Help in identifying a gun

cowboytough · #1 11-02-2013, 11:56 PM

Just got a S&W 38 today at an auction and need a little help...don't know if I should wait until I can post pictures - my cell is dead right about now..but I thought I could at least start the process...to the best of my knowledge & terminology...it's a 38 top break with fixed sights barrel length is 3 1/4..the last reissue date on it is July 25 1871. The serial number is 46***. Can anyone give me a little info or should I just post the pictures and go from there? thanks for any help...I actually bought another S&W top break today too but am having trouble locating a serial number on it.

DWalt · #2 11-03-2013, 01:07 AM

If it's double action and the hammer is visible, it is likely to be a .38 Double Action Second Model. If the hammer cannot be seen, it is likely to be a .38 Safety Hammerless Third Model. The third possibility is that it was a Perfected Model, which came along after the .38 DA, but those are relatively seldom seen.

There are also several types of single action .38 revolvers made by S&W, and those are somewhat less common than the DAs.

That's why it's always nice to include some pictures to aid identification.

glowe · #3 11-03-2013, 10:18 AM

Welcome to the Forum. I would guess you have a spur trigger 5 shot revolver. The only early 1871 patent date gun is a 38 Single Action, Second Model made from 1877 to 1891. There were over 100,000 of these manufactued and all in 38 S&W caliber. If this is what you have, it would have shipped around 1880.

As DeWalt states, photos are the absolute best way to get accurate assistance, but you can also review the following link.

To IDENTIFY your Gun >

cowboytough · #4 11-04-2013, 03:29 PM

guns 003.jpg

guns 002.jpg

deadin · #5 11-04-2013, 04:09 PM

The second one is what glowe said, a .38 SA 2nd Model.
The first one isn't a S&W at all. (Just a look-a-like). I have no idea just what it is. Need some markings in order to make a guess.....

Thuer · #6 11-04-2013, 06:28 PM

I hope that you did not pay a lot fo them.
Both cry out loud BELGIUM. For sure the double action one.

opoefc · #7 11-04-2013, 08:07 PM

As Dean says, The bottom gun, with the "S&W" grips is a Smith & Wesson, 2nd model .38 Single Action. The top gun is a foreign made revolver, probably from Europe. Look for a foreign proof mark on the cylinder. Ed.

Thuer · #8 11-05-2013, 05:56 AM

You can find if it is Belgium made the ELG mark on the face of the cilinder. The other is indeed a Smith.

johndean · #9 11-06-2013, 08:42 PM

Got two pre mod 10 today, one 5 screw 4" nickel 38spl serial C 215xxx, the other 5 screw 5" nickel 38spl sn# 257xxx with pearl grips What haved I got any help appreciated!!!

deadin · #10 11-06-2013, 09:21 PM

Without pictures we have no more idea of what you have than you do.
"Pre-Model 10" is so generic that it is almost worthless for identification and evaluation.

DWalt · #11 11-06-2013, 11:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johndean

Got two pre mod 10 today, one 5 screw 4" nickel 38spl serial C 215xxx, the other 5 screw 5" nickel 38spl sn# 257xxx with pearl grips What haved I got any help appreciated!!!

C215xxx would be an actual pre-Model 10 M&P, probably from about 1952. The other is far too early to be a pre-Model 10, and would actually be a pre-WWI Model of 1905, 4th Change, probably from around 1916. Neither is an antique.

FYI, the most appropriate description of a pre-Model 10 is an M&P with a SN between (approximately) S990000 and C410000, i.e., those having the new short action but without the MOD. 10 stamping in the crane area.