Trying to identify the gun handed down from my grandfather.

yourtechtim · #1 10-29-2014, 05:56 AM

I have my grandfathers old S&W. Was the first handgun i shot as a very young boy in the early 90's. I have since got this gun given to me by my father. Trying to figure out exactly what it is. Top Break, 5 Shot, Side of Barrel 38 S&W CTG
Top Of Barrel Smith and Wesson Springfield Mass MODELOF91 Last date is March 11, 80 Serial on butt is 22374 serial on cylinder is 22374. I will include pictures. I read that the serial number puts it as a 1925. Not sure if this is correct or if other factors apply. And what would a gun like this be worth?

kryten67 · #2 10-29-2014, 06:51 AM

I will take a stab at this. 38 single action 3rd model made from 1891 to 1911 and your serial number is at the end of the range 1-28107. Nice pistol can you tell me what size barrel? picture of the whole revolver? serial number on barrel?

Everett

glowe · #3 10-29-2014, 08:41 AM

Welcome to the Forum. I am facinated by this model. The 38 Single Action, Third Model revolver is a very attractive revolver, looking almost identical to the New Model 3 large frame single action revolver of the late 1800s. The Model of '91 revolvers were made from 1891 to 1911, but all frames were manufactured before1898, so they are consideered antiques by the BATF.

I did a short commentary on this model and if you click on my header the number "1" after Commentaries, you can read more about this interesting revolver.

Wiregrassguy · #4 10-29-2014, 09:38 AM

That's quite an heirloom, Tim. Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass!

yourtechtim · #5 10-29-2014, 09:54 AM

Where would i find the serial on the barrel? The top rib just contained The place of manufacturing and patent dates and modelof91. Very interesting, and much older than i had thought. As soon as i home from work i will take a closer look at the gun, and get more pictures up. The pictures i had taken with the entire gun seemed to be too big to upload, i will need to edit them. I will have to check out your commentary glowe once i am home as well. Thanks for the information so far!

yourtechtim · #6 10-29-2014, 10:11 AM

Was Able to edit these from work so i could upload them.

red9 · #7 10-29-2014, 10:25 AM

The serial number would be on the underside of the latch, the rear of the barrel at the latch (may need to clean with a q-tip), and the inside of the right grip.

Bob

yourtechtim · #8 10-29-2014, 10:35 AM

Thanks Bob. I will take a look when i am back home with access to the gun. Also where do i measure from and to where to get the barrel length?

glowe · #9 10-29-2014, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yourtechtim

Also where do i measure from and to where to get the barrel length?

It looks like a 4", but the measurement should be from the muzzle to the front of the cylinder. This model came in 3 1/4", 4", 5", and 6".

yourtechtim · #10 10-29-2014, 02:25 PM

I hate to do it, but this gun may go up for sale once i know everything about it. Two kids and one on the way and a car in need of repairs. Is there a place on here to post for sale? I want it to go to a collector, someone that will appreciate it and take care of it.

yourtechtim · #11 10-29-2014, 05:35 PM

It is indeed a 4" Barrel, and both the barrel and the the right side grip have the same serial as the cylinder and frame. So, any ideas of when this gun might of shipped, anything else we can tell about it? And what might be a fare price on it?

yourtechtim · #12 10-29-2014, 06:19 PM

Someone that isn't interested in buying it help me out with a price range, if so please PM me, have interested parties but not sure the range i should be in. I know condition has a lot to do with it. This has seen plenty of use in its day, but considering its age i am sure it could be much much worse.

Arik · #13 10-29-2014, 06:30 PM

I can't tell you about your specific gun but around here break top revolvers go for around $125 - $200 and usually sit a very long time waiting for a buyer. They are old, not valuable.

3rdRRU_PhuBai · #14 10-29-2014, 08:31 PM

Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, 3rd Edition, Section Two, Chapter III, Pages 73 - 110 offers a wealth of detail on top-break revolver identification, history, serial numbers, estimated value based on condition, and actual sale prices of significant models.

brazosdave · #15 10-30-2014, 07:14 AM

Nice pistol! I have a double action (presently broken, the fly came off of the hammer; a new departure, and a spur trigger single action. I've shot all of em, sometimes carry the new departure concealed

Driftwood Johnson · #16 11-01-2014, 09:08 AM

Deleted...

nonmilagno · #17 11-01-2014, 08:16 PM

This gun is a 38 Single Action 3rd model, far more rare (and valuable) than most 38 double action models.

Driftwood Johnson · #18 11-02-2014, 01:04 PM

So sorry. I clearly did not read the post closely enough and did not take a close enough look at the photos. Yes, it is a single action, not a double action like mine. Please disregard all the erroneous statements I made.