An imperfect Perfected, but still special to me

[Dutchboyy]

I love this old gun. The finish is pitted. The nickel is mostly gone. The rubber grips are worn smooth. But, it locks up tight as a vault, and the trigger is amazing. This revolver is a joy to shoot. Here's a couple cylinders full at 25 yards. No rest. Just standing up and shooting on a beautiful afternoon. I hope that I'm working as well as this gun is when I'm over 100 years old.

 

[glowe]

Nothing wrong with that one except some honest wear. I really like the 38 Perfected revolver, except I always forget to use both locks to open the action. You probably noticed that these do not come up for sale too often, and most are worn examples. My understanding is that this model was popular in Europe and South America, so many left this country never to return.

I am keeping a database on this model and would be interested in the serial number and if the last patent date on the barrel is 1909 or 1914?

 

[Dnovo1]

I have a slightly less common blued example that, like most of the blued models seem to have survived in generally much better condition than their nickel brothers. I lucked into one in great condition mechanically and cosmetically that shoots remarkably well for this very, very senior citizen. Under appreciated for sure. David

 

[Dutchboyy]

I am keeping a database on this model and would be interested in the serial number and if the last patent date on the barrel is 1909 or 1914?

The last patent date is neither 1909 nor 1914. The last patent date is 1906. The barrel is engraved: "SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS. U.S.A" (first line) "PAT'D AUG. 4, 96, DEC. 22, 96, OCT. 8, 01, FEB. 6, 06." (second line)

This is an early gun. The serial number is only 3xxx. I guess they had not yet gotten around to putting the SEPT. 14, 09. on there.

 

[Rigor Mortis]

The one I have is Ser. #56,9xx, last pat. date is 9-14-09.
Great condition, never fired it and never will.

 

[glowe]

The one I have is Ser. #56,9xx, last pat. date is 9-14-09.
Great condition, never fired it and never will.

Thanks to you and Dutchboyy. 56,9XX is a late serial number, probably the late teens, maybe 1920 ship date. The hammer block was added a little later along with the 1914 patent date.

I had forgotten about the early Perfected 1906 patent date. Your early 3XXX would have probably shipped early 1909. I think the 1909 patent date was added around sn 3500.

 

[Old 44 Guy]

I once had a very nice one. Nickle plated, 99%, 3 1/4 " SN 11x. It's long gone now.

 

[Hunter Keith]

Another imperfect "Perfected"

Received my factory letter several days ago. Tried to get as much of a close up as possible. Shipped with a four inch bbl, nickel finish and black hard rubber grips. Shipped from the factory on June 28,1909, and delivered to M.W. Robinson Co. New York City, New York. There are no patent dates on the barrel. As noted, the barrel appears to be shortened to 2 inches. The lock up, and timing are rock solid. Finish is great for a 106 year old revolver! I removed the horrible, hand made MOP stocks, and these are replacements from Numrich.