S&W .38 special ctg pre WW2 era info wanted

[amainejr]

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.

 

[XavierBreath]

Welcome to the forum sir. I went ahead and separated out your post. I figured it deserved a thread of it's own.

I'm guessing your revolver looks somewhat like the two pictured below. These are pre-war Model of 1905 4th change revolvers. They are also known as Military and Police revolvers or M&P's. Your revolver, 360660, has a heat treated cylinder, and is safe to fire with non +P ammunition. It should have walnut grips like the ones pictured below. It should have a smooth trigger, and a long action. Serial numbers will be on the butt, the rear of the cylinder, the bottom of the barrel, and inside one of the grips. A 360XXX serial number would be pre-depression. I'd wager your revolver was produced between 1917 and 1925. If the revolver was manufactured after May, 1922, it will have a "Made In USA" rollmark on the right side of the frame underneath the cylinder. If that marking is absent, you can safely say you own a S&W revolver made prior to 1922. Only Roy Jinks can say for sure though.

The value of pre-war Models of 1905 is highly variable depending on condition and location. The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson lists these revolvers at $450 in excellent condition, $335 in Very Good condition. These are national averages of what these revolvers brought at the gun counter a couple of years ago. In two decades, assuming we can still own guns, they will likely be worth twice that, at least. The market values of these revolvers are increasing rapidly. They are exceptional examples of gun building craftsmanship.

 

[amainejr]

I thoroughly appriciate it. It looks exactly like the one's in those pictures. So this is a really old gun? It looks like it was new. I'd say good condition. Well, is it possible to register or get a license for such an old revolver? I know nothing of sidearms. Do I even have to register this one or is the antique/vintage status of it make it like a vehicle that doesn't need a title?

 

[XavierBreath]

Whether you would have to register the revolver or have a license to possess it will depend on the laws where you live. Where do you live? Give the city as well if it is a major city.