Hey guys, I have in possession 2 very old Smith and Wesson .38 Safety-Hammerless revolvers. Patent dates are from the mid-late 1880's. These guns have been in my family for generations, and I'd like to know a little about them. One is a 1st-model with the Z-bar latch, 4-inch barrel, nickel-plated, in about 65-75% condition, functions flawlessly. The serial number is very low...76. Are these old Smiths collectable or worth anything? I figured it might be since they made them for decades and mine is the 76th one ever made. I also have a 2nd or 3rd model of the same gun, similar condition, but with a serial number in the 2XXX range. It seems to be hard to find values/info on these guns, so any input would be appreciated. Also, I have the original leather holsters for both. Thanks!
S&W .38 Safety-Hammerless (OLD Lemon-Squeezers)
- Thread starter RippinSVT
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Go to www.armsbid.com and look at the results of past auctions. They specialize in vintage or classic Smith & Wessons.
Because of the low serial number the Z-bar could fetch some big bucks, but a lot depends on what condition it (or they) are in. Book value of a Z-Bar runs from $150 (poor condition) to $1,500 (as new). In 65% to 75% condition about $600-$700, possibly higher because of the serial number.
The second revolver in the 2,000 number range would be a Z-Bar also, as they made some 5,250 of them in 1887. You might want to check that number again.
Holster values depend on who made them and what condition they are in, but I would consider a minimum of $100 if they are original to the guns.
Because of the low serial number the Z-bar could fetch some big bucks, but a lot depends on what condition it (or they) are in. Book value of a Z-Bar runs from $150 (poor condition) to $1,500 (as new). In 65% to 75% condition about $600-$700, possibly higher because of the serial number.
The second revolver in the 2,000 number range would be a Z-Bar also, as they made some 5,250 of them in 1887. You might want to check that number again.
Holster values depend on who made them and what condition they are in, but I would consider a minimum of $100 if they are original to the guns.
That seems more likely... 
The second revolver is a Smith & Wesson ,38 Safety Hammerless (aka "New Departure") 2nd Model. These were made between 1887 and 1890, within a serial number range running from 5,251 to 42,483.
Standard barrel lengths were 3 1/2, 4 and 5 inches. Cataloged finishes were blue or nickel plated with blued trigger guard. Triggers were color case-hardened. Standard stocks were black hard-rubber, but mother-of-pearl was an extra cost option. Going price in the condition you describe is $350 give or take.
Given this guns history within your family, I suggest that you get them "lettered." To do so you will need a snapshot of each gun, a full description including the serial number on the butt, and a check in the amount of $50.00 ($100.00 for 2 revolvers) made out to Smith & Wesson. In exchange the company's historian, Roy G. Jinks, will research the original records (which are not computerized by the way) and send you a letter containing the details of what he finds.
This comprehensive document will contain an overview of the model’s history, followed by the details of your particular gun. This usually includes the caliber, barrel length, finish, and the exact date it was shipped from the factory, and to what distributor or dealer. If there are any special features they will be listed too. This information is often invaluable to both you and future generations. Should you decide to sell either gun you can easily recover the cost of the letter(s).
Additional information on a historical letter will be found at the Smith & Wesson company website at:
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...catalogId=11101&content=25301§ionId=10504
The second revolver is a Smith & Wesson ,38 Safety Hammerless (aka "New Departure") 2nd Model. These were made between 1887 and 1890, within a serial number range running from 5,251 to 42,483.
Standard barrel lengths were 3 1/2, 4 and 5 inches. Cataloged finishes were blue or nickel plated with blued trigger guard. Triggers were color case-hardened. Standard stocks were black hard-rubber, but mother-of-pearl was an extra cost option. Going price in the condition you describe is $350 give or take.
Given this guns history within your family, I suggest that you get them "lettered." To do so you will need a snapshot of each gun, a full description including the serial number on the butt, and a check in the amount of $50.00 ($100.00 for 2 revolvers) made out to Smith & Wesson. In exchange the company's historian, Roy G. Jinks, will research the original records (which are not computerized by the way) and send you a letter containing the details of what he finds.
This comprehensive document will contain an overview of the model’s history, followed by the details of your particular gun. This usually includes the caliber, barrel length, finish, and the exact date it was shipped from the factory, and to what distributor or dealer. If there are any special features they will be listed too. This information is often invaluable to both you and future generations. Should you decide to sell either gun you can easily recover the cost of the letter(s).
Additional information on a historical letter will be found at the Smith & Wesson company website at:
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...catalogId=11101&content=25301§ionId=10504
Great info buddy! I can't thank you enough, that info is invaluable. I think I'll be sending out a letter right away since the guns belonged to my great-great-grandfather originally and will undoubtably stay in the family. An old story goes that one of them was used to dispatch a "cat-sized" rat from the basement of a tavern my relatives owned in Pittsburg back around the turn or the century. Funny how every old gun has its own little story. Thanks again!
Given the revolver's history, I would get them lettered while the service is available, and if you send in an application mention the story. That sort of thing makes Smith & Wesson's historian, Roy Jinks's day. Much more so then the "My grandpa had this when he and Wyatt Earp went down to the O.K. Corral..." sort of yarn.
You might be interested to know that your great-great-grandpa was in good company. Both Sheriff Pat Garratt (of Billy the Kid fame) and president Teddy Roosevelt owned similar revolvers.
You might be interested to know that your great-great-grandpa was in good company. Both Sheriff Pat Garratt (of Billy the Kid fame) and president Teddy Roosevelt owned similar revolvers.
Teddy Roosevelt's attitude toward guns is well illustrated by the (apparently true) story that he was on his way one day to a meeting with the Episcopal Archbishop of Washington. On his way out the door of the White House, he patted his pockets and said, "Good heavens, I have forgotten my pistol and I have to meet the Archbishop."
It was said of his daughter, Alice, who had a reputation for undiplomatic remarks, that she carried two weapons, her mouth and a revolver, and no one was sure which was the more deadly.
Jim
It was said of his daughter, Alice, who had a reputation for undiplomatic remarks, that she carried two weapons, her mouth and a revolver, and no one was sure which was the more deadly.
Jim
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