Many states require post -1898 handguns to be registered. Also, selling a "modern" gun usually requires an ffl be involved in the transaction. An antique can be kept without registration and can be sold to anyone who can legally own a handgun, plus it can be mailed using the Post Office.

The 1st Model had a straight cut sideplate and it proved to be somewhat weak at that point on the frame, so they were changed with the 2nd Model. The main difference between the 2nd Model and 3rd was that the 2nd Model had a double row of stop notches on the cylinder and one row was eliminated on the 3rd Model. The changes on the 4th and 5th Models were mostly internal. In addition, the 4th Model had a forged front sight instead of a pinned blade.

The last 38 S&W top-break was called the Perfected. It was totally different than the preceding models in that the frame used was the same as the Model 1903 Hand Ejector, except that it still had a top break action.

There was a lot of blowing sand in North Africa and maybe it got sandblasted in the frequent sandstorms??

Hope this helps.

__________________
Gary
SWCA 2515