Date and info on top break, hammerless 38 s&w wanted

Alexh71 · #1 08-04-2017, 12:27 AM

I have a top break, hammerless, 38 s&w ctg, roughly 4 inch barrel (sorry, measuring with ****** ruler). Serial number is 251××× and I cant seem to find any other identifying markers other then listed. All my searches are coming up empty or I'm completely clueless on how folks are wording their identifying names, as in all scrambled together not making complete sense. If more info is needed, please let me know and I will see when I post if it will upload a picture.

Alexh71 · #2 08-04-2017, 12:30 AM

And its also a 5-shot if it helps

H Richard · #3 08-04-2017, 10:12 AM

It appears to be a 38 Safety Hammerless, 5th model, dating to probably around 1907 - 1910. From what I see the condition would be in the fair to good range and the value's range from about $135 to $200. There were quite a few thousands of these made which keeps the value's on the low side.

Ammunition is still available for these, 38 S&W (not 38 Special). Not all dealers will stock it but it is available by mail order. If you plan on firing it, you may want to have it checked over by a gunsmith to make sure it is safe.

Welcome to the S&W Forum.

Alexh71 · #4 08-04-2017, 10:36 AM

Thank you Richard. I dont plan on shooting or selling, where as this was one of my grandparents guns and both have moved on from this world. I'm going to be keeping this gun as a family heirloom, and I keep better care and handle of guns verses the rest of family. Without taking to gunsmith for further inspection, the gun seems to be hurting on the cosmetic spectrum than the mechanical. But considering its probably from the 1907-10 era and being used, its not that bad off as one would think. You shouldve seen the residue build up from the years before I cleaned it up some. I know for fact this gun hasn't been shot since I been in ky in '99 and no telling when it was shot before that. The old box of ammo that was sitting with the gun doesn't give much indication of how old but it sure isn't a modern box, the projectiles seems to be pure lead with pits. Yes, I understand the safety of ammunition and what to and not to shoot, if I was to ever shoot this gun.

Again, thank you Richard for your fast response and info.

Wiregrassguy · #5 08-04-2017, 11:14 AM

Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass! Would you post a picture of the cartridge box? There are several experts on the Forum that may be able to tell you how old it is. And some people collect old cartridge boxes and old cartridges.

Guy

Alexh71 · #6 08-07-2017, 10:53 AM

If the ammo info is hard to read, here is what it says: w38swp, 38 smith & wesson, 145 gr, lead. That is all that's legible. And on the cartridge, it has ww and 38 sw.