Model 33-1 value

[otis24]

An acquaintance has a Model 33-1. Very good to excellent bluing. Caliber .38 S&W. 4 inch barrel I think. No box. Serial number 170213 (going from memory)
Approximate value, please ?

 

[ColbyBruce]

Broome's in south GA shows one in dire need of a re-blue for $375.00, if that helps.

 

[ADP3]

You see prices all over the place these days but I follow them fairly closely as a Model 33 fan. A worn 80% finish gun goes for around $275 - $300. A nice 95% gun will fetch $375 - $425 with no box. 98% plus guns with their boxes seem to bring around $600 though their are optimists out their who price them considerably higher. A high condition Flat Latch version will bring a premium as will the uncommon Nickel guns.

Best Regards,
ADP3

 

[Hondo44]

Being too late for a flat latch model, I think ADP3 has nailed the value especially if it's still early enough in 1969 to have diamond grips.

A little more for the 2" 32-1, just because there's more demand for snubbies in that caliber.

 

[otis24]

It does have the diamond grips

 

[Hondo44]

Cool, then the # 120713 is correct. The right grip will have that # stamped on the back of the right grip panel.

 

[iskra]

These smaller models among Smiths 'not really my bag'; such as the big frames where my heart lies! But in the category of being in nice condition and coming along quite inexpensively... Well, it happens.
Below is my 33-1, SN 1013xx. Best I can find is production range from '61 to perhaps '69 or so. If any further guidance would be appreciated.
Yet my larger question concerning this model is... Why? Why as late as the sixties would Smith be producing such in 38 S&W? I can't imagine any real market for such chambering still existing! (And just to clarify, I bought this one as a collector piece, not as a defense gun or shooter.) Any big picture insight here also appreciated!
Thanks!

 

[Hondo44]

That's a beauty. It's pre 1966 with the flat latch.

They are very accurate and very much more comfortable to shoot than a .38 Special in the same size frame!

Its not a carry gun with its 4" barrel, although the 2" version, the Terrier, continued to sell as well. With its 200 gr load, they can compete with a .38 Spl for a defense load. The English used them thru out WW II.

All I can say is, as long as they were still selling, they were still produced, at least until 1974 when finally dropped.