Help with value of S&W 38 Special 1908

[Starangel1]

Looks exactly like the picture on the forum front page. Would like to know the value? Holds bullets, not powder. Excellent condition. Working order. Your help appreciated.

 

[glowe]

There is a very wide range in value depending on condition, barrel length, type of sights, etc. Range is $150 to $700+, so more details about the revolver, including serial number and pictures would be necessary to narrow the price range.

 

[opoefc]

Get yourself a copy of "The Standard Catalog of S&W, 3rd edit" by Supica & Nahas. It can't answer your questions about "S&W .38 Special 1908" as there is no such gun , however I think you are looking at a patent date on the barrel and confusing that with a model date, right? You probably have an early K frame .38 hand ejector model, of some type and with the book you can figure out which model you have. Post a picture and provide the info. that Glowe mentions above, and we can help you. Good Luck, Ed.

 

[Starangel1]

Thanks for replies.

As I had said, it looks EXACTLY like the gun in the forum picture. Specifically, reads Smith & Wesson,Springfield, Mass. USA. Patented Feb.8.08 Sept.14.08. Dec. 28. 14.

These are the dates on the barrelhead. Registration # is on the handle. I prefer not to list that #. Don't think it would assist in finding out its worth.

As for the book you mention, I would have no idea where to find it. I would like to know it's value. It's a family heirloom having belonged to my Grandfather. I would like to knkow process to sell. Since it is an heirloom, does it have to be registered?

I would like to know the value. Since it is an heirloom, does it have to be registered?Where would I go to do this? Your response is appreciated.

 

[Oyeboteb]

Without good images, none of your questions will be possible to answer. I myself have no idea what reference image you are using for comparison, since my access to this forum is never one where I would see that image.

Also, anyone into old guns, old Cars, old 'bikes' or old anything, know how people always say something "Looks EXACTLY" like something else, when, 9 times out of ten, when seen by someone who knows the subject, it does not "look exactly like".

Someone would have a 1938 Plymouth 4 Door, and swear it "Looks exactly like" a 1933 Buick 80 Series Coupe.



And even if it did 'look exactly like', there is more to it...so...

Good images...

Serial Number with last digits as "X"s...

Then you will have your 'answers'.

 

[Goony]

Welcome to the forum, although I think you're expecting more of us here than we can provide at this point.

Without at least a partial serial number, that number on the butt you don't think will assist us here, there is no way to properly identify what you have. Most folks here give the first few characters of the serial number (including any letter prefix) and substitute X's for the last 2 or 3 digits.

As to value, few here will venture to make that call without seeing a photo or two. There are just too many variables that can affect a gun's worth that are not evident sight unseen.

As to the necessity of registering your gun, or any other legal requirements you may need to meet to possess it, that is entirely dependent upon the jurisdiction in which you live. Someone here who resides in the same state and/or city in which you do may be able to comment on that, but we don't have that information yet either.

 

[murphydog]

From the information provided, all that we can tell you is - it is probably a .38 Military & Police that was made between 1914 and 1940. If it has the raised front and rear sights as in the Forum heading, it is a Target model. It may be worth $100, or if it is the specific gun pictured, $15000.

You may want to post photos if you can for a better estimate. Click on Post Reply under the last message in the thread, then Manage Attachments. A smaller window will open with an empty text box. Click on Browse to search your hard drive for the location of the photos, then Upload. They should appear in the text when you post the message. Feel free not to post the serial number.

Finally, please consider you'll have your grandfather's family heirloom only once, and at some point in the future you (or your grandchildren) may regret selling it. Hope this is helpful.

 

[opoefc]

Starangel1, You can get the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson at any good bookstore, such as Barnes & Nobel, the cost is about $30, or most libraries can get it for you. Why would you want to sell a family heirloom gun? I doubt if it's value is more than a few hundred dollars, as a gun, but it's priceless to your family heritage. Ed.

 

[Starangel1]

S&W Special 38 CTG Heirloom 1908-1914

Need a value of this S&W Special 38 CTG Heirloom Patented 1908 - 1914 Can anyone provide a value of attached S&W Special 38 CTG Heirloom 1908 - 1914. Serial #50xxx8 I really don't want to purchase a book for it's value. Hoped someone would be able to assist. Thanking you in advance.

 

[Goony]

CarTridGe - an abbreviation in the caliber designation.

You have a Military & Police (Model of 1905, 4th Change). This is a very common gun as far as S&W's go. Yours dates to about 1926. Condition doesn't look to be all that terrific, and combined with its being relatively ubiquitous, I'd say your revolver is worth $200-300 (retail) as a shooter, provided it is in good mechanical order and the bore looks better than the exterior finish. Don't expect collectors to be be lining up for this one, although it does at least appear to have the original stocks.

 

[Starangel1]

Thanks for reply. Why does it have December, 1914 on the side of it? It is in good working condition. Worn from years, true! Mechanism in good working order.

 

[Dpris]

That's a patent date.
Denis

 

[handejector]

Starangel1,
I combined your many threads on this gun here in the proper category.

 

[Ckingmore]

S&W 38 special serial # 46xxx7

I was wondering if this was yet another fine, but not valuable , 38 special. It is in moderately good condition, with vulcanized hard rubber grips ( ivory with black swirls). Thanks for any info.

 

[DCWilson]

S&W 38 special serial # 46xxx7

I was wondering if this was yet another fine, but not valuable , 38 special. It is in moderately good condition, with vulcanized hard rubber grips ( ivory with black swirls). Thanks for any info.

Probably. If there is no letter prefix stamped in front of that serial number, the gun probably dates to about 1924. If there is a V prefix, it is a wartime gun (WWII). A C or K prefix puts it into the 1950s (or possibly even later). A picture would help.

Grips like you describe are not factory original and make me worry that this could be a modified revolver. How long is the barrel? Does it have fixed or adjustable sights?

 

[Ckingmore]

It does have a "V" separated from the numbers by a lariat attachment . The sights are fixed( large front , recessed groove rear). The barrel is 4" ( I think). And oh yeah, thanks for the quick reply-- impressive!!

 

[Ckingmore]

I forgot-- the last patent date listed was "14" , the first 1908.

 

[murphydog]

As DCWilson mentioned, you have a WW II production revolver called the "Victory Model". The 4" .38 Specials primarily went to the US military, and some to defense contractors stateside. It should have had smooth walnut stocks as original, so the ones you describe are replacements. These have the standard patent rollmarks on the barrel, used after 1914 and through WW II to slightly after the war.

To post photos (hint, hint ) please see post #7 above. Hope this is helpful.

 

[Ckingmore]

Thanks for the reply . You've been ver helpful . I promise to post photos should I submit other questions.