Smith & Wesson Fourth Model DA in .38 S&W?

[.455_Hunter]

Greetings,

I stopped by a local gun store this morning and noticed a little gem hiding in the case. It is a Nickel-Plated Smith & Wesson Fourth Model Double Action in .38 S&W (5 shot) with ivory grips (nicely aged). I would say the gun is in good-very good condition with good mechanics, a somewhat pitted bore (lots of BP rounds and corrosive primers) and kind of dirty.
When were these 4th models made?
Could the ivory be original?
He is asking $350. Is this a good price? If not, what should I offer him?
It definitely seems like the gun would be a good limited shooter with mild factory or reloaded ammo.

Please Comment.

Thanks,

Hunter

 

[Pistol Toter]

1895-1909 with approx 216300 produced. I'd say that the $350 is not very far off.
The SCSW lists:
AS NEW - $700
EXC+ - $325
EXC - $250
FINE - $215
VG - $200
GOOD - $165
FAIR - $120
POOR - $ 60

I don't believe that I would fire the old gun but appreciate it as a piece of Americana and History. Be advised that the cylinders were not heat treated until the 1920's.

 

[elrod]

S&W .38 Double Action Fourth Model was manfactured from 1895-1909. Approx. 216,300 were made. The stock grip was a S&W monogramed hard rubber. Values:100%-$450
98%-$300
95%-$230
90%-$200
80%-$185
Source: Fjestad, "Blue Book of Gun Values", 28th ed.

Pistoltoter beat me to it !

 

[jt1]

455_Hunter - Looks like you have got some good info here, I'll add a bit. A premium my be added if this example has target sights, a 2 1/2" or 6" barrel or a SN lower than 382022. I show no reference to ivory grips but there is mention of medallion pearl grips.

I'll add this, FWIW:

As you are aware, this example is a .38 S&W. Not .38 S&W special.

There was another Fourth Model. It was the .38 S&W Safety Hammerless, a DAO revolver. If yours has an exposed hammer then all the info above is correct.