My grandmother would like to know value

[ekimskarp]

My grandmother would like to sell my departed grandfathers guns so she can live better
i told her I would try to find out what they are worth thanks for any help the first is


its silver and the cylinder is juct under 4inch
On the left side:
the barrel is stamped: SMITH & WESSON
On the right side:
the barrel is stamped: 38 S.&W. SPECIAL CTG.
below the cylinder: MADE IN U.S.A.
SMITH & WESSON
SPRINGFIELD, MASS.
back by the grip: the S&W trademark and REG. U.S. PAT. OFF.
on the butt:#576677
stamped on the top of the cylinder SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD, MASS.USA patented feb.6.06. sept. 14.09. dec.29.14

 

[Radagast]

kimskarp:
Your grandmother has a .38 Military & Police Model of 1905 4th Change revolver manufactured between 1927 & 1930.
Value is heavily dependent upon condition. In excellent condition it would probably be worth around $350.
Because it has been refinished (the nickel hammer and trigger are not factory finishes) it has reduced value to a collector and can only be considered a shooter. Assuming it is still mechanically good, I would place the value at around $250.

Check online gun auction sites such as www.gunbroker.com , www.armchairgunshow.com , www.gunsamerica.com or www.auctionarms.com to get a feel for value.
Go only on completed sale price, not the asking price, as many people will list at high prices and receive no bids.

 

[David E]

Sounds pretty spot-on to me !

 

[Grey Morel]

Sorry to say, but the market is SOUR on old hand ejectors.

That's good for a collector like me: but for the seller, it means your lucky to get much more than $300 for one in very good condition... Maybe $350 for one in excellent shape. Something that's been re-blued, or less than 80% finish (many) are currently selling for LESS than $200 in fine shooting shape.

I purchased a re-blued Colt Police Positive for $170 last week, a MINT all original Hopkins and Allen for $70 a few days before, and a Third model S&W HE for $180 last month. - both snagged on Gun Broker. I Practically STOLE them.

Seems that nobody wants old revolvers of any kind (unless its a Diamond back or Python ). Anything else is going so cheap you almost feel bad taking it... almost.

 

[sarge83]

I bought one nearly identical three years ago, paid $225 for it OTD. If it is in good condition I would concur with the prices listed so far. $250-$350 range.

 

[Rexster]

Be mindful that if your grandmother walks into a gun shop, she will not receive the value mentioned here! A gun shop, depending upon their level of ethics, and the local demand, will offer anything from half of what they can sell it for, downward to something like twenty dollars. An ethical dealer in dire financial straits may indeed decline to pay anything for it, if he cannot afford to be charitable.

A dealer that specializes in estate firearms is going be in a position to offer a reasonable price, but the private individual who plans to be the end owner/user is going to give the best price. Of course, many folks who say they want the firearm to own/use are really just planning to "flip" it. I wish I could provide more encouragement.

 

[Mooseman]

I've never tried this personally but maybe she could sell it on consignment at a local shop and get a better deal?

 

[C-grunt]

Id say give your grandmother some cash and keep it in the family, if at all possible. Thats a fine firearm thats been protecting your family for a long time.

 

[tekarra]

C-grunt has the right idea.

 

[jad0110]

Id say give your grandmother some cash and keep it in the family, if at all possible. Thats a fine firearm thats been protecting your family for a long time.

I agree. Personally, I like K Frame 5 screw hand ejectors. Assuming the gun is in solid mechanical condition, I'd pay $275 for that gun personally to keep it in the family. Fair price for both of you, IMHO.