Need some answers quick??

[69rtse]

Hi everyone, I went and checked out a what looks like an early K frame tonite that an older gentleman has for sale and has said he has had for a long time, Here are the details that I have but sorry no pics.

Looks like an early round butt K frame, 4 screws, Smith logo on one side, on the barrel it says 38 S&W Special and under that US Service OTG's or CTG's

The # on the Butt is 58970 and the # on the inside on the part that is covered when the cylinder is closed is in real small #s 20220. It has a 6 shot Cylinder, and it has a 3 inch barrel with the round sites that look very old at the end.


The gun has been used alot in its time, and the blueing is shot, but just want to know what this gun is and maybe a ball park figure on what it is worth???

He really wants to sell it and has some other folks checking it out tommorow which is Monday 7/5/10.

Please any help as soon as possible, I know you folks on here know alot about these older guns. Thanks ahead of time, take care.

 

[murphydog]

Hi, by the serial number this is a .38 Military & Police model 1902, made in about 1904. The U.S. Service CTG (cartridge) at that time was the .38 Long Colt, which is a shorter version of the .38 Special, and it will fire both. It should have a 4, 5 or 6.5" barrel from the cylinder face to the muzzle if original. As described, if mechanically sound it is probably only worth about $200-250. Hope this is helpful.

 

[69rtse]

Hi MurphyDog , Thanks a bunch info and I think you just saved me from making a money mistake, This gun is cool and it sounds like its pretty old to boot, but I guess what he is asking is a bit much, $425, and he has been offered $350 and did not take it. Also it does not have the original grips, somebody has stuck some square frame ones that are from the 70's on it. I did find the same info you said in the Standard catalog after you told me what I was looking at, Thanks Again!!

What does the 20220 on the inside of the gun stamped mean????

 

[mikepriwer]

The 20220 is the assembly number. It would be on the inside of the
crane (or yoke) and the inside of the frame where the yoke meets the
frame when the cylinder is closed.

The serial number of 58970 makes it a 1902 1st change. The barrel
will have a shoulder where it meets the frame. Assuming its really a
4" barrel, the patent date roll markings should be on the right side
of the barrel.

It would be helpful, if can, to make one more visit to the gun.
Measure the barrel carefully - from the front face of the cylinder to
the end of muzzle. As noted above, its probably 4" . If it really is
3", then the barrel probably has been cut, and the patent date
roll markings, or whats left of them, would be on the top of the barrel.

Note the amount of original blue remaining. 50%, 30%, 75% - what
ever it appears to be. If the gun has turned to a plum-brown color,
then note that. Look for surface condition; pits, dents, dings,
scratches, etc.

Also check out the bore. Most of these early revolvers were black
powder guns, and if not cleaned properly, will exhibit pitting in the
bore. Look for shadows in the bore, or bulges outside the bore.
They are not uncommon in these guns.

If the gun has 60 to 70% original blue remaining, and has no
siginificant surface defects, then $350 is not unreasonable, but you'd
have to want the gun, to pay that. It would be collectable, but far
from a mint example. I know he wants $425, but it would have to be
a reasonably nice gun, to merit that price.

If it has a lot of surface damage, or no original blue left, or a cut
barrel, then its not worth pursuing.

Later, Mike Priwer

 

[69rtse]

Thanks so much for all the info Mike!!