Pre-Model 10 M&P and Pre-Model 14 K-38

[safetyfirst]

My father graduated from the Los Angeles Police Academy in 1950 and served with LAPD for 25 years. I've inherited a box containing his two service revolvers and a small assortment of accessories and I'm interested in selling the items.

I have a Smith & Wesson Letter of Authenticity from Roy Jinks indicating one revolver, serial number C717XX, a .38 Military & Police, Pre-Model 10, Five Screw Variation, Caliber .38 S&W Special shipped from the factory in August 1950 with a 2 inch barrel, blue finish, and checkered walnut round butt grips, and was delivered to the Los Angeles Police Revolver Club in Los Angeles, CA. The holster is marked "POLICE SPECIAL", "LEWIS L.A. CAL.", "38", "2", and the grip adapter is marked "SURE GRIP ADAPTER", "MERSHON CO INC.", "GLENDALE CALIF, USA." (photos included).

I have another letter from Roy indicating the second revolver, serial number K836XX, a K-38 Masterpiece, Pre-Model 14, Five Screw Variation, Caliber .38 S&W Special shipped from the factory in April 1950 with a 6 inch barrel, blue finish and checkered walnut grips, and was delivered to Evaluators Ltd., Quantico, VA. The holster is marked "POLICE SPECIAL", "LEWIS L.A. CAL.", "6", and the grips were replaced at some point with stocks marked "FM Inc.", "10 Point", "P&S Supply Co.", "L.A. CA" (photos included).

I'd like to sell both items (with holster) in the Classifieds sub-forum under "GUNS – For Sale or Trade" and would appreciate any feedback regarding approximate fair market value (I live in the Los Angeles area).

Thanks in advance.

 

[DCWilson]

To keep faith with the question you posed, you should have no trouble getting $475-500 for the two inch M&P and about $550-600 for the K-38 Masterpiece. Maybe even slightly more on both guns.

But I feel like an enabler telling you that, because heirloom firearms are a special kind of family possession. Is there no one to whom you would want to pass these down as a remembrance of an ancestor who worked in a dangerous field?

I understand that not every family feels similarly about the possessions of earlier generations. But as the decision counselors say, it's a bad plan that can't be changed. If you sell these guns, you can never change your mind about them in the future. If you keep them in your possession, you can.

I would just encourage you to keep the options open.

 

[LOBO]

To keep faith with the question you posed, you should have no trouble getting $475-500 for the two inch M&P and about $550-600 for the K-38 Masterpiece. Maybe even slightly more on both guns.

But I feel like an enabler telling you that, because heirloom firearms are a special kind of family possession. Is there no one to whom you would want to pass these down as a remembrance of an ancestor who worked in a dangerous field?

I understand that not every family feels similarly about the possessions of earlier generations. But as the decision counselors say, it's a bad plan that can't be changed. If you sell these guns, you can never change your mind about them in the future. If you keep them in your possession, you can.

I would just encourage you to keep the options open.

+1! There have been a few that I wish that I would have kept. It's a hard lesson to learn, and one that I don't plan on having to relearn.

 

[Art Doc]

I would offer them at $1,000 for the pair and somebody who collects vintage LAPD equipment will buy them. Be sure to prepare a letter of authenticity detailing your father's service with the LAPD and attesting to the fact that he carried these guns on duty.

Let me add that this is why I would not bother "putting away" a gun for a child or grandchild. In many, maybe most cases your descendents will not share your interest in the gun(s) and it will be sold for cash. Note how many of these posts we see.

Most forum members cringe at the thought of selling these great revolvers that are not only desirable guns but are family heirlooms, but the owner has decided to do just that. I'm sure he (or she) has good reasons, and it's not really our place to question or criticize. That's the way it goes. When my dad died my mother had to sell his guns so that we could eat. I'd give anything to have even one of his guns... but I don't. That's the way it goes.

My father by the side of the road in rural Missouri in 1950 shooting a 7.5" Colt SAA. Had to be a 1st Generation model.

 

[Green Frog]

Safetyfirst,

Let me first say, "Welcome to the forum." Regardless of what you decide to do with you father's guns, you will find the folks who spend the most time here to be a well-informed and friendly group. My condolences in the loss of your father, and let me say that I agree with both of the previous posters... if conditions are such (and you have to judge for yourself) that you can keep one or both of these guns, it is quite possible that they will mean a great deal to future generations of your family. If on the other hand, you decide to sell them after all, you should have no difficulty at all selling them there in California since the restrictive laws governing bringing guns into the People's Republic make the guns there already more accessible to the residents than those from the "other states."

Just as an FYI, your K38 is also a five screw... it's just that the fifth screw is hiding under the upper edge of the target-type grips. This is a common mistake, though. Lots of folks miss it! Also, the fact that they are already lettered is important... while they are not rare models by any stretch, in the condition they are in and with their provenance to the one owner they have had, this adds to their value somewhat. If you do decide to keep one or both, be sure and keep the letter(s) and record as much about your father's use of them (where and when he worked for the police, what his job was with them, rank, special citations, etc.) Some folks collect guns with a police connection, or those that may have some connection, however tenuous, with anything famous... for example, did he ever arrest Marilyn Monroe for speeding or Errol Flynn for being disorderly?

I'll leave the monetary evaluation to folks like David who has already responded from California who is my friendly go-to California guy for such things... he knows the situation there in the state much better than I do. The prices he mentions seem about right, or with patience could perhaps even be improved upon a little bit. That would depend on the California factors. Again, my condolences for your loss and welcome to the forum.

Regards,
Green Frog

 

[Goony]

If you're still intent on selling these, I'd advise offering them as a pair only. The holsters and any other police related "accessories" you might have are also not without value, and should be kept with the guns. You can further maximize the price you receive by putting together an accompanying folder containing the factory letters, a photo of your father (preferably in uniform), along with a brief bio and a synopsis of his LAPD career (nowadays, computers allow you to assemble this sort of material in a very neat and professional looking manner).

As to Evaluators Ltd. in Quantico, if you (or anyone else here) is interested, there's information regarding that firm posted in the following thread:

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-ha...2727-model-19-evaluaters-ltd-quantico-va.html

 

[roaddog28]

Welcome to the forum.
Those are great revolvers from your dad. I would think you could sell the pair for $1100 to $1200. Reasons being that they are Police Service revolvers and it looks like you have the papers to prove it. I live in California and see M&P 38 specials with price tags of $600.
Good luck,
Howard

 

[safetyfirst]

Wow!

Excellent feedback.

Thanks everyone.

I discussed the heirloom aspects a few months ago with my mother and sister but will revist the topic based on several points presented above.

The input here will help us make a much more informed decision.

Greatly appreciated!