Smith and Wesson .38 Value

Vanity

[pfflier]

My brother just found a footlocker that belonged to my dad, a 24 year USAF veteran. (He was a special agent in the AF/OSI). Inside was a Smith and Wesson box with a .38 cal Combat Masterpiece that is very lightly used. He had a log with it that indicated he only fired 12 rounds but we don't know if that is complete.

The piece is a Combat Masterpiece model 15-4 with a 4 inch square barrel as identified by the box. It was still in the S&W brown packaging paper with the cleaning kit.

[pfflier]

Cursory research online indicate that a similar weapon was standard issue for USAF Security Police until replaced by the Baretta M-9. This is a civilian model and I was wondering if any Freepers had an opinion of the value of the weapon. Your input is appreciated.

[castlebrew]

You might check with the folks at Dury's Guns about an appraisal...

[Dogbert41]

I’ll give you a $25 gift certificate to KFC!

[GladesGuru]

With the box, and in the condition described, probably north of $500.

[calex59]

Just did a google search on it and it looks as if they are selling for about $425-$550 depending on condition.

[JSteff]

For my B-dy yesterday i got $120 from my parents and a chili-mac dinner and ice-cream that I will gladly trade for your old gun. Only half the money though.. will need to get targets and ammo
The Food is (freeze dried) not eaten yet and the money is in a postal service M.O. and a $20 bill. (Dinner and a movie?:-) Oh well don't thank me out right, but at least I made an attempt to take that old piece off you hands... Let me know if you have any interest in getting rid of the old gun.

JSteff

[MadMax, the Grinning Reaper]

Worth a helluva lot if the New Black Panther Party comes a-calling.

[JSteff]

For my B-dy yesterday i got $120 from my parents and a chili-mac dinner and ice-cream that I will gladly trade for your old gun. Only half the money though.. will need to get targets and ammo
The Food is (freeze dried) not eaten yet and the money is in a postal service M.O. and a $20 bill. (Dinner and a movie?:-) Oh well don't thank me out right, but at least I made an attempt to take that old piece off you hands... Let me know if you have any interest in getting rid of the old gun.

JSteff

[RitchieAprile]

any official provenance would give a nice boost in value to a collector, especially if it indicates govt issue. i would take it to a Cabela’s, the gun lib guys love to see these walk in.

[unkus]

Yep. I’t going to be a hot summer in some cities.

[mylife]

Probably about $400

[GOPBiker]

There were 9 engineering changes in this gun.
The 15-4 indicates this is the 4th version.
I am assuming it is blue.
100% - $550; 98% - $499; 95% - $300 ... etc.

If it has USAF markings add 300% to the value. It would have been manufactured in 1965.

From 32nd edition of blue Book of Gun Values

[I see my hands]

About tree fiddy.

[mylife]

Three Fisty?

[smokingfrog]

Is it military issue?

I’d say maybe $450 to $550, since it sounds like it’s in like new condition.

[wjcsux]

If it were me, I would keep it. I love K frame S&W revolvers. This is what you have, I own several. They are very rugged, accurate and reliable. Loaded with .38 Special +P+ ammo, it isn’t quite as powerful as a .357 Mag but it will work well to protect you when the Zombie Apocalypse happens. Besides, this one has your family’s history written all over it.

[2ndDivisionVet]

I carried the exact same weapon as a civilian security policeman at an Air National Guard base back in 1985-88.

[The KG9 Kid]

Military service weapons belonging to family members are priceless.

[Dogbert41]

I’d sure love to have the .45 my Grandfather carried in WWI.

[mylife]

One of my friends got a Remington 1911 from like 1927 that was purchased by an old gent at the Texarcana NG armory for like $11.95
Its in the box with the receipt.

It fell into his possession when the old man died and no one wanted the firearms.