Today was my first time to visit this forum and this is my first post. From reading the Sticky, I believe I am doing this correctly. I'm looking for information on the pistol pictured. My great-aunt had this handgun when she passed away in 1987, but I know it is much older than that (I'm guessing maybe early 1900's or late 1800's. The only number visible is on the bottom of the grip (pictured). I can't tell for sure if it is 450303 or 450505, or some combination, but think it definitely begins with 450. It has "38 S. & W. CTG" on the barrel. It fires S&W .38's (yes, I have fired it myself). I know I can contact S&W for a "Letter of Authenticity" history letter, but wanted to see what I could find out here first. I appreciate any help you can provide. I''l put more pics in the reply.

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Welcome to the Forum. That revolver is simply named 38 Double Action, 4th Model. This model was made from 1895 to 1909. The cut-off date to qualify as an antique is with serial number 382,022. Your gun was shipped from the factory around 1904. There were over a half-million 38 Double Action revolvers made, so they are quite common. If you intend to keep the gun in your family, a factory letter is a nice thing to pass along.

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Gary
SWCA 2515

Thank you for the info

Nice little revolver. I hope you'll continue to shoot and enjoy it and keep it in the family, though I wish I could make you an offer on it.

Welcome to the forum.

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Oh well, what the hell.