S&W Regulation Police 38 Spl

[boondocksaint]

Hey Guys,

I'm trying to help out a friend with evaluating an old revolver. He has a S&W that is stamped "Smith & Wesson" on the left side of the barrel and "Regulation Police" "38 S & W CTG" on the right side of the barrel.

The serial # on the inside of the frame is 1353.

The # on the inside of the pistol grip is #6439.

This gun appears to be original and has "RAT June 5 19(?)17" ...I think it's a 1, being 1917, but can't say for certain.

Any info anyone can provide would be greatly appreciated. Sorry, I don't have any pics, but will try to add some tomorrow.

Boondocksaint

[Alpha Sierra]

The Regulation Police is an I frame revolver and the predecessor to the J frame.

The caliber marking on the barrel is not .38 Special. 38 S&W CTG is the old .38 S&W. First off, the standard bullet diameter of the 38 S&W is .361" and of course the same dimension for the Special is .357". Case length for the 38 S&W is .775" and the same for the 38 Special is 1.115".

For more details, post a question here: http://www.smithandwessonforums.com

[Alpha Sierra]

This gun appears to be original and has "RAT June 5 19(?)17" ...I think it's a 1, being 1917, but can't say for certain.

RAT is actually PAT as in patent. S&W used to engrave the dates of applicable patents on top of the barrel. They probably stopped once the patents expired.

[boondocksaint]

On the top of the barrel is stamped:
"Smith & Wesson Springfield Mass USA PT'D
"OCT 8.01.DEC17.01.FEB8.08.SEPT.14.09.DEC.29.14"


Sorry the pics aren't any better :rolleyes:

Where can I find an estimated value of this revolver?

[Alpha Sierra]

Where can I find an estimated value of this revolver?

http://www.amazon.com/Standard-Catalog-Smith-Wesson/dp/089689293X

[ThirdWatcher]

...For more details, post a question here: http://www.smithandwessonforums.com

+1 There are a nice buncha folks over there that collectively know just about all there is to know about S&W's. :)

[boondocksaint]

AS & TW,

Thanks guys. I'll check out the S&W site.

I gotta admit I'm also pretty tempted to pick up that S&W catalog....just 'cuz...

[Alpha Sierra]

By the by, the grips on that piece are pre 1930 and appear to be in VG to excellent condition. They can bring a pretty penny by themselves.

But I would not advice parting out an all-original pre-30s S&W. If that were mine, I would send the pistol to Doug Turnbull (http://www.turnbullrestorations.com)for a restoration and the grips to Keith Brown (http://www.classiccarvedgrips.com/) for a makeover.

You would end up with a showpiece that would be as factory correct as can be. Only your friend can answer if that expense is worth it to him.

It would be to me.