S&W Revolver questions

Michael Jahn

I have just aquired a S&W top brake revolver and would like to know anything you can tell me about it. I believe it to be a .38 Dbl action second model revolver, but not sure as it has no caliber markings on it. The serial number on the cyl is 256127 & matches that on the bottom of the grip plate. It appears someone tried to strip the nickle finish by using some type of polishing wheel. but not very well. I got it cheap, and don't intend to fire it, only bought it cause it was cheep & looked cool. Can you tell me anything about value or history?

Michael Jahn

hello, can anyone tell me what year did smith stop using the pinned barrel on their revolvers. also when did they change from the 2 piece box design to the folding type cardboard box, thanks

Laredo Lefty

Welcome to the forums.

It sounds like your gun may be a .38 Safety Hammerless 5th Model. There were 41,500 of these guns made between 1907 and 1940.

Since some has messed with the finish, the value would be considerably depreciated.

Michael Jahn

Thanks for the reply. I have checked some sites on the web & think it's more like the 2nd Model,or 3rd Model, as it does have a hammer on it. I bought it for under $30, so I don't much care about the value since it's been altered and just going to use it for a wall hanger. Was just trying to figure out more about when it might have been produced, etc.?