Old 38 S & W

tccox

I would like some info on the following gun: the appx value and date of manufacture and if it is was designed to shoot black powder or modern. This was my grandmother's and will never leave my uncle's family.

Some of the numbers are faint and may not be accurate but here is what I have:
It is top break, 5 shot, 5 inch barrel,DA, s#4304xx. There is very little finish remaining but it appeared the frame was plated but the cylinder and barrel was blued.
Top of barrel reads: smith & wesson springfield mass usa pat'd aug 4,88 dec 22,98 oct8,01 feb8,06 sept14,09.
On left side is 38 S.&W. ctg. The side plate on the R. side is appx size of 50 cent piece with one screw. The cylinder has the same number as the frame and the top release has number 4155. The gun is very tight with no signs of wear. It has just a hint of the original finish left. Thanks, Tom

Those who beat their swords into plowshares will plow for those who dont.

captkirk3@dslextreme.com

tccox: Sounds to me like a Smith & Wesson Safety Hammerless, also called the New Departure Double Action Revolver...Made from 1888 to 1937 in Caliber .32 S&W, in 2-3 and 3 1/2 5 and 6 inch Barrels a few 7 inch Barrels.........
.38 Cal came in 2-3-and 3 1/2 and 4 inch Barrels... and the 38 Caliber was made from 1887 to 1942..As discribed I'd value your at $375.00 to $450.00....With out actually seeing it and giving it an NRA grade I might be a Little High or a Little Low in the evaluation....Best...

Captain Kirk, Tech Staff

tccox

OK, I knew I would forget something!! It has a hammer! Thanks, Tom

Those who beat their swords into plowshares will plow for those who dont.

n/a

Is there a thumb latch on the side of the pistol that you use with the top break latch to open your pistol???????????????

If so it could be the double action perfected mdl.

If no thumb latch, its possibly , a 3rd, 4th or 5th, model double action, only difference in these was the pacement of the sear.

LR

tccox

Classic, there is only the barrel latch on top to open it up. There was a very similar gun listed in the Smith & Wesson Special Collector's Edition Handguns 2002 but nothing I can matches this exactly. You are most likely correct in the 4th or 5th model. Thanks, Tom

Those who beat their swords into plowshares will plow for those who dont.

S&W Man

What you have is a .38 double action fourth model. Your s/n would have been produced about the first half of 1898. They were five shot, fluted cylinder 38S&W caliber. These were available in blue or nickel. If yours is mixed, it has probably been reworked. If the frame was nickel, that was its original finish most likely. Also from the information furnished, I believe that someone has rebarreled the gun, as the barrel markings do not match the gun. This gun is easily traceable by the s/n. In the described condition the gun is worth more in sentimental of family value than cash value. Im described condition cash value probably about $150.

The second admendment GUARANTEES the other nine and the Constitution!

Edited by - S&W Man on 05/10/2002 18:35:56

Edited by - S&W Man on 05/10/2002 18:46:02

leeblackman

Yea, $150 sounds about right. You see them on gunbroker's auction commonly.

I just wish I had a dollar for every gun I wanted, then I'd be a rich man.

tccox

Thanks ever so much for the help. I had wondered about the two different finishes. Mystery solved. Tom

Those who beat their swords into plowshares will plow for those who dont.