need help with Smith & Wesson identification

[L Randolph]

I am the executor of my father's estate. I know nothing about guns, and have found two Smith & Wesson pistols or revolvers (I'm sorry to confess how ignorant I am here) in cleaning out his house. I suspect these are quite old, as I am pretty sure these were my grandfather's.

Can anyone help me identify the following & give me an idea about value & how to dispose of these?

Gun 1:

Right barrel: 58 ( OR 38 I can't tell whether this is a 5 or 3) S&W Special CTG
Top of barrel: Smith & Wesson, Springfield MA
Left barrel: Smith & Wesson
Body (I guess this is what it's called: S&W trademark
Bottom of the grip: 460983

Gun 2:

Right barrel 52 OR 32 (Again, I am having trouble telling whether this is a 5 or 3) Long CTG
Top of barrel: Smith & Wesson, Springfield MA
Left barrel: smith & Wesson
Body (I guess this is what it's called: S&W trademark
bottom of the grip: 596659

Thanks for any info you can give me on these. I just don't have a clue what to do with them or where to start.

 

[6_gunner]

Welcome to the High Road! You'll find a plenty of useful information here, and many knowledgable people who will be happy to help you.

More information about your revolvers would be helpful.

How long is the barrel on each gun (measured from the front of the cylinder)? How many shots does each gun hold (five or six)?

The numbers in question are threes, making the calibers .38 Special and .32 Long.

Since the guns lack model numbers, they almost certainly date to before the mid-1950s.

I don't know where you live, but in most places in the U.S. you will be able to sell the guns to a gun shop with no legal complications. There's no way to know the value without more information. Some old Smith and Wessons are quite valuable, but any model in decent condition will at least be worth a couple hundred dollars.

Is anyone in your family interested in guns? I'm sure they would appreciate them. In most areas, it would be perfectly legal to give them to a family member, as long as they are over 21 and have not been convicted of a felony.

I hope this is helpful.

 

[L Randolph]

thanks-I'm such a gun novice that I don't even know how to open the cartridge on these guns! I just looked up a local gun shop, who said they would help me id the guns if I bring them in. They say they will also take old guns on consignment, but it strikes me I might be better off with a large Smith & Wesson dealer who has a big internet presence & maybe does gun shows, rather than just a small local gun dealer who doesn't even have a web site. Any suggestions on how to sell them once I get them identified?

 

[Ron James]

One note of interest, A dealer, any dealer, will only offer you 50 to 60 percent of value. These guns may set in a display case for months before being sold. In my opinion, if you can sell them on consignment through a dealer, that would be best, easier and more value returned. my two cents.
Also, to open the cylinder, Pointing the muzzle in a safe direction, on the left side of the revolver, just above the grips is a " latch", holding the firearm in your right hand ( FINGER ALWAYS OFF THE TRIGGER ), use your thumb to push forward on the latch, use your left hand, over the top of the frame and use your fingers to push against the cylinder , the cylinder will swing out to the left. Make sure the holes are all empty. Now take it down to the friendly gun shop and ask for some instructions. Your local dealer can probably do as much for you as the worlds larges gun dealer. Big dealers don't like consignments, too much hassle ( at least in this area)

 

[rcmodel]

One is a .38 S&W Special.

The other is a .32 S&W Long.

Now, are you sure they are unloaded?
You mentioned something about "I don't even know how to open the cartridge on these guns!"

SO, stop right there!

Your .38 Spl. most likely has a thumb latch on the left side.
Push it forward and swing the cylinder out to the left.
Pushing on the end of the rod will eject the cartridges.

The .32 either has the same latch, or if older may be of top-break design.

In that case, pull up on the dual knurled latch surfaces at the top rear of the gun and swing the barrel/cylinder down.
That will eject the cartridges.

If you can post pictures of the guns, we can ID them and give you some estimate of value.

rcmodel