OLD S&W, identification neded

[MisterR]

I have two old S&W I would like to find out exactally what and how old they are, on is an ld 32 LONG CTG S&W with the serial number of 57901, and the other is a 38 S&W SPECIAL, CTG. with a S stamped into it and the serial number of 150023. I think it is a 38/44.

If anyone could tell me it would be greatly apprecaited.

 

[Jim K]

Second one first. Assuming you are correct and that it is an "N" frame, does the gun have adjustable sights? If so, it would be the .38/44 Outdoorsman, later the Model 23. If it does not have adjustable sights, it is the 38/44 Heavy Duty (later Model 20) and a rare gun in that serial number range. Check the inside of the frame where the crane closes and see if there is a model number. The serial number indicates manufacture 1956-1957.

The .32 Hand Ejector would be the Model of 1903, Second Change, made from 1906-1909. As with all guns, the primary determination of value is based on condition. Some good pictures would help.

Jim

 

[MisterR]

I think the model number is 65004 and directly below is an 8
Hope that will help
Thank you

 

[Radagast]

You have a .38/44 Heavy Duty Model of 1950, after 1957 this was known as the Model 20. N frame, 4 inch barrel, fixed sights, Magna grips,5 screw frame, yours falls in the serial range for 1956 to 1956, being S150000 to S175999.
65004 & 8 are assembly numbers used to track parts in the factory. As your gun lacks a model number it was manufactured in 1956. The grip adaptor is no factory.

Jim gave you the correct data on your .32 Hand Ejector.

 

[rainbowbob]

A .38/44? I'd never heard of that. Please excuse my ignorance, but how does it manage both calibers?

 

[MisterR]

Thank you again for that, not that I am going to sell them or anything do you know what the value maybe for thoes two guns are.
Now do you just deal with smith and wesson or do you know a bit about everything?

 

[MisterR]

It is not really two different calibers, it is a 38 caliber on a 44 frame, the gun was orignally made for the law enforcement of the time that was capable of shooting with the 44's yet not quite the extra kick.

 

[Oro]

A .38/44? I'd never heard of that. Please excuse my ignorance

As MisterR said, it's a .38 caliber on the .44 frame (N). There are various S&W guns known by the off-caliber on the frame originally designed around a different cartridge (for example, .22/.32 Kit Gun, etc). It is chambered for .38 Special, but was capable of shooting ".38 High Velocity," a hot-loaded .38 special round much closer to today's .357 than a .38 Special.

Book values on them would be - oops, book's not here. I will add some price comments tomorrow - or some other folks will be by and do it.

The lack of original grips and almost no finish on the .32 HE will clearly hurt value - maybe $125 or $150?

The .38/44 has it's original grips, but the loss of finish on the barrel/cylinder and pitting there will hurt. Also, on close inspection, it looks like some filing was done on the trigger guard, but I can't tell fully.