Model 2, number 2 with pictures

[dropzone]

I figured I'd share with you all a gun that was handed down to me by my dad. It's a .38 single action 2nd model. It was shipped to a dealer in NY from S&W in 1881 and apparently that dealer installed the pearl grips (wish I had a set of original grips). There is a * by the serial number that indicates it was sent back to S&W for repair, though I don't know what kind of repair it was. The finish is in great condition for it's age with only some very minor scratches. The barrel and cylinder are also in very good condition. I wish I knew the complete history of this gun but it was given to my dad by a much older, but very good friend of his, and he is no longer with us. As I would never sell it, I haven't been concerned with the value of the gun...but if anyone has any idea what it might be worth feel free to give your best estimate. Unfortunately I have no box or papers for it.

 

[45Wheelgun]

Sweet! I like it. Can't offer any info, I'll leave that for others.

 

[Modelof1891]

dropzone,
Nice old Smith! The information under the left grip, stamped on the frame, will help determine when it went back to the factory for repairs. Like if it has a small 3/27 = it would have had work March on 1927.
Those pearls may even be factory because that was the type used at that time.

 

[opoefc]

There should be a date under the left grip on the grip frame. For example " 5.99 " which means May 1899. That would be the month & year the repair/refinishing was done at the factory. Those repair invoices are in the CVHM S&W archives', filed by year and by the name of the person who sent the gun back for repair. Refinishing was often included. S&W made a lot of these .38 SAs and asking prices of a refinished specimen is in the $350-$450 range at the gunshows I attend. Ed #15

 

[dropzone]

Thanks for the replies. I'll check under the grips for a date and maybe I can find out what it was sent back for. The letter from S&W said it was shipped from the factory with the rubber grips, but maybe the pearls were put on when it was sent back... If I can find out I'll let you know. From the research I had done on the value it didn't seem like it would be anything really high, but the fact that it was passed on to my dad by a good friend, and then passed to me holds enough value in my own "blue book".

 

[opoefc]

The gun was probably shipped to M.W.Robinson, NYC ,and that's where it got the pearl grips. That was a common addition by the NYC dealers for nickel guns. If the grips were later added by S&W when the gun was returned they will most likely have the gun's serial number written inside the right grip panel, usually in pencil. Ed.