S&W 38/44 Heavy Duty

[1970gidget]

I was wondering how to find an accurate value of this S&W38/44 Heavy Duty serial # S 626xx? It has the original box, suggestion post card, and instructions. I got this from the original owner who used it as a carry gun his whole career as a Sheriff's Deputy. I have posted a couple of pics. How do I find a respectable firearm appraiser? Thanks for the help.

 

[Targets Guy]

First, welcome to the forum.

Looks to be in great shape for a daily carry. Original box helps a great deal. I bought my 38/44 on line in 2020 for $961.00. The stocks are original to the gun. I was also able to find a box it very well might have been shipped in but not the original. I think I paid about $125 for that. Mine shipped in 1955. Yours is much older I'm thinking.


food near carolina beach

 

[22hipower]

I think you can get pretty good estimates of value here and perhaps check some of the auction sites for recent sales to estimate the upper end of retail. Yours is an early post war gun that I think would be called a transitional, I have one in the S67XXX range that looks like it from what I can see in the pictures but no box. I paid $850 for mine here a couple years ago from a fellow Forum member. The box for yours appears to be in very good shape. I'd guess it would sell quickly in the $1k range even with the wear from the previous owner's daily carry. I'd probably offer it at $1200 and see what happens. And I'd include some of the previous owners history if I had it, folks here like the LE connection/history. Good luck.

Jeff

 

[delcrossv]

$1200 easy. Having the box and paperwork would probably push the value somewhat higher at auction. A number of collectors like complete package.

 

[ladder13]

Transitional gun? Don’t have my book handy.

Very nice.

 

[DARE]

I've been looking for a .38/44. I'm sure a few others here are as well. Sounds like you have gotten some advice as to value.
If you are trying to sell, you could place an ad here on the forum or try one of the auction sites.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass! Very nice! Did the deputy have the gun reamed for .357? If so, that could affect value negatively. If you don't know or know how to tell, post a picture of the cylinder chambers with lighting from the front of the cylinder and an expert can tell if they are original or not.

 

[1970gidget]

It was not bored out. Still 38spcl

 

[Xfuzz]

$12-1300.00 all day.
Picked up this 1952 vintage earlier this summer.
8 or 9 bens...I forget.
Seems like 38/44 HD's have become popular lately.

 

[MG34/bar]

Looks like the old “long action” so pre-war or just after WWII. Was a time when I would have doubted that gun was “…carried throughout a law enforcement career” but in looking at some of my old revolvers and those of friends that I know have carried them a long time, I can see that some officers took great pains to keep their firearms in good shape; even with every day carry. Nice revolver there.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

OHHHHHHH!!!! So THAT is what the original stocks should look like!

Nice!

Pre-war - 1931:

 

[SuperMan]

Welcome aboard...

Very nice Post-War Transitional Model...and LE owned...an easy $1200...

If the gentleman would be willing to write you a letter on the history of he and the gun it would help those collectors down the line...

Bob

 

[quinn]

A 4" transitional in a marroon box with docs? I'd guess would be closer to 1500+ if numbers matching. Great find!

 

[SmithNut]

Nice revolvers here....

I just had to break mine out and shoot some quick phone pics.....

This is another transitional (s/n S661xx), it doesn't get out much...

I keep these Ivorex grips on it so the originals don't get scratched up...

Enjoy....

 

[Grayfox]

If I'm reading the serial number on the tag in that box correctly, that gun dates to 1946-47. So, I'm guessing an early post-war transitional?
I'll go along with $1200 easy and $1500 likely at auction.

I'm quite fond of the .38/44 myself.

 

[oneeyedpete]

Estimates given above sound pretty reasonable. I don't think Outdorsman models command the highest levels but I sure do love mine!

 

[vinn]

I have an 38/44. mine is marked " Boeing ". can that be bored to 347 ?

 

[Muley Gil]

I have an 38/44. mine is marked " Boeing ". can that be bored to 347 ?

It could have been re-chambered. If it hasn't been, and the revolver is still in good shape, I would advise against having it re-chambered at this time. A "Boeing" marked handgun would have been used by their security force.

 

[DWalt]

Any low condition but shootable .38/44 HD will bring at least $600. Yours could easily double that. In regard to its age, on my list is S62569, a HD which shipped from S&W on 7/24/46. Yours should be near that date. I personally dislike the term "Transitional," so I don't use it.

Regarding lengthening the chambers to .357, I don’t see any downside to doing it on a lower condition shooter-grade N-frame gun, but not for one in high condition. It is not unusual to see HDs that have lengthened chambers. It's a DIY job, all you need is a reamer.

 

[majick47]

With letter from LE officer you purchased it from I'd be asking $1500, prices paid from two years ago not current price today.