A friend of mine purchased this old top break he asked me to see if I could get info on it. The most interesting thing to me is the serial number it is #75 i don't think it is worth a whole bunch but if you would like to chime in I would appreciate it.

Somethings not right if the serial number is 75. This would make it a DA first model but if it was a first model it should have a straight cut sideplate and not curved. The pictures show a DA second model which should have a serial number between 4001-119000

There should be a serial number on the rear of the cylinder as well. Do you see one?

Someone else please correct me if I am wrong in the above information.

I will have my friend check the rear of the cylinder.

I wager that it's a S&W .32 Double Action, 2nd Issue. Serial numbers started at 31+/- and up over 100,000 if my memory is good. We need to know the caliber. If it's a .44, then all bets are off. Mike #283

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Mike Maher #283

A Model 1-1/2 top-break would be a single-action .32 with a spur trigger. This one would seem to be a .38 having all the earmarks of a second model. As Twaits points out, however, a serial no. of 75 does not fit. Gotta find the correct SN. And yes, it is not worth a whole bunch, but it is still an example of S&W design in the 1880s, with good craftsmanship.

It is chambered in .32 S&W he can't read the # on the rear of the cylinder but is two digit #

I would say it is a 2nd Model 32 S&W DA. The actual serial number range according to Jinks book is 31-22,172, so you could have a 2 digit serial number.

1st Model has straight side plate cuts as stated before and the 3rd Model on do not have the second set of stop notches on the cylinder.

Thats definitely NOT a .32 S&W. It's a .38 S&W. I'd bet my life on it.
Here's what an early .32 looks like (although in terrible condition)
Note how all of the proportions are smaller than the subject gun. The easiest way to tell is by looking at the flutes. Much shorter on the little .32
The mystery is why the subject gun only has a two digit serial number unless part of the number has been ground off.

Could it be ser# 75X or 75XX etc? Kyle

I now agree with your observation that it is a .38, but the poster stated 32 twice - so . . . anyway . . .

It is so difficult to judge the relative size of the gun in a picture without some reference item nearby, but I also checked the flutes on my .32 compared to a .38 and Twaits is certainly correct.

. . . now on to the early serial number . . . ?

Bigtubby, can you post a clear picture of the serial number on the butt?

I will try to get one from my friend.

The trick to identify between a 32 and a 38 (on a S&W DA or new departure esp) is the size of the cylinder compared to the trigger guard. On a 38, the cylinder appears bigger than the trigger guard, with the 32 being the opposite. A 32 appears as if the triggerguard could encircle the cylinder. I can tell the difference very easy because I learned this.

Here is a pic of the serial # and size of gun.

It appears it is a .38 S&W upon further review.

The stamp on the butt certainly is "75". I hope someone can shed some light on this number, since it certainly does not look like a 1st model.

Can we see the barrel stampings? Since the numerials are not aligned on the butt, I find it suspect. Mike #283

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Mike Maher #283

The butt looks filed and the number restamped to me.