Hi, I am new to this forum, and have done a little bit of research on the pistol my grandfather just gave to my son today. I know that it is a S&W .38 special ctg from the pre WW2 era. The serial number on the bottom is 360660, and every part of it is very legible, except the trade mark symbol is a little worn. I know the gun has been fired, and from the looks of it, probably quite a few times, although the exact number is unknown. The handle is a checkerboard, brownish color. It is black or dark blue steel, with a barrel roughly 4" long, and extremely smooth and glossy, very good physical shape. The top portion reads
SPRINGFIELD MASS. U.S.A. PATENTED
1.FEB.6.06.SEPT.14.09.DEC.29.14
Is there a way to find out a rough guestimate of the value just by description or should I get some pictures or take it to a professional gun person? I am giving it to my son, but I'd like to know about what it would be worth now, and in 20 years.
SPRINGFIELD MASS. U.S.A. PATENTED
1.FEB.6.06.SEPT.14.09.DEC.29.14
Is there a way to find out a rough guestimate of the value just by description or should I get some pictures or take it to a professional gun person? I am giving it to my son, but I'd like to know about what it would be worth now, and in 20 years.