Identify S&W 38 Special

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Trying to determine year of manufacture / rarity / value of this revolver:

1. Type = hand ejector
2. Serial = no letter; six numeric digits beginning with 6128xx
3. 38 S&W Special
4. 4" barrel
5. Fixed sights
 

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Welcome.
I'm guessing early 1930s Military and Police model..... basically one of several million made over the years,so not rare..Stocks are non factory.
More knowledgeable fellows will be along.
 
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I'm no expert but looks like a Military & Police Model from around 1930 give or take. After a few changes it becomes the Model 10 in 1957.

Square butt, K frame, grips are not factory original. Finish looks pretty good. Either original or good refinish.

Most popular model S&W made. Millions have been produced. Excellent gun but not rare. I'd pay $300 for it if looking for one. Somebody else might pay a little more.
 
The closest SN I have listed to 6128xx is 6141xx shipping in 10/30. However, there are slightly lower SNs shown as shipping in early 1931 on my list. Not rare, not particularly valuable. You might see if there is a letter "N" stamped on the grip frame (under the grips) and/or on the rear surface of the cylinder. If so, it has been nickeled at the factory. MOP grips are probably not original. See if a SN is written on the rear side of the right panel.
 
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Welcome to the forum.

As others have stated, probably one of S&W's most highly produced firearms with somewhere around 7,000,000+ produced. Since its introduction in the late 1800's, there have been many modifications and collectors view these almost as separate models with examples collected from each change. Some folks do collect these guns and with this gun approaching 100 years old, good examples get harder to find. If the stocks are not original which many feel likely, then collector value is nil. As a shooter these guns usually can be found for a few hundred dollars.

Hope that helps.
 
Welcome to the forum!! What these guys just said. After you learn about this gun, hang around, we have a lot of fun here, and I learn new stuff every day.

Best Regards, Les
 
If the nickel plating is original, it seems to be in pretty good condition. And MOP grips, if undamaged, do have a following and add some value. The plating appears to be in high condition (at least I don't see any flaking), and a little work with a good metal polish could make it shine like new. If so, I would expect it might well be possible to sell it somewhere in the $400+ neighborhood (sight unseen, of course).
 
Thanks for sharing all your knowledge. I posted this on behalf of a friend who asked for some help researching a couple older revolvers (the other was a Colt). I never knew how much fun it was simply doing the research and learning about older firearms. I'll stick around for sure! Thanks again.
 
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