Help identifying top-break 38...

[Paul_in_KC]

Greetings to all,

I have just signed up to this forum to see if I can get some help identifying an old top-break.

It's a .38 S&W DA, but has a cylinder release in addition to the top latch (not sure that theses names are correct - but you will know what I am taling about). If you undo the top latch, you still have to release the cylinder catch for the barrel and cylinder to tip forward.

I assume it must be a very late production variation. I don't have the serial number, but will tomorrow. I couldn't pick it up this evening, but will tomorrow.

It's not in mint condition - but it is pristine considering the age, and in great condition for any age. Looking at it casually you might guess that it's only a few years old (assuming that you didn't know that those top-breaks haven't been manufactured in 90 years).

Thanks for any input.

Also - can someone tell me how to request a letter from Smith & Wession for original manufacturing and delivery information.

AND - if there are any good sources for parts. Everything on this revolver is perfect, but I want to use it for Cowboy Action (pocket pistol) side matches. That won't subject it to much use but I would like to have a main spring lightened to smooth out the trigger pull - and would like to keep the original unmodified.

Thanks again,
-Paul

[Paul_in_KC]

All,

Looking through the "pics thread" I found it. The I guess it's called a ".38 Double Action Perfected".

The one that I am getting looks about as nice as the one in the photos that I saw in the thread (which is nice).

Would still appreciate info on factory letter and parts suppliers - if there are any.

Kind Regards,
-Paul

[TACC1]

Welcome to the forum! Just wanted to jump in with that.
Sounds like a 38 DA Perfected model. According to the SCSW 3rd,
they made 59,400 between1909 & 1920. S/N's ran from 1 to 59400.
Try to post some pictures so the actual collectors can help you out.
They'll also set you up to request a letter.
TACC1

[DCWilson]

Paul, welcome to the forum.

For the letter, just Google "Smith Wesson letter authentication" and the link to the form you need should be one of the first couple of hits. The letter costs $50, but for a prime specimen like yours, that's a good investment.

There are a few places around the country that specialize in parts for old guns. One of the best for S&Ws is oldwestgunsmith.com, run by Dave Chicoine. You might also get lucky at www.jackfirstgun.com in South Dakota. And there is Poppert's Gun Parts in Pennsylvania.

[Paul_in_KC]

Here are a couple of pics - they don'r do the gun justice, but I'll try to get some better ones later...
[IMG]//http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x374/Paul_in_KC/107-0763_IMG.jpg[/IMG]

[Paul_in_KC]

Tried to post two pictures, but for some reason only one shows up???

Anyway - believe it or not I picked this up at a local gun shop. I think it was on consignment - for $150.

From what I have seen so far, I'd guess it's worth a few times that amount. I would guess maybe $600-ish. I'm pretty sure it was a good buy at $150 though.

Thanks for the info and help.

[TACC1]

WOW!! Better run out and get some lottery tickets, 'cause
you're on a roll! TACC1

[murphydog]

Very nice! If you will be subjecting this gun to pocket/holster wear or lots of shooting, I would at least clean it thoroughly and use Renaissance Wax or a similar product to preserve the nickel finish.

However, if you can afford it, I would keep this one as a collectible and spend $250 or so for a more worn Perfected, Safety Hammerless or .38 DA for regular match use. I can imagine how I would feel if this one slipped from my hand onto a nice gravel pile while shooting it .

[badguybuster]

Thats a dandy. I love top break guns