S & W md20 or 38/44 ???

[RedRabbit]

Trying to find out just what I have. S&W no model # ,5"barrell,fixed sights,n-frame,Serial# either 42693 or 66603. The first # on butt between grips. Pat numbers on top are feb6-06,sept14-09 and dec29-14, 6shot swing out cyl. Any help would be appreicated. Any value ?? Thanks in advance

 

[Oro]

Sounds like it could well be a 38/44 "Heavy Duty" from before WWII. Where does the "66603" number appear? What number is under the barrel and on the cylinder face? Pictures would help nail it down, you also didn't mention the caliber. It is .38 Special?

Value is a wide range based on the original finish condition and grips, mechanical condition, etc. Pretty difficult to narrow down with seeing a few detailed photographs.

 

[Jim Watson]

The real serial number is on the butt. Older guns have matching numbers on barrel and cylinder. A different number under the crane is a "fitting number" for keeping parts together at the factory before serial numbers are assigned.

A Heavy Duty in good condition will have substantial dollar value. After all, most of the Registered Magnums and .44 Specials of that era are tied up in collections and only rarely change hands at high prices. So the collectors have moved on to the HD and Outdoorsman which can still be found without monster prices. So far.

Repeat, good condition. Heavy wear, neglect, or any alteration will hurt the resale value.

 

[SaxonPig]

Here is the serial.



Here are a couple of 38/44 "Heavy Duty" S&W revolvers. The nickel is pre-war and the blued one is post-war. These are 4" but 5" was more common on pre-war models.





If it has the shrouded ejector rod and says "38 S&W Special" on the barrel it sounds like a 38/44 Heavy Duty. I don't think there were any other fixed sight 38s made with the shrouded rod.

 

[RedRabbit]

Sorry ,I reposted today,didn't think it went thru..serial # is 42693 no letter. its been reblued and grips changed

 

[SaxonPig]

Prolly about 1934 or 35.

Reblued but mechanically good is worth around $400 or so.