what model is my top break

wildcard223 · #1 02-09-2016, 03:43 PM

It is a saftey Hammerless 2in barrel 5 shot on the right side of the barrel it says Smith&Wesson , left side,38 S&W ctg top barrel ,u s a ,it has grip safety, wood grips with the silver s&w logo,case hardin trigger 3 srew. on left side , the blueing on gun is perfect with a slight wear mark around the end of barrel from holster , s# is 250xx the gun functions great, its lock up is tight. would like some info on model and value, new to this sight ,will post pix when i figure it out how, thanks for any help

merl67 · #2 02-09-2016, 04:50 PM

With that serial number it should be a .38 Safety Hammerless 2nd Model If the two inch barrel is original it is a rare one.

glowe · #3 02-09-2016, 06:16 PM

Welcome to the Forum. I believe you might have missed a number?? Check the rear of the cylinder for another serial number stamping and report back. There are inconsistencies that need to be addressed. S&W did not make a 2" 2nd Model and the stamping would have included a patent date line as well as the address line. By the 5th Model, which would be a 250,000 serial number range, there was both a 2" and a single line barrel address.

merl67 · #4 02-09-2016, 06:44 PM

Gary are there no known two inch 2nd Models ? If so then either someone cut the barrel or swapped it. The only other thought was a foreign copy.

mmaher94087 · #5 02-09-2016, 08:27 PM

I don't think the OP put enough Xs after the 250. If it has U.S.A. on the frame it has to be numbered in the 250,XXX range.

merl67 · #6 02-09-2016, 08:36 PM

250000 That would make sense with the wood grips with silver medallions.

merl67 · #7 02-09-2016, 08:41 PM

Pictures will clear up the mystery even so if the barrel is original it will be a nice find.

glowe · #8 02-09-2016, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by merl67

250000 That would make sense with the wood grips with silver medallions.

I thought I mentioned that?? Whether the gun was early or late, it would have a address stamping on the right side of the barrel.

wildcard223 · #9 02-10-2016, 03:03 AM

im sorry you guys were right i did miss a # the compete one is 250434 but it doesn't have a address only smith&wesson on the right side of the barrel, but it doesn't look to be cut down., if one of you gentlemen will tell me where to look for info on posting pix ,i will lrt you guy look and tell me just what i have and its value, thanks for your help

glowe · #10 02-10-2016, 09:44 AM

If there was a USA on the top rib of the barrel, there would have been more before the barrel was cut. My guess is a cut barrel. It would still show SMITH & WESSON on the left or right side, since all barrel lengths were stamped in the same location.

A right side barrel address and top rib photos.

Forgot to add the link to posting images. http://smith-wessonforum.com/faq.php...b3_attachments

wildcard223 · #11 02-10-2016, 06:36 PM

here are pix of my 38 any help with model and value will help a lot thanks

glowe · #12 02-10-2016, 07:30 PM

Neat old 38 Safety. It is definately cut barrel. The front sight is either pinned or forged in this model. There is no pin evident in the rib and a slot cut through the rib in the front. Probably glued or soldered in place. The "USA" is the end of the address line that stated SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS. U.S.A.

I have an early 38 Safety that also has a cut barrel. Great fun at the range, but no collector value.

wildcard223 · #13 02-10-2016, 11:10 PM

thanks alot guys you've all been very helpful. i love this site , u gentlemen really know your stuff

dogngun · #14 02-11-2016, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glowe

Neat old 38 Safety. It is definately cut barrel. The front sight is either pinned or forged in this model. There is no pin evident in the rib and a slot cut through the rib in the front. Probably glued or soldered in place. The "USA" is the end of the address line that stated SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS. U.S.A.

I have an early 38 Safety that also has a cut barrel. Great fun at the range, but no collector value.

I have several .38 Safety Smiths that are not in the best of condition appearance wise...Might be an interesting project to cut one down some day...Hmmmmmmmmm....