How much was a pearl handled pistol in 1930?

Depends entirely of WHICH pearl handled pistol you are referring to. A Colt or Smith and Wesson would have cost more than a Harrington & Richardson or an Iver Johnson, and an automatic more than a revolver. However, I do own one really cute tiny little handgun from that period- a .22 Baby Hammerless- with mother of pearl grips- will fit in a vest pocket- and in 1930, they sold for about $5. Check with your library to see if they can get you a copy of any of the early Sears catalogs- they have been reprinted in hardback, are available for several years- and have a nice section of rifles, shotguns and handguns- with illustrations, and the prices for the year of the catalog.