Grandpa's .38 Top Break...Need Information

[WardenRoss]

Howdy,

This was my Grandpa's .38 Top Break. It's a five-shot and about the size of a modern J frame. Serial number 286017.

I found it stored at the bottom of my Dad's hunting, canvas ammo military bag (WWII). It was wrapped in an oily rag.

Here are some pics and I'm asking for help to idenify the manufacturing year and approximate value.

It appears to function perfectly. The finish appears good.

ANY advice or information would certainly be appreciated!

 

[max503]

WOW!

 

[LostintheOzone]

3rd model 1884-1895? I can't read the appendix very well that lists SN range by years. Just a stab at it.

 

[wlw-19958]

Hi There,

Yup! It is a .38 S&W DA 3rd model. The third model was made from 1884 to
1895 (serial no.s 119001 to 322700). Unfortunately, yours looks to have been
heavily buffed when re-finished.

Cheers!
Webb

 

[WardenRoss]

Hi There,

Yup! It is a .38 S&W DA 3rd model. The third model was made from 1884 to
1895 (serial no.s 119001 to 322700). Unfortunately, yours looks to have been
heavily buffed when re-finished.

Cheers!
Webb

Thank you.

Yep. I vaguely remember my Dad getting it refinished ~1959.

What is it worth, ballpark price?

 

[LostintheOzone]

I'm not the one to ask but it looks like 38 S&W ammo is expensive. Reloader wouldn't care though. If I saw that one for $300 I'd probably have to have it. I can load the ammo though.

 

[WardenRoss]

I'm not the one to ask but it looks like 38 S&W ammo is expensive. Reloader wouldn't care though. If I saw that one for $300 I'd probably have to have it. I can load the ammo though.

Thanks for the reply. I took it out to the deck to get a little better lighting.