S & W .38 special - The Firearms Forum

yetiman · 05-13-2012, 04:36 PM

Has 21744 on the cylinder arm and 24126 serial number. Looking for approx value on this gun. Probably 70% . Thanks in advance.

Hammerslagger · 05-13-2012, 05:04 PM

You have a Military & Police revolver. It may possibly be a very early Model 10, if it was made after S&W started using model numbers.

Most of these revolvers were shipped with 4" barrels. Yours looks like either 5" or 6", which is less often encountered but not rare. From the photos furnished, it appears to be in good condition, retaining more bluing (if not re-blued) than most "good condition" guns, but I think that I see evidence of some rust, which will knock it out of NRA "Very Good" condition as far as a collector will be concerned.

The serial number will be visible on the bottom of the frame butt. You may be able to find its year of manufacture on line. The model number, if it has one, will be a "10" or "10-X" on the forestrap; visible when you open the cylinder.

As to actual street value, go to several Internet gun auction sites, and see what is actually being bid for comparable revolvers.

Hope this helps.

Alpo · 05-13-2012, 05:23 PM

Something is wrong. SN 24126 was made in 1903. The end of that ejector rod is wrong for a gun that old.

Either, you have a non-Smith and Wesson, or you have a Frankengun (where parts from several guns were used to make one) or you have quoted an incorrect serial number.

Hammerslagger · 05-13-2012, 05:58 PM

I missed the first part of yetiman's thread.

I think that he has listed an assembly number for the serial number found stamped at the bottom of the frame sandwiched between the grips.

yetiman · 05-13-2012, 07:18 PM

That serial # is on butt and frame but we couldn't find it in any catalog.....probably a "franken" as is definitely a Smith and Wesson Frame and Barrel. Thanks guys!

Deacon_Man · 05-13-2012, 08:29 PM

Nice pistol.

Jim K · 05-14-2012, 11:08 AM

That gun looks like it has been reblued, which reduces the value considerably.

Jim

deadin · 05-14-2012, 12:02 PM

Any letters on the bottom of the grip in addition to the serial? (Probably at the other end of the bottom from the number.)

yetiman · 05-14-2012, 04:30 PM

I don't have it in my possession anymore, my father-in-law bought 5 guns from a guy and was trying to date it. He only gave $75 for it and it sure shoots nice

Lanrezac · 05-14-2012, 07:10 PM

If it shoots well, it would be cheap at twice that price.

05-13-2012, 04:36 PM	#1
yetiman Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Martin, Tn Contributor Posts: 501	S & W .38 special Has 21744 on the cylinder arm and 24126 serial number. Looking for approx value on this gun. Probably 70% . Thanks in advance. Attached Images -->

05-13-2012, 05:04 PM	#2
Hammerslagger Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 1,099	Re: S & W .38 special You have a Military & Police revolver. It may possibly be a very early Model 10, if it was made after S&W started using model numbers. Most of these revolvers were shipped with 4" barrels. Yours looks like either 5" or 6", which is less often encountered but not rare. From the photos furnished, it appears to be in good condition, retaining more bluing (if not re-blued) than most "good condition" guns, but I think that I see evidence of some rust, which will knock it out of NRA "Very Good" condition as far as a collector will be concerned. The serial number will be visible on the bottom of the frame butt. You may be able to find its year of manufacture on line. The model number, if it has one, will be a "10" or "10-X" on the forestrap; visible when you open the cylinder. As to actual street value, go to several Internet gun auction sites, and see what is actually being bid for comparable revolvers. Hope this helps. Last edited by Hammerslagger; 05-13-2012 at 05:06 PM.. Reason: add words

05-13-2012, 05:23 PM	#3
Alpo Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: NW Florida Posts: 8,661	Re: S & W .38 special Something is wrong. SN 24126 was made in 1903. The end of that ejector rod is wrong for a gun that old. Either, you have a non-Smith and Wesson, or you have a Frankengun (where parts from several guns were used to make one) or you have quoted an incorrect serial number. __________________ Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy, and taste good with catsup - George of Lod, Year of Our Lord 297 I always take precautions. Beware the Evil Bullet Fairies.

05-13-2012, 05:58 PM	#4
Hammerslagger Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 1,099	Re: S & W .38 special I missed the first part of yetiman's thread. I think that he has listed an assembly number for the serial number found stamped at the bottom of the frame sandwiched between the grips.

05-13-2012, 07:18 PM	#5
yetiman Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Martin, Tn Contributor Posts: 501	Re: S & W .38 special That serial # is on butt and frame but we couldn't find it in any catalog.....probably a "franken" as is definitely a Smith and Wesson Frame and Barrel. Thanks guys!

05-13-2012, 08:29 PM	#6
Deacon_Man V.I.P. Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Weatherford Texas Posts: 452	Re: S & W .38 special Nice pistol.

05-14-2012, 11:08 AM	#7
Jim K Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 6,408	Re: S & W .38 special That gun looks like it has been reblued, which reduces the value considerably. Jim

05-14-2012, 12:02 PM	#8
deadin Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 858	Re: S & W .38 special Any letters on the bottom of the grip in addition to the serial? (Probably at the other end of the bottom from the number.)

05-14-2012, 04:30 PM	#9
yetiman Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Martin, Tn Contributor Posts: 501	Re: S & W .38 special I don't have it in my possession anymore, my father-in-law bought 5 guns from a guy and was trying to date it. He only gave $75 for it and it sure shoots nice

05-14-2012, 07:10 PM	#10
Lanrezac Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Milwaukee, WI Posts: 686	Re: S & W .38 special If it shoots well, it would be cheap at twice that price.