[Steelervette]

Hi all,
I have an opportunity to purchase up to 3 revolvers from a gentleman that is thinning his collection.
I have no experience with these older models and would appreciate advice on value/collectability and practicality of shooting them.
The first one is a 38/44 Heavy Duty.
Historical letter states it is a pre-war variation 38 S&W Special.
Shipped from the factory on October 15, 1940 . It came with 5" barrel, blue finish, butt swivel and checkered silver medallion magna grips.

The second revolver is according to the Historical letter a .455 Hand Ejector First Model (Triple Lock). A British Gov't contract .455 Webley. It was shipped on January 14, 1915 to Remington Arms - Union Metallic Cartridge Co. In New York. It was shipped with a 6.5" barrel, blue finish, butt swivel and checkered gold medallion grips.

The third revolver is the same as the second. I have no pictures of it but it is the same configuration. It is also in much better condition. There is also no Historical letter for this gun but it is only about 70 numbers later, so around the same date I should think.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Those are some interesting N frames. I guestimate the .38/44 at $1400 if the stocks number to the gun and it has not been reamed for .357 Magnum. The 2 .455 BSR's are around $1200 each if they haven't been modified for .45 Colt or .45 ACP and the stocks number to the gun.

 

[Steelervette]

Thanks ,
I thought the triple locks might value a little higher due to low production numbers.
Do being British contact lessen their appeal?
All things equal, would .44 specials be more desirable (valuable)?

 

[ussmanlovede36]

They are 3 good S&W revolvers and I would be proud to own them. The 2 triple locks I would have the most interest in but of course it depends on price. What is the old gent asking for them?

 

[Wiregrassguy]

I thought the triple locks might value a little higher due to low production numbers.
Do being British contact lessen their appeal?
All things equal, would .44 specials be more desirable (valuable)?

Militaria markings and wear reduce the value when compared to .44 HE triple locks. That being said, the values of .455 HE 1st's has been rapidly going up lately. Values took a dip or pause about 5 years ago and are now recovering, IMO. I'm beginning to see values of modified .455 triple locks passing $1000. Values also depend on where you are and can vary significantly.

 

[Steelervette]

All 3 guns are original ie. matching and unaltered.
Haven't discussed price too much.
I'd like to be a little more educated before I proceed with any offers
Both the Triple Lock's do have British proof marks.

 

[etruett]

I think @Wiregrassguy is dead on the money with his appraisal. I’d offer $3k cash and be prepared to go a little higher if I wanted all 3. I think the cream of the crop is the HD.

 

[Big Larry]

The HD has a swivel and what looks like, pre war magna stocks. They alone are worth maybe $500+. Also look to see if they are numbered to the gun. A letter will tell if the stocks and swivel are factory. Most important, as Wiregrass mentioned, has the cylinder been reamed out for the 357? That alone will drop the value substantially. If you get a good value, buy all 3, if not just as an investment. The HD is my favorite as well. Big Larry

 

[Steelervette]

I'm leaning toward the HD if I limit myself to just one .
As I mentioned earlier it does have an Historical letter that states it is a pre-war variation that came with the butt swivel and
checkered silver medallion magna grips.
The stocks are matched to the gun.

 

[PandRFan]

I've never seen a Heavy Duty with a butt swivel. Maybe it was a police department issue gun and they did that?
Check out the website .38/44 Heavy Duty .com. A wealth of information there.
Jim

 

[Steelervette]

You're right about it being issued to a police department. There is documentation supporting that.
However the Historical Letter from Smith and Wesson states the gun left the factory with the butt swivel

 

[Waidmann]

Was the butt swivel on the HD applied through the original serial number and the serial reapplied under the grips? With the .455's conversion to .45ACP will require shaving the rear of the cylinder removing the serial number and military proof (crossed flags). Conversion .45 Colt requires deepening the chambers and a slight radiusing around the edge of the chambers to accomadate the thicker rim of the Colt cartridge.

 

[Big Larry]

Make sure it does not chamber a 357 round. This is an unusual revolver and probably worth more than a standard HD.
I have a nice one lettered, like so many others, to Wolf and Klar. Probably went to a PD, but the letter does not state that. Further research would be needed. Get that one for sure, and let us all know what you paid after all. Big Larry

 

[Steelervette]

I'll see what I can work out.

 

[hiketheball]

If you have little or no experience with these revolvers, I would suggest
1. avoid them
2. have a trusted gunsmith examine them for you

My experience is that I don't have the knowledge to buy these. (Bought a revolver with a "jugged" cylinder; what a pain.)