Smith and Wesson Lemon Squeezer ?'s

[fjweems3]

A widow in the church that I pastor has an excellent condition Smith with nickel finish. The serial number is 146XX. There are no caliber markings on the gun, but I am guessing that it is a 32. Can you fellows help me out with some info? She wants to sell it and would like a value of the gun. The box in the pics is not original to this gun.

 

[raljr1]

That's a pretty nice one. These usually are $300-400 guns, buy one that nice is worth $500 or more even without a box, IMHO. If you don't buy it, I would.

 

[opoefc]

Not enough photos to tell if it's been refinished, or not. Is the trigger guard nickel plated ? Ed.

 

[mmaher94087]

I believe it has been refinished. The hammer stud is polished flat, the trigger and guard appear to be nickel and the overall lines of the revolver seem 'soft'.

 

[fjweems3]

I don't have the gun in front of me right now, but the latch that release the gun to break open has checking on it.

 

[Askeladden]

Refinished second model .38 S&W Safety Hammerless, made in 1889.

 

[gmborkovic]

Lets see. You are the pastor of a church and a widow that is a member of the church has a re-fin nickel 32. And she wants you to set the price. Holy Cow. What a situation. I see a no win. Politely decline and bow out.
If you see a win/win please post your solution. I have been in your shoes and bowed.I only buy from a widow if the estate attorney or family member is present. Respectfully, Mike

 

[opoefc]

Mike has a point! That's a refinished gun with shooter value only, maybe couple hundred dollars, grips are replacements. No collector value, but a nice house gun. However, the widow may not be expecting a lottery winning price. Good Luck, Ed.

 

[gmborkovic]

I agree with you. How long has it been since you shot a 32 Top Break
and would you recommend it to someone for a house gun?
The Pastor is in the proverbial pickle. Walk gently away.

 

[fjweems3]

Lets see. You are the pastor of a church and a widow that is a member of the church has a re-fin nickel 32. And she wants you to set the price. Holy Cow. What a situation. I see a no win. Politely decline and bow out.
If you see a win/win please post your solution. I have been in your shoes and bowed.I only buy from a widow if the estate attorney or family member is present. Respectfully, Mike

My personal policy is that I never buy from a widow. I don't want anyone saying I cheated a widow. I'm trying to help her set a value she is comfortable with to sell it to her husband's old partner. I'm also checking with a local gunsmith to estimate a value.

I appreciate your sincere advice.

 

[Skeetr57]

I agree with you. How long has it been since you shot a 32 Top Break
and would you recommend it to someone for a house gun?
The Pastor is in the proverbial pickle. Walk gently away.

The gun is not a .32, it is a .38 S&W caliber gun. While not the best home defense gun, it is probably as adequate as a .380 automatic.

 

[raljr1]

I'd still buy it but a less of a premium after the expert opinions her.

 

[fjweems3]

I'd still buy it but a less of a premium after the expert opinions her.

I'll keep you in mind when I talk with her.