I just purchased one of these at a gun show, serial number 3337. Mine is fully nickle plated, about 98%, and with ivory grips. The bore is very rough, though - not unsurprising for guns made during the black powder era. The caliber is .38 rim fire black powder only. The grips have the serial number scratched into them, which indicates that they are factory original. While categorized as suicide specials along with some very cheaply made guns, these F&W versions compare favorably with similar style guns made during the same period by the "big guys" - Colt, S&W, Merwin Hulbert, Marlin, and Remington, but at 1/4th the price.
The value of any gun is what someone is willing to pay at the given time. I paid $250 on 10/17/09.
Anywhere from $10-$200, depending on condition, model, etc.
I did my research on the gun itself and it is .32 caliber. Its worth about $1,750. for more info e-mail me at t7k7t7@aol.com
No way to tell the exact caliber from just the sn. No way to value without a detailed descrption.
Can't be answered without a DETAILED description of ALL markings, barrel length, sights, stock material, box, papers, accessories, history, finish, overall condition, etc..
You have not yet asked a question, despite the question mark. The successor to the Forehand & Wadsworth Company, Forehand firearms were made from 1890 to 1902. Values are not high, but would depend on exact model and condition. Please note this is NOT a .38 Special, but a caliber .38 S&W.
The Bulldog
Forehand & Wadsworth changed their name to Forehand Arms Co. and was eventually taken over by Hopkins & Allen. Unfortunately without the serial number it is hard to narrow down an exact age. I can tell you it was produced between 1887 and 1915.
Caliber should be on the barrel. SN's were not required until 1968
Depends on the exact model and condition. Anywhere from $25-$400.
No such weapon made by S&W
Where did you find the "Forehand Arms Co."? This was the successor firm to Forehand & Wadsworth and operated from 1890 to 1902. It is quite possible that a Forehand Arms revolver would have had F&W grips if the new company was being economical and using up old parts, but it should NOT have the Smith & Wesson monogram on the other side. If it has a solid frame, it is probably the model listed in the Official Price Guide to Antique & Modern Firearms as simply "Revolver, 38 S&W". If the barrel and cylinder assembly is hinged, then it will probably be the "Perfection Automatic." Re-reading your post, I see that you only say it is a .38 caliber. I was only looking at revolvers chambered for the 38S&W cartridge, but if it should happen to use .38 Long Rimfire, it could be the "Bulldog,' but I think it would be marked with that name. I have F&W that is a 32 long with octagonal barrel. When I researched it a few years ago I learned that the company was started by Ethan Allens brother. I think his name was Seth. I used Google to research it and used many different search strings. There is lots of information out there, unfortunately I didn't bookmark or print it. Try different search strings and you will find the answers you need. Fred Saint Petersburg, FL Hi! I have a Forehand Arms Co. .32 caliber pistol with a 5 in. barrel, top break revolver, 6 chamber, nickle plated with wooden handle. Here are the stamped makings on top off the barrol: FOREHAND ARMS CO. WOROESTS MASS.U.S.A. PAT.JAN.11NOV.29'87JAN3'88. Here are the stamped makings on the cartridge: 3108 this has a circl stamped around it. I would like to know how old and what it is worth. I know Sullivan Forehand and C. Wadsworth son-in-laws to Ethan Allen took over the company on his death in 1871. They ran the compay under the name Forehand & Wadsworth from 1871-1890 when Wadsworth retired. Forehand to over changing the company name to Forehand Arms Company 1890-1898. Forehand died 1898 and his ears ran the company until they sold it 1902 to Hopkins & Allen. DEW Seems hard to find a lot of information about Forehand Arms as they are always just a footnote to Forehand & Wadsworth. The only .32 topbreak revolver I can find listed is called the Pocket Model in Traister's Antique Guns. This book is from 1994, so the value of $250 in Excellent condition is probably not valid anymore. There is not a lot of interest in these, so I would guess that one in New condition might be a bit over $1000 and $250 would probably get one in NRA Fair to Good condition.
Blue book of gun values