Perfected Model 38 S&W

[mtu164]

Recently picked up two more handguns that that I really needed. The first is a Perfected Model with a four digit serial number , 9xxx. The gun is in 92 to 93 % shape with perfect matching number grips. I would like to know about when it was produced . The other is a hand ejector .32 long also in very nice condition, four inch bbl. It's serial number is 153,xxx. I am curious as to when this one was made also.
Both obviously used very little. I got the pair for about $500 . I plan on shooting them this weekend.
Any help on dating them will be welcomed.
Thanks , Tom

 

[45Wheelgun]

Pictures - or it never happened!

 

[glowe]

Be very careful when opening that top-break since it is sometimes hard to remember the thumb latch on the Perfected revolvers. If you pull too hard without opening both latches, you can bend the quill. Both gune use the same I frame mechanism. The factory added the pivot to the design to produce the Perfected, using the 38 DA barrel assembly to complete the gun.

Your Perfected would have been manufactured the first year of production, 1909. It could have shipped that year or maybe in 1910. The 32 Hand Ejector, 5th Change Model 1903) would have most likely been shipped from the factory in 1912. The 32 HEs don't go for much, partly because there were over a half-million made before WWII. The 38 Perfected (59,400 made) sells often in the same price range as the 38 DA, which also were made in huge numbers. I think you did good without seeing images makes any accurate assessment impossible. Maybe $250 for the 32 HE and $350 for the 38 Perfected.

 

[CptCurl]

We certainly would like to see photos.

The Perfected is the ultimate "belt and suspenders" gun.

Curl

 

[mtu164]

Don't have the capacity to do pics. (old flip phone) If I can get my wife to help , I will try to get some. This is my second Perfected Model , but is in much much better shape than my other one. Both are neat little guns, I knew the .38 was old due to the 4 digit serial no. Thanks for the info.

 

[rwsmith]

I have a model 38

It's a bear to shoot because it's alloy framed.

I also just got my inherited 1930 Colt .38 S&W fixed today for free by a friend that apparently knows what he is doing.