Identify a Smith?

[DanTN]

I have an antique Smith and Wesson mother of pearl handled .38 caliber revolver. and I am hoping to sell it. Do you know of anyone who may be able to give me a value??

It has a number on the butt of the handle, the number is 56195. The ?nickel? is in good shape as is the mother of pearl. Along the top ridge of the barrel is the following "Smith and Wesson pat'd Beby 20, 77 Dec 18, 77 May 11, 80 Sept 11, 83 2 Auc 485." That is the best I can read what it says.

 

[DanTN]

I have an antique Smith and Wesson mother of pearl handled .38 caliber revolver. and I am hoping to sell it. Do you know of anyone who may be able to give me a value??

It has a number on the butt of the handle, the number is 56195. The ?nickel? is in good shape as is the mother of pearl. Along the top ridge of the barrel is the following "Smith and Wesson pat'd Beby 20, 77 Dec 18, 77 May 11, 80 Sept 11, 83 2 Auc 485." That is the best I can read what it says.

 

[smith17]

Dan:
You will need to give more info like:
Does it have a triggerguard?
Does it have a hammer or is it hammerless?
What is the barrel length?
Do the stocks (grips) have medallions?
Is it a top break or does it have a swingout cylinder?
How many shells will it hold?

This should get us closer. And...pics would not hurt.

Ed

 

[deadin]

Dan,
The barrel markings you posted seem to be what is on a .38 Safety 1st Model, however the butt serial is out of that models range.
Normally I would guess that you had a mismatched frame and barrel but the first model barrel and extension are unique and won't fit any other model.
So it's back to Ed's question, a more thorough description and/or pictures.

 

[DanTN]

I am asking these questions for a friend. Here is the response I received.

She has found out additional info about the revolver. I have ask her to send me a photo. Below is her additional info.

I did contact Smith and Wesson's historian. The gun is a .38 caliber "Safety Hammerless Revolver, Third Model". It was sold to a distributor in St. Louis, MO in November of 1891. It is in excellent condition, nickel with mother of pearl grips.

 

[deadin]

The serial number is right for a Third Model, but the barrel patrent dates don't match up according to "Neal & Jinks S&W 1857-1945".
The book says they should be
May 11, 1880, Oct. 2, 1883, Aug. 4, 1885, Oct 11, 1887, Feb. 14, 1888, Apr.9, 1889, June 3, 1890

Ed (opoefc) where are you?? Is this another case of "Don't necessarily believe what you read"?

 

[DanTN]

She needs an approximate price range please.
Thank you, Dan

 

[deadin]

Can't really estimate a value until we're sure of what we are dealing with.

 

[DanTN]

Here are the pics, can someone give an approx. value?

 

[smith17]

The SCSW shows a 3rd model of the .38 Safety Hammerless might have a value of $235 for Very Good Condition and $300 for Fine Condition.
Ed

 

[DanTN]

I figured the grips would be would be worth $150.
Oh well............