Unknown top brake model, help with ID and Value

Mugsy90/10 · #1 04-07-2017, 10:02 PM

Hello, second post.

This one I know nothing about, I'm sure I've seen these at the gun store case at some point but never held one until now. Didn't realize that a revolver ever had a "grip safety".

As per my earlier post, the pics tell the tale but it's a top brake, I assume nickel plating (not chrome?) the plating on the frame is much more matte than the bright plating on the barrel.

Caliber is very difficult to read but best I can tell its: 38 S&W CTG?
Is the finish nickel or chrome?
Any idea regarding the year?
Serial is 1700xx
Not sure if the grips are original, the grip screw clearly is not.

Any idea regarding value or other information is appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

rct269 · #2 04-07-2017, 11:16 PM

You're going to get a lot of help in the Antique section---very first one---just above this section. And it's not that these folks don't know anything about your gun, they're just busy with other stuff.

Ralph Tremaine

Mugsy90/10 · #3 04-07-2017, 11:25 PM

Thank you, sorry for posting in the wrong section.

Mods please relocate - or tell me to repost and delete this one. I don;t want to cross post in two forums.

Wiregrassguy · #4 04-08-2017, 08:40 AM

Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass! That gun is a .38 Safety Hammerless 4th Model. Also known unofficially as a Lemon Squeezer. Likely shipped around 1902. The grips are not original and appear homemade. It chambers .38 S&W cartridges, not .38 Special. Modern ammo is okay to shoot if the action functions correctly.

Lift the barrel latch and check the serial number stamped inside the latch. Also check the SN on the cylinder face. They should all match if the gun is original. However, I suspect it has been assembled from non-matching parts. The frame has been refinished and was pretty pitted when they did it. The barrel looks like a replacement. However, if the numbers all match, you may have something of a premium as the short barrel versions are highly sought after.

glowe · #5 04-08-2017, 09:42 AM

I love snub-nosed pocket revolvers and own a few of them, but that 38 Safety has had lots of alterations. First, someone cut the barrel and made it a pocket gun. Second, it has been heavily buffed and plated over some obvious pitting. Nothing that will affect the functionality of the gun, but not original, resulting in a low value firearm. Get some 38 S&W and take it to the range.

BTW - nickel gives off a slight yellow tint and your pictures seem to show that coloration, so I do not think it has been chrome plated.