ID Help

MacA · #1 09-15-2010, 09:43 PM

I just recently joined the Forum and am excited to start learning more about a couple guns that I "inherited" when my father passed away. The oldest of the two is a 5 shot 38 caliber top break revolver. The serial number is located on the bottom of the trigger guard and along the edge of the trigger side of the cylinder. The SN is 229xxx.

I have included three pictures below. Any help with details of this handgun would be very much appreciated.

murphydog · #2 09-15-2010, 10:02 PM

Hi, and welcome. It's a .38 Double Action, from about 1890. It uses the .38 S & W (not Special) round. Hope this is helpful.

MacA · #3 09-16-2010, 07:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by murphydog

Hi, and welcome. It's a .38 Double Action, from about 1890. It uses the .38 S & W (not Special) round. Hope this is helpful.

Thanks for the welcome Alan! AND the information!!

Obviously, the condition is pretty rough. The trigger, hammer, cylinder, etc. action appear to be in decent working order. I have not shot any rounds through it. Probably won't!!

What is (was) the surface finish? Is it worth restoring? Value now vs. value after restoration?

murphydog · #4 09-16-2010, 08:05 AM

The photos make it hard to tell 100%, but looking at a protected area (like the upright part of the frame that the barrel latch locks into) suggests it was a nickel finished gun.

If it is mechanically sound per an experienced gun person or gunsmith it would make a good shooter, but a restoration would cost more than the gun is worth and would not increase its value significantly. However, if you want it to look nice and don't mind spending the money it would probably run $300 or so for a nice (not factory-new) refinish. Lightly loaded factory .38 S & W ammo is available.

MacA · #5 09-16-2010, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by murphydog

The photos make it hard to tell 100%, but looking at a protected area (like the upright part of the frame that the barrel latch locks into) suggests it was a nickel finished gun.

Sorry about the photos. I took these with my phone camera. My "good" camera needs a battery that I hope to get today!

Thanks again for your replies! Does this model gun have a specific name or designation that identifies it. I know it is before S&W gave guns actual Model numbers.

murphydog · #6 09-16-2010, 08:59 AM

Back in the good old literal days, S & W named this the .38 Double Action...no, really! It's a third model (of five models produced) by the SN.

MacA · #7 09-16-2010, 09:31 AM

You're the man Alan!! Thanks again! I hope to be able to return the favor in the future!!

Jim Watson · #8 09-16-2010, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by murphydog

Back in the good old literal days, S & W named this the .38 Double Action.

Wasn't it great when guns had names instead of numbers?

The regular description of an older Military & Police as a "pre-Model 10" affects me the same way "clip vs magazine" does most Internet Experts.