Info about an old Secret Service Special

Question
I have an old revolver that is a 5 shot, breech loader, and has an internal hammer.  It is stamped 'Secret Service Special' on the side of the barrel, and 'Howard Arms Co., Chicago, USA' on the curve behind the barrel where a normal external hammer would be.  It's roughly 5-6 inches long, nickel plated with a black grip made of some sort of plasticy material.

I've been told it's a .38 regular, .38 special, or rare .38 black powder cartridge by 3 different gun stores.

I do have pictures of the gun, along with close-ups of the stamped areas that I can e-mail you.

From the information I gave you can you tell me some definitive info about my gun?  If possible I'd like to know what caliber (calibre?) it really is, what year it was made, it's make and model, and the value.

Thanks.

Answer
Kevin,

As best I can determine based upon the information that has been provided is that you have a revolver that was a trade name for the Rohde-Spencer Co. of Chicago. They dealt in "inexpensive" pocket revolvers for the time period. Howard Arms Co was the trade name used by the distributer H.& D. Folsom Arms Co.

Unfortunately most of these revolvers are worth far less than the owners think (or hope for). Yours could be an exception but I doubt it. The majority of these were chambered in either .32S&W or .38S&W. Since you have been told that it is a "38 something", you may very well be the owner of a .38 S&W. NOTE: This shoud NOT be confused with a .38 Special.

I suggest that you deliver your gun to a qualified gunsmith for inspection. He/she should be able to confirm the caliber for you and also if it is safe to fire. Don't rely only on the opinion of a salesperson working to make the determination. Go with the advise of a gunsmith even if it costs you a few dollars to do so.

Most of these revolvers bring between $60 to $120. One in as new condition in the original box would be worth more.

Thanks for the question.

Sid Lark