A friend of mine showed me some antique revolvers, and we were wondering how old they were. Sorry I don't have pics, my phone is acting up.

The first one is a Top Break "Lemon Squeezer" 38 S&W 3 in blued. Serial #244XXX

The other appears to be a K Frame Nickel 3in 38 Special. Serial #40XXX with a star before the number.

I'm thinking they're pretty old.


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The safety hammerless is a 38 Safety, 5th Model, probably shipped right at the end of WWI. The 38 Special is most likely a .38Military & Police Model 1902, 1st Change, shipped around 1904. The M&P should be a 4" barrel from front of cylinder to muzzle??

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Gary
SWCA 2515

"The other appears to be a K Frame Nickel 3in 38 Special. Serial #40XXX with a star before the number."

Is there a letter prefix to the butt serial number? Could be V, C, or D. With no SN letter prefix, it would be a Model of 1902, first change, ca. 1903-04. They did not come with a 3" barrel length. Barrel length is measured from the front face of the cylinder to the muzzle. A picture or two would help.

I measured the barrel only so yes, it must be 4 in from the cylinder. Wow, are they really that old?


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No letter on either of them, that's how I knew they were really really old.


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I got my pics to work


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The grips on the Safety Hammerless are of a later vintage and not original to the gun. Also the pinned front sight seems to have been ground down somewhat, probably for better aiming, but it has destroyed the gun's collector value, unless it is replaced with an original blade of proper height. The .38 Hand Ejector has suffered from poor care and storage, but if mechanically OK it could be a good shooter. Ed.

Thanks, my friend doesn't care about value as they are heirlooms, and never to be sold. Just wants to know the approximate age, and a little history about them.

Do you know how old they are?

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"Do you know how old they are?"

I assume you are referring to the wood grips. That general grip style was used from after WWII up until the late 1960s. I'd guess this pair is from later in that timespan. They are called diamond Magna grips. If there is a SN stamped on the back of the right grip panel, it might be possible to date them more closely.

Your friend might try using a little Flitz or other good metal polish on the 1902's nickel plating. Sometimes it will improve the appearance. The 1902 can be fired, but use only standard velocity lead bullet loads. S&W did not perform metal heat treating at that time, so the pre-WWI revolvers are weaker than those that were made later. The Safety Hammerless is likewise shootable, but .38 S&W ammunition is a little hard to find, and expensive.

I'm referring to the guns themselves.

So you are saying that the K Frame is most likely from 1902?

The approx serial numbers are in the above posts. Neither of them have letters.

Also, would it be worth refinishing these if they are not going to be sold?


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The K-frame is ca. 1903-04. The SH 5th model would date from approximately 1908-10. Someone should have a more precise dating, but definitely pre-WWI.

Age of the guns was already answered.

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Gary
SWCA 2515

Wow, thanks for the answer. That is amazing. Older than my mosin!

Is there a reputable gunsmith known for restoring these antiques?


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