Hello , I am new on the forum. I have inherited a gun from my parents. It is a S&W with the serial number #154343. Can anyone tell me approximate manufacture and shipping date. If possible we would like to know what dealer or distributor that it was shipped to originally as he lived in Cleveland and Los Angeles. For insurance purposes please advise approximate value? Thank you.

Please see this article at the top of the page,
To IDENTIFY your Gun >

If possible post several close up pictures of both sides of the revolver and give the info as listed in the "Sticky". We really can't even guess about your gun without that information, but we would be happy to once provided.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

Welcome to the forum.

You really haven't supplied enough information to give you some of the answers that you have requested.

Exact shipping date and destination can only be learned by requesting a historical letter from the S&W Historical Foundation and that cost is $75. As far as a value determination, it is impossible to say without seeing the gun. In person is best but clear closeup photos from all angles would also help in lieu of a physical examination.

These guns were made in large quantities and are not real popular with today's plastic gun buyers. Unless the gun is in really great condition and comes with the original box, it will probably only be worth a few hundred dollars.

If the gun came down through your family then many here think that family history is priceless but only to you and not the general buying public.

Hope that helps.

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James Redfield
LM #497

Thing about serial numbers is for some time in the early days of S&W each model had its own serial numbers, so a top break 38 S&W could have the same serial number as several other similar model of top breaks as well as several hand ejectors where the cylinder rolls out to the side.

To find out ship date and location shipped to once gun is identified you can sent of for a letter and it will tell you configuration of gun when shipped, when shipped and to who. Many early guns shipped before gun control acts where shipped directly to the end buyer. Sometimes you get real lucky and it was a historical figure.

Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass!

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Guy
SWHF #474 SWCA LM#2629

A little more information and some photos and the experts here can give you a basic answer to your questions. Then you can decide whether to opt for a letter.

Walt

Welcome to the forum.
Looking forward to seeing some pictures.

Thank you all for your replies! I will take some pictures soon and post. The gun seems to be in great and is very attractive!