S&W Revolver

[Matchlock]

Hello everybody;

I'm really glad I found this forum and I was hoping that someone may be able to help me in identifying a S&W Revolver.

It's a Top Break five shot revolver, blue with Serial # 39XXX

There is no apparent model # marked anywhere on the gun and it's been a mystery to me for the three or four years since it became mine.

Here's a photo of the revolver and thank you to anyone who can help me identify it.

Bud

Hello everybody;

I'm really glad I found this forum and I was hoping that someone may be able to help me in identifying a S&W Revolver.

It's a Top Break five shot revolver, blue with Serial # 39XXX

There is no apparent model # marked anywhere on the gun and it's been a mystery to me for the three or four years since it became mine.

Here's a photo of the revolver and thank you to anyone who can help me identify it.

Bud

http://grizart.com/guns/32s&w.jpg

Sorry about the link folks, I can't remember how to embed the link to get a photo here.

[Modelof1891]

Matchlock,
It looks like you have a .38 Double Action Perfected Model. I see your link states .32, but if the serial number is correct in 39xxx, then it falls in the 1-59400 produced from 1909-1920. The front sight is made into the barrel and not pined. The side plate is on the right side as a perfected model and the trigger guard is integral part of the frame.

Do you have a barrel release on the left side of the frame? We can see the top break release in the picture. Some were made without the thumbpiece release on the left and are worth double or triple the value, although, it appears yours may have been refinished.

I may be incorrect about this but someone will come along that knows.

[cflier]

Hello Matchlock,
Welcome to the forum. I think Terry has hit the primer right in the middle. It looks to be a 38 S&W Double Action Perfected model. Yours looks like it has a 5 or 6 inch barrel which adds slightly to the value. As Terry said it probably has a cyinder release on the left side of the frame as well as the lift release to the rear and above the cylinder. It is said to have been produced by demand from police departments wanting a gun harder to break open and disable at a critical moment. From all appearances it looks like overkill (I can't believe I just said that). It seems like political correctness was alive and well long before our time.
cflier

[kobsw]

I second modelof1891, since your gun appears to be a .38 DA Perfected that has been re-Blued. I say this because the Hammer and Trigger should be case hardened and yours are not.

Nice piece of history and a unique model.

Enjoy it.

[Matchlock]

Hello;

Thanks so much for the kind replies everyone. Yes, you are absolutely right, and I made an error. It is indeed a .38S&W Cal. It has a 6: barrel and does have the release latch on the left side of the frame. I also believe that it has been refinished.

Any idea as to it's current value?

Thanks again you've been most helpful.

Bud

Originally Posted by Modelof1891

Matchlock,
It looks like you have a .38 Double Action Perfected Model. I see your link states .32, but if the serial number is correct in 39xxx, then it falls in the 1-59400 produced from 1909-1920. The front sight is made into the barrel and not pined. The side plate is on the right side as a perfected model and the trigger guard is integral part of the frame.

Do you have a barrel release on the left side of the frame? We can see the top break release in the picture. Some were made without the thumbpiece release on the left and are worth double or triple the value, although, it appears yours may have been refinished.

I may be incorrect about this but someone will come along that knows.

[Modelof1891]

Matchlock,
It will always be worth what the average shooter is going for. My guess would be 200 to 250.00.
By the way, welcome to the group.

Terry

[Matchlock]

Thank you very much Terry, and to everyone else that helped me with this. I can't tell you how much I appreciate you all.

I hope you all had a really nice Christmas with your families and please have a safe and Happy New Year as well.

I'll talk to you again after the New Year, I'm sure.

Bud

Originally Posted by Modelof1891

Matchlock,
It will always be worth what the average shooter is going for. My guess would be 200 to 250.00.
By the way, welcome to the group.

Terry