38 - 40 Russian Model Serial Number 29

[Mainecodger]

I have an old handgun that is in its fourth generation. This handgun has been taken care of, but I would like to know what special care should be taken with this keepsake. Are there photos of similar handguns, and are there any of these on public display in museums or such?

This is actually #63. The script on the butt looks like 29. but the top of the cylinder is clearly 63. Side stamp is 38 Winchester CTG

1) The serial number is 63 on visible parts. I am trying to post some photos. Lots of stories with this handgun.

 

[Jim Watson]

1. There is a clear wax that is often used to protect display pieces. Brand name Renaissance Microcrystalline Wax Polish. Probably somebody here can give advise on applying it, or alternatives.

2. I am not clear what gun you actually have, "Russian" and .38-40 do not go together.
If it is a Smith and Wesson No 3 New Model single action topbreak in .38 WCF, be aware that they made 74 of them. If it is a Double Action First Model, they made 276 of those.

I am sure the collectors here will love to see pictures of yours.

 

[twaits]

Yes please post pictures! I'd love to see what this is.

 

[opoefc]

Mainecodger, Take a look at the bottom of the barrel latch, The serial number should be stamp there also, it should be either a 63 or 29. Numbers that don't match indicate the parts have been replaced using parts from another gun. Also inbetween the "ears" of the barrel you should be able to see the serial number stamped on the barrel. Those stampings are very small numbers, so it may take a magnifying glass & good light to see them. Is your revolver single action or double action? To be one of the 70 some made in cal. 38-40 ( .38 WCF) it would have to be double action. however a single action in cal .38-40 , if original, is a rare bird also.

 

[twaits]

Thanks for posting pics. This looks like an amazing gun. I'm thinking its very valuable in that caliber.
Opoefc? Deadin? Whats he got here?

 

[da gimp]

Sir, I could not see/or read the serial number on the barrel

does it match the serial # on the butt? If it does, dern son , you came up with something. If it doesn't, it is still a nice old shooter/parts gun, either way, enjoy the family historical piece.

da gimp

OFC, Mo. Chapter

 

[singleshot1891]

It would appear from the photos that you have a very rare and desirable pistol.
Value ? wow... hang on.....

 

[deadin]

You had better get that puppy into a bank vault.
It is 1 of 74 made AND a target model to boot.
An "Excellent +", 98% sold for $8,800 in 2003. A "96% old silver plate" listed at $7,500 in 2004.
It wouldn't surprise me at all to see this one hit 5 figures today. Just how far into 5 figures would depend on just how good the original finish is.

 

[bmcgilvray]

What a revolver to feature in a first post! That's one good lookin' pistole!

I'm grateful to be able to see the photos. Thanks for posting them.

 

[riverday]

Great old Smith, Mainecodger - you are very fortunate to have it. It is my dream to have one like it one day, although mine would not need to be nearly as rare as yours appears to be.
You mentioned that there are lots of stories that go with the gun - It would be great if you could share some with us.

 

[Jim Watson]

You have just about struck gold. I don't know the dollar numbers, but pay attention to deadin and apply some Renassaince Wax or whatever else one of the collectors might recommend and lock that thing up.

And send in for a factory letter ASAP.

 

[deadin]

Just a little personal tale on this chambering.
Years ago I was trying to assemble a collection of at least one of each chambering that S&W made in revolvers.

I almost made it. I needed a .44RF, a few of the more esoteric British chamberings and the 38-40.
The .44RF was doable, I just hadn't run across one. The Brits would have been nice to have, but as they were all special orders and not production stuff (other than the .455 Mk II, which I had) , I could take them or leave them.


Then we come to the 38-40… 74 made in the NM No.3, 276 in the .38 Winchester Double Action, a very small number reported in the 1st Model H.E. and an unknown number in the 2nd Model H.E. (The last two models probably special orders like the Brits.)

Needless to say I decided that even if I ever ran across one, I would never be able to afford it. The upshot of the whole thing was that I got bored with that particular collection, so I broke it up. (I discovered that the seeking was a whole lot more fun than the owning.)

 

[singleshot1891]

That is a once in a lifetime find for a S&W collector. I believe too that it would certainly bring 5 figures in todays market.
My late father had a find similar to that. He bought a near perfect .32 Safety Hammerless with a 1 1/2" barrel for very little money. The big question for him (and the seller) was has the barrel been cut. Wouldn't you know the piece lettered exactly as it was. Some very advanced collectors figure that less than 20 were produced in that configuration in both calibers (.38 & .32) with the overwhelming majority of them being .38's.

Congratulations on your find.....

 

[twaits]

That is a once in a lifetime find for a S&W collector. I believe too that it would certainly bring 5 figures in todays market.
My late father had a find similar to that. He bought a near perfect .32 Safety Hammerless with a 1 1/2" barrel for very little money. The big question for him (and the seller) was has the barrel been cut. Wouldn't you know the piece lettered exactly as it was. Some very advanced collectors figure that less than 20 were produced in that configuration in both calibers (.38 & .32) with the overwhelming majority of them being .38's.

Congratulations on your find.....

What did your late father do with the gun? Is it still in your family?
Anyone out there with a picture of one of these? The shortest barrels I have ever seen on these are on the bicycle guns but I think those are 2 inch.

 

[riverday]

Mainecodger - try to get access to a copy of the book Standard catalog of Smith & Wesson by Supica and Nahas (3rd edition) - your public library probably has a copy.
On pages 106, 107, and 108 there is a great deal of information about the New Model, Number Three Target Model.

 

[singleshot1891]

twaits -
Not wanting to steal the post for this fine and rare #3, I will start a new thread for the short barreled .32 Safety Hammerless.

 

[ACP230]

I would also like to hear some of the stories that go with the gun.

 

[twaits]

twaits -
Not wanting to steal the post for this fine and rare #3, I will start a new thread for the short barreled .32 Safety Hammerless.

Thanks! I look forward to it