38 Top Break identifying help

Apolonio7 · #1 01-23-2017, 10:52 PM

New to forum. This was given to my father in the late 60's by my great great grandfather. When my father passed away last year this was tucked away in his drawer. I remember seeing this when I was little (I'm 50). My mother said it was a policemans gun but didn't know the details. I just got around breaking it down to locate serial numbers. Don't have a clue what issue it is. The only matching numbers that I can find are 13. 13 written in pencil on backside of grip, 13 under latch, on trigger and on trigger guard. Right side under grip is stamped B, left side EB. The Star G that is on cylinder is also stamped on right side barrel and lower frame. Barrel length is about 3 1/4. I do have more pics of it. Plan on sending for a letter soon. Thanks

Apolonio7 · #2 01-23-2017, 11:00 PM

Here's more pics that might be of more help. I do have a few more.

Apolonio7 · #3 01-23-2017, 11:08 PM

Here's some more pics that might be of help identifying.

glowe · #4 01-23-2017, 11:08 PM

Welcome to the Forum. You have a S&W copy made in Belgium. These revolvers were often copied by European countries, especially in Belgium.

JSR III · #5 01-24-2017, 10:43 AM

Welcome to the forum.

That was my first thought too when I read your description and was reaffirmed when I looked at the photos.

The copies are close but if you handle enough S&W's, you begin to pick out the differences. The stocks don't appear to have the correct checking layout and many times the S&W logos are close but not exact.

S&W's always have a serial number placed on the butt unless originally equipped with target stocks and then the serial number was moved to the front of the grip strap like the .22/32 HFT's.

There are folks that collect S&W oddities and or foreign copies but the market is small. Given the gun's condition, it is probably only valued at $100 or so and there won't be a line forming to purchase it. (If one wanted to sell it)

Apolonio7 · #6 01-24-2017, 12:47 PM

Thanks for your help! Figured it was European with the unusual markings. All the other S&W's I've seen all had serial numbers on butt. Not sure how they marked their guns? Never planned on selling it, already have shadow box to put it in. Wish I knew my great great grandfathers story.