1900-1910 s&w top break 38/40 Da Target #226 of 276

[Hamiltonssofttail]

My dad just gave me a very rare s&w. it is from what I've researched a Da Target 38/40. The last pat. Date on the top of the barrel is 1880. They only made 276 of them from 1900-1910 and mine is #226. It has the s&w logo on the right side and .38 Winchester ctg on the left side of the barrel. It has mother of pearl handles. It has the serial number on the cyl, the rear sights, and on the bottom of the handle. I also have the original holster.from what I've seen mind is in the best condition of any I've been able to find online but I've only been able to find 2 others online. If this is what I believe it to be then it is one of the rarest s&w revolvers. If I can post pics of it if anyone can help identify it or give me a value on it. Thanks alot

[glowe]

Welcome to the Forum. You have a very rare S&W that can have significant value. There are many experts who are not only willing to give you information, but are premier authorities in the collecting S&W collecting field. As you probably know, condition and configuration greatly affect value one way or the other, so pictures would be welcome and very helpful.

[handejector]

I took the liberty of adding the pics for you which were in your email to the forum.

You nailed it-
38/40 DA Target.
The gun is refinished, but it was probably done at the factory.
That will affect the value.

[glowe]

A picture is worth a thousand words and the word is unfortunate - refinished. The S&W logo is weak and the hammer stud looks flattened. There is also dishing around the pin holes and rounded edges here and there. This makes a big difference in valuation, since most collectors want an original example. That does not mean there is no value, since there are many who would love to have a 38-40 DA.

Determining value is problematic. The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson states that the 38-40 is worth double what a standard 44 DA is worth. That would put a very good condition specimen at maybe $1600. Some valuation tables put finely refinished guns in the very good category. At auction, your revolver might go higher. I am sure you will get additional comments and value estimates soon.

[Göring's S&W]

Determining value is problematic. The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson states that the 38-40 is worth double what a standard 44 DA is worth. That would put a very good condition specimen at maybe $1600. Some valuation tables put finely refinished guns in the very good category. At auction, your revolver might go higher. I am sure you will get additional comments and value estimates soon.

No offense meant, but basically, none of that matters. Why? Because the gun is a target model! I remember reading the last time I saw one of these that lettered, that far less than 100 were made in a target configuration. I can't remember the exact number. The numbers you gave were for the fixed sight 38-40 DAs, which are much more common than the target version.

Of course, since the gun is refinished, could it have been sent back for refinish and target sight upgrade? Would they have numbered the rear sight if it was a later factory upgrade? Since the rear sight is numbered, I lean towards the gun lettering as a target version. Anyone else?

[handejector]

The rear sight is not numbered.
The latch is numbered. BUT, the sight is on the latch.

The gun needs a factory letter.
I feel certain it will letter as a Target.

We need a clear pic of the grip frame, left side, with the grip off.

Value is hard to call.
Here is another one with original finish, but a lot of wear which I sold on GunBroker-
38 Winchester DA Target

It brought $6530.

Assuming your gun letters as a Target and is mechanically sound, it should still bring some big bucks at auction.

[Göring's S&W]

The rear sight is not numbered.
The latch is numbered. BUT, the sight is on the latch.

Yea you're right, I meant the assembly or the latch itself.

[deadin]

could it have been sent back for refinish and target sight upgrade?

Of course it could have, but I'm pretty sure that the factory wouldn't have flattened the hammer stud, dished the pinholes and wiped out part of the logo.

[Hamiltonssofttail]

I am pretty disappointed that the gun was redone but if it was redone then they did a good job at it. The story goes that my great uncle bought the gun new and he passed it down to my grandpa, then to my dad and from my dad to me. What is throwing me off is my great uncle had his initials ingraved on the back of the handle when he bought it and its still there as if he just done it. I know it affects the value but I plan on passing it down to my kids in 40 or 50 years so it don't matter to me but just for curiosity does anyone know on its best day what it would be worth. The coolest part of this gun is my dad has the original wooden box the gun was shipped in and pics of my great uncle holding it beside devil Jon write, I think that was his last name but he is a local legend here on southwest va. My last question is does anyone know how many of my gun were made, it has the sights and has a 6 1/2 inch barrel. Thanks alot guys

[handejector]

Originally Posted by deadin

Of course it could have, but I'm pretty sure that the factory wouldn't have flattened the hammer stud, dished the pinholes and wiped out part of the logo.

That is not correct.
Factory refinishes vary. In the second pic, notice the heavy pitting that remains right behind the recoil shield. The gun needed heavy buffing to remove pitting, and the factory would do that when necessary. Even though it is heavily buffed, the flats are still flat, lines are straight, most marks are still very sharp, and all surfaces have the right finish except the front sight, and I have seen the factory do that also. I'll bet it is factory.

Originally Posted by Hamiltonssofttail

just for curiosity does anyone know on its best day what it would be worth.

We need to know two more things to really determine value.
First, we need to know if the factory did the refinish.
Show us a clear pic of the LEFT side of the grip frame without the grip.

Second, you need a factory letter to see if it shipped in blue or nickel.
Factory Letter Request Form
If it is a factory refinish and was originally nickel, the gun MIGHT still bring 4-5000 at auction. Ya never know what you look like till you get your picture took.

Originally Posted by Hamiltonssofttail

My last question is does anyone know how many of my gun were made, it has the sights and has a 6 1/2 inch barrel. Thanks alot guys

Less than 300.
Seriously, no one knows.
But, you are authorized to use the terms "Very rare" or "Extremely rare".