Old s&w found

Jill S · #1 05-18-2017, 12:01 PM

I think we may have found a vintage Smith and Wesson gun that I could really use some help identifying it please. Serial number 457368. This is on the cylinder and the but. It's a .38 model CTG, five shooter with a 3 inch barrel. Top break

JSR III · #2 05-18-2017, 12:50 PM

Welcome to the forum.

You have what appears to be a .38 double action 4th model. Hard to tell from the photos but the gun may have been refinished. Hammer and trigger should be case hardened and on nickle guns the trigger guard should be blue. If those observations are correct, then collector value is hurt. About 200,000 of this model were made between 1895 and 1909. The antique version of this gun was produced up to 1898 stopping at around serial number 382022. After that they are not considered to be antiques and a FFL is needed to transfer ownership. Value is probably a couple of hundred.

glowe · #3 05-18-2017, 01:14 PM

Welcome to the Forum. I think James is trying to be kind in his assessment of the finish. I have to say with almost complete certainty that the gun was refinished, plus it was chrome plated. The original finish would have been either nickel plate or blue. The biggest clues to a refinish was as stated by James, plus the surface has dished, wavy, and rounded edges where everything should be perfectly flat with sharp edges. The S&W logo is also blurred from the buffing wheel.

That revolver would have shipped from the factory around 1904-1905.

gmborkovic · #4 05-18-2017, 01:22 PM

From your pics, appears to be a late DA 38 S&W with a re-nickle
not done at the factory. Shooter, could be if tight. Value, low do to re-fin.
Very popular as pocket guns back in the day. Best.

Wiregrassguy · #5 05-18-2017, 04:44 PM

Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass, Jill! The .38 Double Action was originally made during the black powder era. The .38 S&W cartridge (not .38 Special) was introduced around 1876. In the 1890's, smokeless powder became available and ammo manufacturers started making .38 S&W smokeless rounds. These were charged with the older top break guns in mind and smokeless cartridges gradually replaced the older black power rounds. You can still find .38 S&W today at many big box sporting goods stores. It is safe to shoot in your gun as long as the gun is in good condition and the action operates correctly.