Can you help me date this?

[mr-mom]

I am in possession of a top-break, 5-shot .38 S&W, 4" barrel revolver, that belonged to my Father (possibly was originally owned by my Grandfather). I find the number 4777 on the rear face of the cylinder and on the bottom of the grip frame. The blued finish has some minor scuffs and light scratches, but the original S&W logo grips look to be in great shape with no nicks or blemishes. Can you good folks give me some idea of the date of origin?
Thanks for your help!
m-m

[blackpowder30]

Dave, Your ser.# indicates you have a very early 38 Double Action 2nd Model made about 1880 to 1881.

[mr-mom]

Thank you! I know that I had asked this question some time ago, but missplaced the note I made. I have been out of the forum loop for several months and am re-learning how to use this site.
m-m

[linde]

Originally Posted by mr-mom

I am in possession of a top-break, 5-shot .38 S&W, 4" barrel revolver . . . I find the number 4777 on the rear face of the cylinder and on the bottom of the grip frame. . . . Can you good folks give me some idea of the date of origin? m-m

Originally Posted by blackpowder30

Dave, Your ser.# indicates you have a very early 38 Double Action 2nd Model made about 1880 to 1881.

I'm trying to learn about top breaks. How were you able to determine what it is knowing only that it's a 5-shot top break in 38 S&W with a 4" barrel and s/n 4777?

I came up with five possible answers . . . a 38 Single Action 1st model, a 38 Single Action Model of 1880, a 38 Double Action 2nd model, a 38 Double Action Perfected Model, or a 38 Safety Hammerless 1st model.

Russ

[linde]

Well I cheated and looked up mr-mom's original post where he posted a picture and David Wilson responded that it's a 38 Double Action Perfected Model made in about 1910. Pictures are a wonderful thing.

Here's the original post and replies.

What Do Have?


Russ