38 Top Break ?

[Mark300]

I just bought a S&W 38 top break for $275 and was wondering how rare of gun it is, what's it worth and when it was made. It's a 5 in. barrel, hammerless, pearl handles, blued finish, and 61XXX serial number on the bottom of the grip and cylinder. The condition isn't too bad, no pitting but does have scratches and light rust on the surface. This is what I think the top says:
SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS USA PATD FEB 20 DEC 18TT
MAY 11 80 SEP 11 OCT 2 83 9 AUG 4 6 5 FEB 14 98 APR 9 89 JUN 9 90
I'm sure these number are mostly wrong, when I find a magnifying glass, I re post them. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[H Richard]

Should be a 38 Safety Hammerless 3rd Model, mfg. between 1890 & 1898. Without pictures it is impossible to value your revolver. There were 75,000 made. From what you state, scratched and light rust, it would most probably be in a "Fair" to "Good" condition, depending on the mechanical condition, which would place the value somewhere in the vicinity of $100 to $250.

 

[Mark300]

Thanks, I paid a little to much for it, but that's alright I do like the gun a lot. I would like to shoot it, what kind of ammo should I use?
Thanks
Mark

 

[Dosgatos]

If you hold on to it you won't have paid too much for.

Use .38 S&W (not .38 S&W Special). Check your local sporting goods dealers, I've found a few boxes here and there. You can also find it fairly regularly on Gunbroker.