if any interest. Just trying to help a friend out.
Anyway $200 is way better than nothing.
Thanks again.

 

[JSR III]

Without deeply reviewing the photos and reading my learned colleagues comments I was thinking $200 to $250 at first look. One must remember, if it functions properly, which I am not certain of after reading Mike M's comments, as a firing S&W it has to be worth a couple of hundred to the right party. Heck Airsoft gas pistols can fetch $200.

Someone experimenting with bluing might buy it just to experiment on. Another way to look at value is the sum of the parts. Stocks, hammers, triggers and internal parts all have value. Hammers and triggers can be re case hardened once the bluing is removed, so there are options.

JMHO and worth exactly what you paid for it....

 

[Model19man]

IMHO it's worth $125 - $150 wholesale / $200 - $225 retail.

 

[Greyman50]

Thanks, not sure what he will say but it is what it is.

 

[pantannojack]

I would not touch it. Not when model 10's are so easy to find.