38 DA #3 serial number

[JimBeard]

In the old general store (built about 1880), we found an old 38 DA 5 shot revolver I believe is a #3. Trying to find out when it was manufactured serial 3# is 404903

 

[murphydog]

Welcome! Presuming you are certain it is a Smith & Wesson, this .38 Double Action probably was shipped sometime around 1900; someone here keeps closer track of their serial numbers and can probably get you a more specific date. It is very much smaller than the model 3 Double Action, which was most commonly a six-shot .44 Russian. Hope this is helpful.

 

[DWalt]

With that SN it would be a 4th Model .38 DA. The 3rd Model and the 4th Model DAs are very similar in appearance. And 1900 is a good estimate of origin date even though not exact. Legally, it is NOT an antique.