Howdy all, friend just made my eyes pop with a beautiful 38 topbreak that was his grandfathers when chief of the Bridgeport Conn. P.D. It has a 3.25 in. barrel ,38 smith& Wesson CTG on the barrel , serial #242448 on the grip and wheel, b
what looks like bakelite grips with insignia. Very minor blemishes on bluing otherwise in wonderfull condition . He has never shot it. Anyone have an idea on age etc. thank you, Rich

Concealed or exposed hammer? It would be either a .38 Safety Hammerless or Double Action.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

exposed hammer

It would be a 38 DA, 3rd Model that shipped around 1890. The 3rd model SNs were 119001-322700 and shipped from 1884-1895.

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Guy
SWHF #474 SWCA LM#2629

Thank you ! I am going to try and post a picture soon. It is n really good condition. ? should he shoot it.any idea on value? he even has original box.

It can be shot with .38 S&W (not special) smokeless cartridges. They can be a bit pricey and may be difficult to find. Generally, the big box stores have them (Academy Sports, Dick's, Bass Pro, Cabelas, Gander Mountain, etc.

As to value, you would need to post pictures so the experts can assess the condition. S&W made hundreds of thousands of the .38 DA and unless it is pristine, it won't bring much all on its own. But, with the box...the box is probably worth more than the gun. Again, depending on condition. If he has the original papers for the gun as well...adds value.

Also, the gun is an antique because it shipped before 1899. That means BATFE and most states don't recognize it as a gun. But be careful if transporting it because some of the totalitarian states do.

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Guy
SWHF #474 SWCA LM#2629

thank you ! will post photo asap the bluing still shines . box is not in great condition, I would not be either after 120 plus years.