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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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  #1  
Old 02-05-2014, 07:05 PM
jamkenken jamkenken is offline
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Default help identifying top break no hammer

Hi, I would like to identify a old s&w that has been in my family for at least 60 years. It is a top break and has no hammer. The barrel is 4 inches long and it is a .38 caliber. I have attached three pictures. The serial number is 53335. I appreciate your help.
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Old 02-05-2014, 07:29 PM
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Your revolver is a .38 Safety 3rd Model. This model was manufactured frm 1890-1898, with a SN range of 42844-116002. Your SN should fall sometime in 1890-1891. Very nice revolver!
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Old 02-05-2014, 07:39 PM
jamkenken jamkenken is offline
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Thank you very much!!!
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Old 02-22-2014, 08:47 PM
Rigor Mortis Rigor Mortis is offline
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Default Same model

I have the same model except the serial number falls below the range quoted in all the reference material. It is 27,148.
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Old 02-22-2014, 08:53 PM
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Rigor, that makes your gun a 38 safety hammerless (aka 38 new departure) 2nd model. There were 5 model types of the 38 safety revolver.
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Old 02-23-2014, 11:41 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jamkenken View Post
Hi, I would like to identify a old s&w that has been in my family for at least 60 years. It is a top break and has no hammer. The barrel is 4 inches long and it is a .38 caliber. I have attached three pictures. The serial number is 53335. I appreciate your help.
Your .38 Safety Hammerless, 3rd Model would have shipped most likely in 1891, making is an antique. The finish does not look right to be original and may be chrome instead of nickel. There are areas of pitting that have been finished over, but not a bad job and you should have a great shooter.
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Old 02-23-2014, 09:07 PM
Rigor Mortis Rigor Mortis is offline
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Thanks Jim, When researching my piece I was aware the serial # range was way off but the description seemed to fit. When I hold mine next to the photo here I still cannot see the difference.

thanks again
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