I need help identifying an inherited S&W top break 5 shot revolver. I know there is a lot of information on-line to identify a S&W but I am a newbie and have had trouble understanding much of it.

It is likely over 50 years old and quite likely much older. I have trouble reading the serial number, but it appears to be of the form 363xxx or 383xxx. The serial number is on the cylinder and on the butt, but the one one the butt has other numbers punched on it making it hard to read.

I have included several pictures of it. I am sorry that I did not measure the barrel length. There is no lanyard ring or rear sight.

I would be greatful if someone could tell me its type and approximate age.

Also, would this gun likely be safe to fire? Is it a type of weapon that should just be destroyed?

Thank you for your help.

Attached Images

	P1090906.jpg (78.7 KB, 89 views)
	P1090907.jpg (79.3 KB, 94 views)
	P1090944.jpg (42.9 KB, 74 views)
	P1090943.jpg (51.0 KB, 72 views)

Welcome! You have a .38 Double Action top-break that dates to the late 1890s, so it is nearly 120 years old.

It appears to be intact and the internals not heavily used or pitted, and modern .38 S & W (not .38 Special, a different round) ammo should be safe to use. An inspection by an experienced gun shop or 'smith that knows about these would be in order if there is any doubt. Hope this is helpful.

__________________
Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Don't think I have ever seen such an elaborate recasting of a major brand name on a fake.

That is kind of neat as a curiosity. That comany went to great lingths to decieve uninformed biers that ther gun wasn't the reel deel ...sorry could not resist.

beet me two it.


Class III

Mastersid, welcome to the forum, that is an interesting piece.

Just as a bit of edumacation to a newbie, it is usually considered bad form to join a thread about one gun to ask about or discuss another. The other negative is that folks looking to learn about what you are discussing won't find your information in a thread about a different gun.

You would be better served to start a new thread with your gun as the main topic and all that are interested can learn and discuss there.

FWIW.

__________________
James Redfield
LM #497

Thanks for the tip James, Apologies to the original post. I found a more appropriate thread on Google, but could not find it again, after I logged in.
Education is a wonderful thing, I learn new stuff all the time.