Hi everyone. Long-time reader, first time poster. Thought I would check with you guys to help figure out the approximate age of our Smith & Wesson. It's a Safety Hammerless, 3 1/4" barrel, top break, fixed sight. It has full coverage ornate engraving (so nice and complete that it could be factory engraving? not sure), extended ivory grips, and very legible patent numbers on top of the barrel. The serial number is 54xx. Picture attached. Any help is apprec'd.

Attached Images

	smithwesson1.jpg (106.6 KB, 195 views)
	closeup1.jpg (135.3 KB, 78 views)
	topbreak1.jpg (114.1 KB, 69 views)
	engraving1.jpg (124.9 KB, 65 views)
	undercarriage2.jpg (117.0 KB, 63 views)

Welcome to the Forum. You have a 38 Safety Hammerless, 2nd Model, shipped from the factory around 1887 or 1888.

From what I can tell, the finish is almost too good to be true. I have never seen the type of stocks as you show and have no knowledge that the factory ever issued that style. Most S&Ws were sold to distributors, who would "fancy them up" for sale by adding special stocks and having some engraved. You also have the possibility that the engraving was done as late as mid-twentieth century, which could answer the question of the pristine finish.

Of course you could also have a factory engraved gun that the owner put different stocks on for shooting, although this gun does not show usage. With only one picture it is hard to confirm or deny factory engraving, so more detailed photos would be needed for our experts to be sure. I would obtain a factory letter as the first priority since the letter will tell you exactly what configuration the gun left the factory and where it was sold. If factory engraved, it is much more likely it could have gone directly to someone of stature and money and would be very interesting to know who.

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Gary
SWCA 2515

That is a nice .38 Safety Hammerless, however, I doubt that the engraving is factory work. Also, Ivory stocks of that configuration were never offered by Smith & Wesson. My guess is that the engraving and stocks were added by the distributor to enhance the potential sale of the revolver. A $50 factory letter (approximately 4 month wait) would tell the details as it left the factory.

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Mike Maher #283

The style of the engraving does not look like factory, but it is beautiful. You MUST get a letter to verify. We will be waiting (in about 4-5 months) for the results of your letter. And, please post more pictures when you do.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

Front sight has been filed.
Ivory stocks look good, extension stocks give a better firing grip.
I suspect it has been shot more than you might think.

Certainly blued after engraving, I think it might have been reblued since.

Missing hammer stud nut.

I just filled out the Letter of Authenticity request form and will drop it in the mail tomorrow. As soon as I get the letter back I will post the response here. You guys are great, by the way. The amount of knowledge here is truly impressive.

99% chance this gun will letter as a plain blue gun shipped to a distributor. The engraving and stocks are after market. The missing cap screw will be difficult to find and then will have to be engraved and blued to match, plus replacing the front sight with a correct blade. Expensive. Having said all that, it's still an attractive gun. Ed.

Get a letter.