We have had to put my grandfather into a home. We have come across an extremely old Smith & Wesson. All we have been able to find out is it is a .38 caliber manufactured in 1890. What is the value?
2007-07-23 16:50:07 · 6 answers · asked by Kristen 2 in Sports ➔ Outdoor Recreation ➔ Hunting
FYI - I was just curious to the value. We would never give anything away that has sentimental value. It's just nice to know....
2007-07-24 09:14:34 · update #1
There are several Smith & Wesson handguns manufactured during the year 1890 you listed.. You need to give more details in your description or supply a few photo's to help identify it. Is it top break? Nickel finish? .38 short or .38 long caliber? Single action requiring a hammer to be ****** first? Hammer? No Hammer? Barrel length (approximate) Number of digits/numbers in serial number if any? (Don't need the actual number) Two screw sideplate ? My point is one picture here is worth a thousand words. Price ranges on these guns run from several hundred dollars to $2500 based on model,condition, finish and collectability........
2007-07-23 17:27:54 · answer #1 · answered by JD 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The value can vary and is based on condition and rarity, but the site below is great for helping with your determination. All old S&W's are very collectable, so you will have no problem selling it if that is your intent.
http://smith-wessonforum.com/eve/forums/a/frm/f/540103904/p/2
I have an older S&W revolver and it's also .38 S&W and I paid $300. Here is a pic for reference.
http://smith-wessonforum.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/540103904/m/5401087512/p/2
Mine is the one in the Ricpr response.
Post a picture on the S&W site and likely someone will tell you the model and an approximate value.
As a note, do not try to sell this gun without finding out the value first. The are plenty of liars out there and some of the old S&W's are worth a lot of $$$.
If you can, save it as a family hierloom. If your grandfather is the original owner, for a fee S&W will send you a certificate of when he purchased the gun and where. Pretty cool for family history.
Good luck and I hope you choose to keep it in the family.
2007-07-24 00:10:22 · answer #2 · answered by ricpr1966 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Hi Kristen. Guns are difficult to appraise without seeing them. Is it a five-shot, breaktop revolver chambered in .38 S & W? That is a very common revolver form that era. Depending on conditions it may be worth more as a keepsake. In 'like-new' conditions it could be around two to two-fifty. Otherwise it could be a ten dollar paper weight or worth twenty-five dollars as a 'shooter-if-u-can-find-ammo-for-it.
Other factors are: Has it been altered or refinsihed? Was it owned by someone famous? If all else fails, you could buy a frame that holds a gun and use it as a wall-hanger in your office.
Good luck.
H
2007-07-24 05:45:32 · answer #3 · answered by H 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The value range, from the information you have given is $50 to $500,000. The value will be much closer to the $50 figure in the vast majority of details.
The value is determined by scarcity, condition, details, and even who it belonged to.
2007-07-24 16:36:50 · answer #4 · answered by Gray Wanderer 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Is it long colt or short colt?
Any markings, emblems, post a couple pics and link to them, I can probably figure it out.
2007-07-24 03:11:50 · answer #5 · answered by ghemcartographer 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
u should keep that it still is his gun ask him wat its importience is to him
2007-07-24 09:07:58 · answer #6 · answered by Flying Falcon 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋