Model of 1899, Navy Marked, Value?

[Retired W4]

A friend called yesterday and he was looking at what he said was an "1890's something Smith" with Navy markings on the butt. He was also looking at what seems to me by his description a Model of 1902. I explained to him the difference of the 1st model, lacking the lug under the barrel and other features of the 1st and 2nd models. Both were USN marked with the anchor.

I know a good estimate of value is tough without pictures and knowing if they wore original stocks but all he could say is they both looked pretty good for their age. Any thoughts on these old hand ejectors?

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Are they near SE Alabama, Tom? I'll go take a look for you...jes sayin'...

 

[murphydog]

Value is highly dependent on condition; many were used hard and their finish condition reflects this. That said, a range between $750 - 1250 without condition outliers seems about right.

 

[glowe]

There were 1,000 of each the US Army and US Navy 1899s made, with an unknown number of survivors. I saw a nice 1899 Army recently sold for $650, but it seems that Navy guns usually sell for more. If the condition worn with some blue left and original inspector stamped stocks, I would say $750+ would be a descent price.

 

[444 Magnum]

they both looked pretty good for their age.

I've always found this to be an interesting phrase. Guns don't age with time. They are either in good condition or they aren't. I have pristine firearms that were made in the 1860's. Not a wrinkle or sag on them. Condition is condition regardless of age. Rare has it's own affect on value but it generally doesn't override condition. The value will be a combination of both.

I bought this 1899 US Army pistol in 2016 for just north of $1500. I didn't feel like I paid too much then and I still don't. If you offered me $750 for this one, it would be a short conversation.

Sorry the pictures aren't the best. They're what I have without doing a lot of digging.

Not many sales come up on a google search. That speaks to rarity.

This one, 1899 US Army, sold for $2300 in 2013.
Fine U.S. Smith & Wesson 1899 Army Model Double Action Revolver | Rock Island Auction

This 1899 Navy issue was listed in 2016 for $2450 and is listed as sold. Not sure on the final price.
https://pre98.com/shop/us-navy-issu...y-police-revolver-ultra-rareonly-1000-issued/

This one, a 1902 Navy, sold this summer for $1,100 plus the auction fees and taxes. Around $1,500.
US NAVY MODEL OF 1902 SMITH & WESSON .38 MILITARY | Proxibid

Condition is everything.

What is the serial number? They don't overlap and that will indicate whether 1899 or 1902.

1899 Navy serial range 5001-6000
1899 Army serial range 13001-14000

1902 Navy serial range 25001-26000

 

[Retired W4]

Thank you all for the responses. 444 Magnum, those are some fine examples. The closed auction guns were of very high condition. Edit to say...Rarity and condition come together for some high prices!

I will pass this on to my friend and if he buys the ones he is looking at I will get him to come up with photos.