Pricecheck on a 38/44 transition with ivory grips?

[trouthunterdj]

Hello all,

I saw a transition 38/44 Heavy Duty at a local shop today. It is in about 80% condition but it does have the long action and real ivory grips. I was wondering what the going price is for this? He is asking $1100. Thanks for the help!

Ddj

 

[Muley Gil]

Are the grips factory or aftermarket? That sounds a mite high for an 80% revolver.

 

[trouthunterdj]

There weren't any emblem on the grip. It was a policeman's service gun so its honest wear. Holster wear on the end of the barrel and a good cylinder ring.

Thanks for the help,

Ddj

 

[Cavaliere]

If the ivories are worth $300, then your LGS is asking $800 for the gun w/o grips, which is a tad high. I'd offer $975 and see where it goes from there. Speaking personally, if it's a 4-inch gun, I'd pop the $1100 just to have a really nice, old school, shooter.

 

[DCWilson]

Ivory stocks are pricy in their own right. Original S&W ivories with medallions can go $500 or more, and non-medallion ivories can go $300. Assuming the underlying revolver is sound and maybe better than 80% (which actually indicates a level of wear that is pretty advanced), it could be worth $500-600 in the current market for .38/44s. All in all, this could legitimately be at least a $900 gun. So $1100 sounds slightly steep to me, but maybe not by much.

Make sure that's real ivory, and not a composite or synthetic.

Pictures would really help with this valuation, though I know it might be hard to get the shop owner to consent to them.

EDITED TO ADD: I see Cavaliere posted while I was figuring out what I wanted to say and typing it up. We seem to be kind of in agreement about this gun.

 

[Cavaliere]

David-- how could I ever disagree with anything you say. You are my go-to guru when it comes to Smiths!

 

[trouthunterdj]

Thanks again guys. I ended up buying it. I will post pictures tonight. I an really hoping I didn't make a mistake. I appreciate all the help!

ddj

 

[trouthunterdj]

All right guys. Here it is but be gentle


Thanks again for all your help. What a great site!!


ddj

 

[swca1000]

I looked at that one too. Nice gun, and nice grips. Its actually a pre-war gun, not a transition.

 

[murphydog]

Very nice. The stocks appear to be real ivory, and unless the not visible in the photo parts like the front and back straps are worn, it looks closer to 90-95%.

 

[trouthunterdj]

Thanks. I'm not sure if it is a Transition or PreWar but the serial number is 396xx.

Thanks again and I hope i did well.


ddj

 

[trouthunterdj]

swca1000 - Thanks for the kind words. What condition would you have graded it?

I really believe the grips to be real ivory. I think I will try to find some wood ones to shoot and keep the ivory nice.

ddj

 

[lawandorder]

You did good! Beautiful revolver with the ivories!

 

[DCWilson]

Very nice. The stocks appear to be real ivory, and unless the not visible in the photo parts like the front and back straps are worn, it looks closer to 90-95%.

I completely agree. And I think the price you paid for it is fine.

The serial number you mentioned puts it in 1931 or 1932. These guns were introduced in 1930, so you have an early one.

Both by design and dimension, those stocks were intended for a prewar N-frame revolver. If they had been manufactured for a postwar N-frame, they would be slightly undersized on this gun.

Great package. Congratulations!

 

[swca1000]

I thought it was a 90-95% gun, and the stocks were beautiful. You did well.

 

[Cavaliere]

What's not to like about that gun? Nuthin!

 

[trouthunterdj]

Thanks guys!

I have just enough knowledge to be dangerous. I wasn't exactly sure about his gun and I appreciate the help. I'm going to enjoy and cherish it.

Are the grips aftermarket of made by S&W?


ddj

 

[Cobroller]

Very nice find ddj.
Are there any markings on the inside of the grips?

 

[JSR III]

WOW, I think that you got taken really badly. That gun is old and probably all worn out inside. Luckily for you, I run a gun hospital for older run down S&W's. Send me the gun and I will see that it lives out the rest of its life in moderate comfort.

 

[WILDPIG]

Nice revolver. Much better than 80%. At least 90%.

WILDPIG