View Full Version : Help identify these hand guns
fitterjohn
05-30-2023, 20:35
I am helping a friend with her father estate. He had a large amount of firearms there where only 2 that i couldn't identify. The first is a smith and wesson, no model number(under the yoke looked like a 6 digit product number, but couldn't read fully) It is stamped 38 S&W special on the barrel
939489394993950
The second I don't know anything about, no markings at all
9395193952
any help with these would be great. as a side note does anyone know if there is interest in a Remington model 11 in 12ga i think made in 1918
buffalobo
05-30-2023, 21:27
My grandfather was a model 11 fan, he had several. Designed by JMB and first auto loading shotgun produced in America.
If pre 1948 it should have some collector interest. Even after 1948 the 11-48 was popular.
If you're unarmed, you are a victim.
fitterjohn
05-31-2023, 05:32
It’s kind of a cool piece. If the serial number decoder I used is accurate it was made in 1918. Cool that on the barrel it lists the browning patents.
.455_Hunter
05-31-2023, 08:35
The upper Smith would appear to be a pre-WWII .38 Hand Ejector, essentially an earlier version of the Model 10. Model numbers didn't get assigned until roughly 1960. The serial number should be on the button of the butt, which would help to narrow exact engineering change and rough year of production. In that condition, assuming fully functional with good bore, it's probably $300-400 in the current market.
The lower one is probably a Spanish or Belgian knock-off and has real value only as a wall hanger, maybe $100-200 for somebody who thinks it's cool.
The old Smith should have the trademark on the sideplate-hard to tell if it's there in the photo. S&W started assigning model numbers in 1957, the serial number from the bottom of the grip frame would be a big help in narrowing down the year though Smith didn't necessarily ship in order of serial number. The revolver shown started as the .38 Military and Police Model of 1902 (prior version 1899-1902 had the round butt frame). There should also be another screw in the front of the trigger guard (those guns whether K or N frames are commonly referred to as 5-screw revolvers). In 1945 the serial number began with the letter "S", in 1948 the serial prefix was changed to "C". The one you posted shouldn't have any letter preceeding the serial number.
I agree with .455 on the value as long as the chambers and bore are in decent shape. Cool old revolver regardless.
fitterjohn
06-01-2023, 10:54
I don’t think it does have a letter before the serial number. When I get home I’ll take another look and see what I can find.
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