.38 Double Action Perfected Model help

[pinoakflats]

I have in my possesion what I beleive is a .38 Double Action Perfected Model in a nickel finish.
It's serial number indicates it was one of the last produced. The serial number on the butt and cylinder match and it appears to have the same serial number on the bottom of the rear sight tang.

The hammer and trigger are not blued, but are nickel. The Smith and Wesson logo is absent from the left side of the frame and there's no indication that one was ever there. All of the other factory stamping is correct and, to my eyes, are crisp and clear.

Based on clearness of stamping, fitment, and condition of screws and pins; I would think it original but the mentioned 'oddities' are giving me serious reason to question. '

What say the experts?

 

[pinoakflats]

additional photos

additional photos

 

[pinoakflats]

additional

additional

 

[pinoakflats]

few more

few more photos

 

[stanmerrell]

I'm no expert, but it looks refinished to me. And rather poorly refinished to boot. Still a nice example of this model though.

 

[Aussie Collector]

Refinished I agree. The "Smith & Wesson" on the barrel side has been nicely done, using the modern ampersand.

 

[STCM(SW)]

Mine with a letter.......

 

[mmaher94087]

Nice late production Perfected. I, too, believe it has been replated. The barrel hinge pin needs to be clocked so that the witness marks align and the screw tightened. That will pull the hinge pin into the recess in the frame and make it smooth with the frame. One Tell that it has been apart. A second is the flat heads of the screws. They should be domed (fillister head) screws.

 

[glowe]

Definitely refinished. The studs in the frame are all flattened by the refinish. They were originally domed. All the edges are rounded, especially around the cylinder stop notches on the cylinder. Screws holding the sideplate in place were domed at the factory and are now flat-heads. If you are interested in learning more about this model, I am attaching an Expert Commentary on the 38 Perfected. You need to download the commentary to read.

They are interesting revolvers, being the last top-break made by the company using the frame from a 32 Hand Ejector, Model 1903 and the barrel assembly from the 38 Double Action revolver. They were popular in Europe and South America, but not seen too often in the US.

You mention yours was a late serial number, so might have a hammer block safety. At the very end of production, they had a hammer safety block installed and received a 1914 patent date on the barrel. Less than 2,000 were, with the hammer safety.

 

[opoefc]

I agree with all above, - it's a refinish and hats off to Gary for his great post Re: Safety Hammerblock late variation. I also noted the above post of a factory lettered Perfectrd shipped with pearl stocks. S&W shipped very few guns with pearls at that time, as their supply of quality pearl material accceptable to S&W's standards, was extemely limited.
Ed

 

[pinoakflats]

Thank you

Thanks to everyone that shared your knowledge and opinions. I knew I would get solid and reliable answers from the forum members.