hi everybody.my name is brandon and im a new member.i have been looking around just wanted to say this is a great forum with tons of good information and very knowledgable members.im also a new owner of a .38 s&w top break.its the first smith and wesson ive ever owned.i bought it at flea market and gave $60 for it.the guy i bought it from said the notch that holds the hammer cocked was worn and wouldnt shoot.so i brought it home and took it apart and found a few more problems.other than the notch bein worn the spur that hits the primer is broken and i think im missin a part.i found a thin broken piece of metal inside.looking at it i think it goes between the two hooks on back of the trigger.i was wondering what u call that part and what it looks like?and if anybody could tell me maybe what model it is and when it was made?the number on the bottom is 294480.here are some pics and i appreciate any and all help and info.thanks

Brandon, Welcome to the Forum. You are in the right place for all things Smith & Wesson. Get yourself a copy of the GunParts catalog (Numrich) www-e-GunParts.com It has exploded views of the .38DAs and all the part names, etc. The part that connects the main spring to the hammer is called the stirrup. You may be able to look at it online.
Your gun, a .38DA, 3rd model,Serial # 294480, was shipped from the factory in the mid 1890s. It's a lot of fun to get and old war horse, like your gun, back to working order, and you have a good start, however finding all the parts you may need will be the second level of the "Fun & Games!" Poppert'sgun parts.com may have what you need, but use the part names in the Gun Parts Corp. catalog to describe to Poppert's what you need. Or, look for another similar model junker at gun shows & flea markets, as a parts source. Good Luck. Ed.

thanks for the info.i had no idea it was that old.i really appreciate your help.dont get me wrong im absolutely not trying to argue with you but it think i have the stirrup.ive been looking and the best i can tell i think im missing the hand spring.numrichs is sold out and i couldnt find it at popperts.anybody know where i might find one?is it any way possible i could make one?i cant really tell what it looks like on numrichs.if anyone has one id love to buy it from you.