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S&W Antiques S&W Lever Action Pistols, Tip-Up Revolvers, ALL Top-Break Revolvers, and ALL Single Shots


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Old 03-17-2013, 10:26 AM
Hollihock Hollihock is offline
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I need some info about a S&W 5 shot .38 revolver. The first patent date listed is Jan. 24, 65, and the last patent date listed is Jan. 3, 82. The serial number is 239239. My great uncle carried it when he was a paymaster for the Union Traction Company in Indiana. It was chrome plated, but most of the plating has worn off. It's in great shape otherwise. The plastic grips are not chipped or broken. It is very small... perfect gun for a woman. Anything you can tell me about it will be appreciated. Now that I think about it... the grips might be bone. I don't think they had plastic back then.

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Hollihock
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Old 03-17-2013, 12:01 PM
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glowe glowe is offline
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Welcome to the Forum. By your description, you could have either a Hammerless or a Double Action top break with an exposed hammer. Which one do you have?
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Old 03-17-2013, 01:32 PM
Hollihock Hollihock is offline
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It is a top-break with exposed hammer.
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Old 03-17-2013, 03:50 PM
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Judging from the serial number, you have a .38 Double Action, 3rd model. Probably made around 1890. The finish, if original, is nickel plating, not chrome, and the grips, if original, may be ivory. If they are bone, then they have been replaced. Nice family heirloom S&W ! You may want to get a S&W factory historical letter from Roy Jinks, Factory Historian, that will tell you when the gun was shipped from the factory, to where or whom, and the original configuration of the gun when shipped. Ed.
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