So, I've been all over this forum reading and found tons of amazing information. I tried to talk him out of it but he insists it needs to be sold. My father-in-law has (what I've determined based on info here) a prewar 38/44 HD from 35/36'. The serial number is 45661 no S preceding it. From what I gather he got it from his dad, who got it from his twin brother, who they believe purchased it new. He seems to have no interest in doing the paperwork and trying to track down information. I'm just trying to get an estimation as none of the shop around my area seem to deal in older firearms.
Estimated value?
- Thread starter Jasper850
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You have a very nice pre-war 38 44 Heavy Duty model in the uncommon barrel length of 6 1/2". Gun seems to have original blue finish, correct pre-war grips. I amnot up to date on value so that I will defer to other more knowledgeable members to inform you.
But very nice gun in very fine original condition. Btw welcome to the forum
But very nice gun in very fine original condition. Btw welcome to the forum
I know my father-in-law has not had any work done to it. And put very few rounds through it. I tried to get him to keep it and pass it down to one of the kids or grandkids but again no real interest. Haha. I did take measurements and it is definitely a 6.5" barrel. Which I found to be a little more challenging to find information on. I obviously guesstimated the date wrong though. Thank for correcting that!
That is a very, very nice Heavy Duty. I don't know how many 6.5 pre war HDs were made but not many. I have SN 45365, also a 6.5 inch, which shipped in March of 1935.
I don't see 6.5s, or 4s, often enough to know what a likely value is but I can tell you I recently paid $1272 for mine at auction and mine has what I suspect is a slightly modified front sight. I would happily pay that much for yours. Do the grips have the SN stamped on the inside of the right hand panel? I've wondered if mine shipped with magnas or service stocks as you show. That's a really nice example. Oh, one other thing to check for. Quite a few of these were reamed to accept 357 magnum ammo, you might check for that as it will affect value for some; less value for collectors usually.
You may find this recent post about 4 inch HDs of interest. it suggests there were even fewer 6.5 inch produced. And a warm welcome to the Forum.
38/44 Heavy Duty Pre war 4 inch
Jeff
SWCA #1457
I don't see 6.5s, or 4s, often enough to know what a likely value is but I can tell you I recently paid $1272 for mine at auction and mine has what I suspect is a slightly modified front sight. I would happily pay that much for yours. Do the grips have the SN stamped on the inside of the right hand panel? I've wondered if mine shipped with magnas or service stocks as you show. That's a really nice example. Oh, one other thing to check for. Quite a few of these were reamed to accept 357 magnum ammo, you might check for that as it will affect value for some; less value for collectors usually.
You may find this recent post about 4 inch HDs of interest. it suggests there were even fewer 6.5 inch produced. And a warm welcome to the Forum.
38/44 Heavy Duty Pre war 4 inch
Jeff
SWCA #1457
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I have not taken the grips off to check yet. I probably should do that. I am under the impression that it is all original. My father-in-law is not a gun guy and it appears to have lived in a cloth case for I have no idea how long. My wife didn't even know he owned it.
I'll also mic the cylinder and barrel tomorrow. I do believe it hasn't been reamed. I know my father-in-law simply told me he had a .38 special in a 44 frame and he'd like some help selling it. Then I went down a rabbit hole doing research. And posted it on a local forum and a gentleman there led me to this forum. Where the rabbit hole of research continued and seemed to really pay off as far as information goes.
Aside from the muzzle blue wear, your FIL has a very nice pre-war HD. I'd guess value between $1350 and $1500. Does he have the box for it?
Unfortunately no box. I tried to convince him the history report might be worth doing. And getting some information about his dad and brother to go with it. Also keeping it based on the condition might be worth it. It just doesn't seem to be anything he's interested in. And I very much appreciate all the help and information from everyone.
No need to dig out the verniers for that...Open the cylinder and look down the charge holes; if you see two ridges, it's been reamed...Verify if you have a .357 Mag live round, empty case or a dummy round (snap cap) drop it in the cylinder...If it seats fully in the cylinder, it's been reamed; if not it's .38 Spl...
...BenWelcome to the Forum, Jasper. I agree, your FIL has a very nice and desirable .38/44 Heavy Duty. Except for some minor finish issues, it's in great condition. The stocks are very nice too, although there appears to be a small crack at the top of the circle on the left stock. Looking in the cylinders, I would guess that it has not been reamed and is still .38 Special...but it does deserve to be checked out. I've seen quite a few 6-1/2" bbl .38/44 Outdoorsman (with rear target sight), but I haven't seen many HDs with a 6-1/2" bbl. IMO that revolver is probably worth $1200+, maybe a little more to the right collector. The revolver has some family provenance so it's a shame that your FIL doesn't want to keep it in the family as an heirloom and perhaps gift it to you!
If I were in your shoes I'd offer him fair market value and keep it in the family. HDs are a favorite of mine, your FIL's gun is what would be called "rare", though the definition is kind of meaningless unless selling to a collector. The market is kind of soft right now and there are a lot of people who just don't appreciate having a .38 in such a large gun.
I did notice the small crack in the grip, part of the reason I haven't pulled the handles off to match numbers. I didn't want to damage anything. I've tried to convince him to keep it. I offered to do the history on it and trade him a newer model semi auto handgun and cash to keep it in the family. I personally have never owned a revolver and am not a collector. But as it seems, he believes it's better suited going to a collector who would appreciate it more so than living in my safe and being forgotten about and then passed down again.
I believe the crack you mentioned is above the medallion on the left panel. I would think the stocks should come off without further damage. But then, I'm not holding it in my hands and It's not my gun.
It is above the medallion. And I'm going to risk it this evening to see if the numbers match. I'm going to have to let the guys that told me to post questions here know that he was right. You guys have all been super helpful and way more knowledgeable than what I was getting locally. It's been very interesting reading, researching, and learning about these 38/44s. Again I appreciate all the information and help everyone's is providing!
Usually, even tightly fitted grips, will come off without too much trouble or risk of damage. Turn the screw out, using the right size screwdriver, enough turns so that it is above the level of the wood. Then tap on the screw head lightly, which will loosen the right side of the grip allowing you to pull it off.
Jeff
SWCA #1457
I'm pretty sure that glue made from dead horses will fix that crack just fine, but if you somehow manage to get your hands on it and don't want to fix it yourself, it would probably pay to consult or employ VM.
I get the impression that perhaps your fil wants to cash out of this gun for maximum dollars. While I don't now his financial state, maybe you can convince him that since you're willing to offer him fair value that maybe a grandchild may be interested in this gun one day and what better way to remember grandpa than this?
I'm sure most of us here in this situation would be thrilled if a grandchild took interest in any gun that we may own as a legacy piece Not what They can cash out for. That's me, But I'm sure the majority of the membership would agree as well.
I'm sure most of us here in this situation would be thrilled if a grandchild took interest in any gun that we may own as a legacy piece Not what They can cash out for. That's me, But I'm sure the majority of the membership would agree as well.
So, the serial number on the wood grip matches. No extra damage in removing it to check. .357 mag round does not seat completely. As to him trying to cash out, he has no real sense of the value of it. Honestly he was talking about selling it to buy a modern 9mm should he ever need a gun at home for a defensive situation. As far as his financial situation goes, he's perfectly fine and the money is not an issue. He saw it as a means to a more modern fire arm after hitting the range with my son and I and shooting some of mine. To which I offered a cash/modern 9mm trade for it. He doesn't have a sentimental attachment to it, it's just a firearm that was gifted to him.
