I looked at one of these yesterday, first I have ever seen. About 98%, numbers matching, 5 screw, couldn't check grips as they were just so well fitted I didn't want to take the chance of damaging them trying to remove them. It comes with a copy of a factory letter, shipped in '53. No box or anything else with it. Serial number on front gripstrap #695xx. Just a pretty little gun. I looked through past threads and couldn't find anything written on these which makes me wonder if there is any desirability among collectors for this model. It is priced just under 600, is this too much, about right or what? I'm thinking it's probably high but just don't know, I didn't check GB closed auctions. Thanks for any help and some pics from you guys would be appreciated.
Pre 33--need some help
- Thread starter CZU
- Start date
Just my opinion
I guess that would be an I fame, 4" barrel, Regulation Police .38 S&W? While I like those guns, and even the cartridge, the one you found is incomplete as a collector piece and over priced as a field/shooter gun.
I guess that would be an I fame, 4" barrel, Regulation Police .38 S&W? While I like those guns, and even the cartridge, the one you found is incomplete as a collector piece and over priced as a field/shooter gun.
I have one of these, practically unfired, BUT, had some rust problems that I addressed as best I could. Due to the unpopularity of the 38 S&W cartridge, these are rather scarce. I'm thinking in the $450ish range or a little more for a 98% one.
I have a bit newer one (75XXX; 1954 I think but haven't lettered it) which I bought at a gun show about four years ago for $420. Don't see them very often; bought this one just because I didn't have one. I "collect" guns; boxes and paperwork not so much. Perhaps $600 is a little high but I'd probably want close to that if I were selling mine. Enjoy.
Jeff
SWCA #1457
Jeff
SWCA #1457
Attachments
Not the same thing, but I bought a 33 no dash - I guess 90 or 92 percent - I think last year for $450. The plus of your gun (the OP's) is it has a letter. That's a plus, IMO. The plus of my gun is it has the quality bright blue finish that the late fifties/early sixties were known for. Lockup is bank vault.
As I said, not quite the same thing, but maybe similar enough to help you build a mental database for determining reasonable price. Best wishes.
As I said, not quite the same thing, but maybe similar enough to help you build a mental database for determining reasonable price. Best wishes.
I want one, but that next I-frame postwar .32 or 1950s Chiefs Special (priorities over a .38 S&W) keep popping up when I see one on offer.
If there's ever a super nice Terrier or Model 33 available when there's no .32 or Chiefs competition I'll probably go for it, almost regardless of price. I've said more than once, "I might have paid too much for this...," but I've never regretted buying a gun I want. I like a good deal; I like filling an empty hole ever more.
If I pay too much, I wait a year, then we're about even, and I've been able to enjoy the thing all the longer. I'm not getting any younger!
If there's ever a super nice Terrier or Model 33 available when there's no .32 or Chiefs competition I'll probably go for it, almost regardless of price. I've said more than once, "I might have paid too much for this...," but I've never regretted buying a gun I want. I like a good deal; I like filling an empty hole ever more.
If I pay too much, I wait a year, then we're about even, and I've been able to enjoy the thing all the longer. I'm not getting any younger!
Sounds like a nice gun. It's a "38 S&W Regulation Police Model" made on the Improved I frame with rebated rd grip frame and sq butt extended stocks. A little too early to be a pre 33.
The next evolutionary change; the Model of 1953 new I frame is the pre model 33 because of its exact engineering commonality.
Due to the huge success of the 38 Chiefs Special of the time, sales fell on the 38 S&W chambered models. Hence they're scarcer than the other I frames; the 22s and 32s of the era.
Therefore $600 isn't out of line for it in that condition and worth more in equal condition than the later models shown above. Especially if it was a 1st version that has a round front sight instead of the 2nd version that it is with the ramp sight and barrel rib. But they can be had cheaper, especially if someone just wants a shooter.
Many more details here: http://smith-wessonforum.com/blog.php?b=103
The next evolutionary change; the Model of 1953 new I frame is the pre model 33 because of its exact engineering commonality.
Due to the huge success of the 38 Chiefs Special of the time, sales fell on the 38 S&W chambered models. Hence they're scarcer than the other I frames; the 22s and 32s of the era.
Therefore $600 isn't out of line for it in that condition and worth more in equal condition than the later models shown above. Especially if it was a 1st version that has a round front sight instead of the 2nd version that it is with the ramp sight and barrel rib. But they can be had cheaper, especially if someone just wants a shooter.
Many more details here: http://smith-wessonforum.com/blog.php?b=103
Thanks for all of the information. I made an offer on it and he accepted. It comes with a factory letter but nothing else. Also it is an early one with the round front sight and is in exceptional condition. I'll start another thread once I have it in hand. I've been looking and there's just not many of these around.
My pleasure.
I mis-read my data base thinking its a ramp sight.
But actually #70XXX is the Highest known Imp I, with rd sight.
You got a good buy, congrats.
I mis-read my data base thinking its a ramp sight.
But actually #70XXX is the Highest known Imp I, with rd sight.
You got a good buy, congrats.
Similar threads
