I'm a newcomer to the world of antique S&Ws but now I've got one to add to my modern S&W collection. I believe it to be a New Departure 5th Model; the caliber is 38S&W, barrel is 3 1/4", the front sight is not pinned, and the serial no. is 2489XX. The trigger guard is blued but the trigger is case hardened. Does this mean it's been re-blued at some point in its past? Any info you can provide would be appreciated.

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Your ID seems correct. This model has the forged integral front sight blade.

It has the appearance of an original finish. Usually a refinishing job will have the case-colored parts match the rest of the gun. This one is unusual with walnut stocks; have a look on the inside of the panels for a matching serial number. Enjoy!

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

If the stocks are numbered to the gun, then only a factory letter can tell you for sure. Ed. here's a good chance your gun was not shipped until after WW2, as that's when the walnut stocks were used.

The serial number is lightly written in pencil on the inside of the right grip. Shouldn't the trigger guard be case hardened as well as the trigger? Any of you gurus know when it was made?

Sorry, forgot to mention these all came with blued trigger guards, even the nickel ones. Not sure on a ship date, someone may have lettered a nearby SN or you can request one.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

246914 shipped 8/1922
250432 shipped 7/1925

Yours is somewhere around there, but could be in-between, earlier, or later. Only a letter will tell for sure.

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Peter #2091

Thanks, 1923/24 is close enough for me.

Beautiful Revolver!

Here's a close relative, #241014 shipped in 1916.

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Peter #2091

Hi, folks,
A local shop just got one that is very similar to these, factory nickel, with blued trigger guard. The nickel has some small rust spots here and there, but would rate a nice-enough looking 90%, perhaps a bit better. Mechanically, it is excellent. Bore is excellent, with just a trace of old pitting, but bright and strong. IIRC, this one has hard rubber grips in exc. condition.
Caliber is .38 S&W, and it is in the 250,0XX SN range.

I'm not familiar with the top-break Smiths, but am drawn to this one due
to the high quality of manufacture. Could anyone hazard a guess (I know, hard without pics) as to ballpark value range? Also, are these safe to shoot with modern factory ammo?

Are the parts fragile, such that shooting it occasionally would likely cause problems?

The shop hasn't priced it yet, so I'm trying to figure out a fair price for it
for when it does hit the show-room shelf.

Thanks much for any insights!

John

John, About $275-$350 range, if it's in good mechanical condition. Modern .38S&W is safe to shoot in these, as it is loaded to not exceed the old black powder pressures. Some interior parts are delicate in these guns, but parts failure is not usually a problem. Ed.

Hi, Ed,

Thanks very much for the good info! I will be watching for its appearance and keeping fingers crossed that the price will be reasonable!

John

Modern ammunition is undoubtedly safe to use, as it is loaded
to old time specifications.
Beware of reloads you my be offered...they are very unreliable unless you make them yourself with extreme caution and care.
Dry firing often causes burrs around the recoil plate and can initiate firing pin breakage.
Parts are scarce, and the cylinder stop is prone to cracking based on the experience we had in our shop in years past.
They are far superior in fit and construction to the other 'hammerless' revolvers of their time. ( They have an internal hammer).