Model 37 airweight value?

[unit6639]

A friend is offering me his fathers unfired model 37 airweight .38 special for trade, I'm not really into revolvers but wondering it's value, he has the original box paperwork and wax paper he says.

 

[SAFireman]

1st thing - check for the crack
2nd - condition is everything - if it is truly LNIB (depending on the era) it could be worth 450-750.

Good luck

 

[unit6639]

Thank you sir for replying, where do I find the crack?

 

[SAFireman]

Thank you sir for replying, where do I find the crack?

With the cylinder open. Look at the area where the barrel threads in to the frame. The thinnest portion of the frame is at the 6 o'clock position. We have seen cracking in some airweights through the years at that location. You can do a search of threads here and see some pictures.

 

[pigbike]

Here you go. This is what to look for.

 

[tops]

A friend is offering me his fathers unfired model 37 airweight .38 special for trade, I'm not really into revolvers but wondering it's value, he has the original box paperwork and wax paper he says.

Three or four years ago I paid $550. for one unfired, box, papers and info. I thought it was a bargain.
I don't worry about the frame cracking because I shoot a standard load and I don't think any "J" frame will stand up very long to heavy loads. If I need more power I have some M19s, M28s and M27s. Larry