U.S. marked with X 38 topbreak

[zackh1313]

I have a old 38 S&W top break lemon squeezer, that is stamped US and a X , on the left side below the cyc. does anyone know anything about the US (Military type) and X marking on this type of revolver, cant find where the US military issued this type revolver. Some one told me it my have been issued to the postal service. Thanks zackh1313

[zackh1313]

I have a old 38 S&W top break lemon squeezer, that is stamped US and a X , on the left side below the cyc. does anyone know anything about the US (Military type) and X marking on this type of revolver, cant find where the US military issued this type revolver. Some one told me it my have been issued to the postal service. Thanks zackh1313

[lonewolf]

Zach; the U.S. Army TEST 100 or so, S&W .38 Hammerless in competition with the Colt Model
1892 I believe, around this models' "time".

Haven't got my refernce "stuff" with me, but I think these .38 S&Ws had a 5 or 6 inch bbl., to make it "fairer" with the Colt(which won by the way). But many officers, especially Cavalry, preferred the S&W, and it's accuracy, although D.A, only was very good(once the shooter learns to "stack" the trigger,) and the .38 S&W round seemed to be damm near equal to the .38 Long Colt in penetration.

Figure an "expert" will be along, but this is what I can quickly "recall!"

Bud

[jjones33]

Have nothing to add to answer your question but would love to see some good detailed pictures.

[cgt4570]

Zack,

USX could also be for U.S. Express. They were a courier just like American Express, Wells-Fargo, etc., prior to WW1.

Chris

[lonewolf]

Sorry Zach; gun is NOT one of the 1890 Army trial guns, which would be worth several thousand(if verified).

It does appear to be one of the 3rd/4th models of the New Departure(safety hammerless) that were bought by the U.S. Express Co, as cgt4570 mentioned. These are still worth a "premium" over on marked guns(if verified).

Bud

[gunbarrel]

Is this revolver a Smith & Wesson? Just wondering if you were talking about a "US" Revolver Co. handgun--Iver Johnson's second line of inexpensive, no-frills revolvers.

[opoefc]

A number of S&W lemon squeezers are known to be stamped USX and they were once owned by the U.S.Express Co., circa 1890s -1910s , which was later absorbed into the Railway Express Co.

[zackh1313]

Thanks for all the info, I would post a picture but I have not found out how to , on this site. The revolver, also has the ser# stamped on the right side of the frame, and a rack type number on the left side plate. the US is close and the X is trippled spaced to the left of the US. if that helps. Thanks again for the help. zackh1313

[JayCeeNC]

Originally posted by zackh1313:
Thanks for all the info, I would post a picture but I have not found out how to , on this site. zackh1313

Here ya go:

How to Post Pictures

[LOBO]

Any updates?

[smith17]

lobo:
His last post was in 2008 and he only has 3 total.

[LOBO]

Doh! Didn't see that.

[cflier]

Ed is correct, The US Express Co did buy a number of 38 S&Ws for use by its agents. It is unfortunate though that they bought almost all of them from large distributers and not directly from S&W. It is impossible to verify that they truely are US X guns. There are a lot of them floating around out there. Some unscrupulous dealers have stamped on the markings and try to sell them at a premium. Because of this they do not demand a premium among collectors. Most of those for sale today seem to be fourth model Safetys and there is no known record of S&W selling directly to any of the express Companys during that time frame.

[Conrad925]

Originally Posted by LOBO

Doh! Didn't see that.

Me either! Hahahaha. Absolutely perfect with your post (as well as Smith17's) being on page 2.