This revolver was found taped to the bottom of a drawer in a desk that someone had sold to my wife's grandfather in San Francisco. He owned a second hand furniture store.

serial number on the cylinder and bottom of grip: 11240

We would love to know when it was manufactured. Any info is greatly appreciated.

Bridget's S&W top-break1.jpg

Bridget's S&W top-break2.jpg

Bridget's S&W top-break3.jpg

Bridget's S&W top-break4.jpg

Pics or info on any roll marks on the barrel would be needed to make a definitive id.
My guess from a glance would be a 32 or 38, probably 3rd model with that serial number.

In any case, it appears to be a primo example if it isn't a knock off or re-finish.

Thanks for the quick reply.

I can find no other marks or engravings on the barrel other that the fourth pic that shows the top of the barrel.

Welcome (almost 4 years after joining)!

This appears to be a .38 Double Action 2nd model from early in the 1880 decade, so about 140 years old. From the nickel plating on the trigger and guard and the fit of the sideplate it appears to have been refinished.

To answer the usual follow up questions - if mechanically sound it is safe to fire with current .38 S & W (not Special) ammunition, and as a common refinished gun it is probably worth about $200-250.

If you are really interested in its exact age and other details, you can request a letter of authenticity:

http://www.swhistoricalfoundation.com/swhf_letter.pdf

__________________
Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Welcome to the Forum. As noted above, the gun is a 2nd Model manufactured from 1880 to 1884 in serial number range 4,001 to 119,000. The features of your revolver that can be used to determine what you have are the cylinder length and trigger style. First, the cylinder of a 38 DA extends beyond the front of the trigger guard, the 32 cylinder ends before the front trigger guard. Once you know the caliber, look at the trigger configuration. The first and second models have a sculpted web on the rear of the trigger while the third model and beyond have a solid web. I was certain the gun had been refinished in either chrome or nickel by looking at the edges of the cylinder and the top latch area that show edges buffed and rounded. Every seam, edge, and part of a factory original finish are sharp and perfectly finished, not rounded in any way. Also, the trigger guard should have a blue finish even on nickel guns.

If if indexes correctly on every chamber with solid lock-up and no hammer push-off, get some 38 S&W ammo and have fun at the range.

__________________
Gary
SWCA 2515

Awesome. Thank you guys so much.