IDENTIFY MY DAD'S .38 ????

[dianaisconfused]

It's a .38 Special. 3" Barrel I think. On the bottom of the grip is the number 431688. This same number is on the cylinder itself and the underside of the barrel.

There is No Letter before or after the numbers.

On the inside where the cylinder lays when it's shut is the number 63896. ??? Again, No Letter.

Can someone help me? What specifically is this? How old is it? Possible worth? On one side of the barrel, the bluing is worn. Oh yeah, and it has a box of ammo with it ... for what it's worth. : )

Thanks,
Diana

 

[DCWilson]

You have a .38 Military & Police from the mid-1920s. It's probably about a $300-350 gun. The barrel is measured from the cylinder face to the muzzle, so it's four inches long.

 

[VM]

Welcome to the Forum Diana!
David nailed it

 

[dianaisconfused]

Thank you very much David. I wasn't sure how to measure the barrel length so thank you on that as well. Can I ask you what the two different numbers mean? And I just noticed!!!! I posted the 2nd number incorrectly: the first is 431688. The 2nd is 63896.

Diana

 

[Springfan]

Diana, the first number, stamped on the bottom of the grip frame, is the serial number of the firearm, and has been used here to provide you with an estimated shipping date. The second number you cite is an assembly or soft fitting number that was used at the factory and has no significance once the firearm has left the factory.

BTW, the system informally used to assign a collector value to a firearm asks (1) its rarity, (2) its condition, and (3) its provenance. Because this revolver is not rare and does not have special provenance (I presume you would have told us if your dad had taken it from Ma Barker), it does not at this time have high collector value. Its real value to you though may be great because it belonged or belongs to your dad. Very frequently posters to this Forum are poised to sell a firearm with family ties, and they are generally counseled to consider such action carefully, keeping in mind, for example, that there may be or may come along family members or close friends who would cherish owning your dad's gun.

 

[dianaisconfused]

Thought of that already. My Dad is 90 and moving. An acquaintance gave him the gun ... and an old .22 Colt. He's never even shot them. My Dad fought on Midway, Tinian, Korea and Viet Nam. For personal reasons relating to his military service, he detests guns despite being an excellent marksman. I've begged my brother to take the guns or give then to HIS son and he wants nothing to do with them. There is no emotional or otherwise meaningful connection between these guns and my Father. I think the Colt long rifle .22 is cool, but that's about all I can say on the matter.

 

[Springfan]

Diana, your fifth sentence brings a lump to my throat. On behalf of probably several hundred persons who are reading this Forum and thinking the same thing, would you please thank your dad for his service?

 

[dianaisconfused]

Absolutely. I am VERY proud of him.

 

[bamabiker]

Welcome to the forum Diana. I'm one of those several hundred. Please thank your father for us and cherish him while you still have him.

 

[opoefc]

Diana, Keep those guns for yourself! Since they were given to your Dad and don't have a real family history in the sense that he carried them in the various wars, etc. they may not have any attraction to your brother, as being apart of the family history.
Many of us on this Forum fought in those same battles, and other campaigns, and can understand a veteran's distaste of war, but not to guns, per se. Guns don't cause wars, but they sure helped us win them! It's curious that your Dad is an "expert marksman" but detests gun? He must have liked then at one time to become an expert, or did that happen because the Gunny said " Son, You WILL become a Marksman! " Ed.

 

[beagleye]

If you decide you want to cash out on those beware gun shops and pawn shops. They need to resell them at a marked up price so you will get a shockingly low offer. If you need to cash out post an add in the classifieds here and you should be able to get their retail value. Davids value estimates are usually right on the money.

Selling guns online has a few ins and outs buts it's quite doable if you cautiously follow the laws.

 

[dianaisconfused]

He doesn't like guns. That's his personal preference and I have to respect that. I suspect it's that they trigger horrific memories for him.

 

[tompehret]

Diana,
I admire you for what you're doing. I can't begin to express my admiration for your dad. So, do what you think best for him, for you and for the family. Sounds to me like you have pretty good judgement and know how to use it.

 

[tlay]

Diana, I know how your Dad feels about guns. For many years after I was in I did not own a firearm. Just respect how he feels and tell him thank you from us for serving. If you feel like you need to sell these guns this forum is the place where you will get the best deal. Thanks.