Factory Engraved top break
- Thread starter oocannon
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Damifikno, but I'll give you $100 for it! 
Boulder350
Member
Beautiful old revolver. Love the color in the pearl grips.
Its a 38 S&W, either the 3rd or 4th model. Would need the serial number to tell which one and if its an antique.
Its a 38 S&W, either the 3rd or 4th model. Would need the serial number to tell which one and if its an antique.
Boulder350
Member
The third models were serial numbers 119,001 to 322,700 and were from 1884 to 1895. That makes yours an antique.
The proof that this revolver is factory engraved would be a letter stating this to be the case. Of course, if you have a letter that states the engraving is factory work, it also would state the model and the caliber.
Which leads me to believe you don't have a factory letter in hand, and so to get one, you would need the caliber and model to order one.
And so I would order one. I encourage anyone who wants to know more about their particular Smith & Wesson revolver to do so.
However, having said that, my guess is the letter would not mention the engraving as the work, although attractive, does not look like typical factory engraving from that era.
Which leads me to believe you don't have a factory letter in hand, and so to get one, you would need the caliber and model to order one.
And so I would order one. I encourage anyone who wants to know more about their particular Smith & Wesson revolver to do so.
However, having said that, my guess is the letter would not mention the engraving as the work, although attractive, does not look like typical factory engraving from that era.
If not caliber marked you might be able to tell the caliber by looking at the barrel opening or the cylinder chambers. Should that not work, if you have a cartridge of either caliber placing either in one of the chambers should give you an answer.
I don't know the answer but I'm sure someone could probably tell you the measurement of the openings for 32 and 38 and you could measure.
If you decide to letter the gun, send photos and ask specifically if it was factory engraved. If you don't ak then the historian won't know to comment on that.
I'll raise that offer to $150
I don't know the answer but I'm sure someone could probably tell you the measurement of the openings for 32 and 38 and you could measure.
If you decide to letter the gun, send photos and ask specifically if it was factory engraved. If you don't ak then the historian won't know to comment on that.
I'll raise that offer to $150
mmaher94087
Member
A quick reference to caliber: if it is a 5-shot Double Action it is either a .32 or a .38. Six-shot DA is .44 or another larger caliber. Which small caliber? If the front of the cylinder extends past the trigger guard, then it is a .38. If it is shorter than the trigger guard, then it's a .32.
deadin
US Veteran
.38 DA 3rd Model. Probably 1895
