a couple questions about this old guy

[mzimmers]

Hi, all -

I recently purchased this from an online source.

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When I got it, I noticed the sort of oval-shaped line on the frame, behind the cylinder. I thought it was some weird scratch or something, but then I started noticing it on other guns, like this:

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I've seen it on others, too. Does anyone know what that is?

Also: can someone tell me the year this was built? The s/n is 425809.

Finally, how should I refer to this gun in my personal records? I'm not an expert on guns of this era. The seller called it a "Frontier 4th model;" is that accurate and sufficient?

Thanks for any help.

 

[mzimmers]

Hi, all -

I recently purchased this from an online source.

<br clear="all">
When I got it, I noticed the sort of oval-shaped line on the frame, behind the cylinder. I thought it was some weird scratch or something, but then I started noticing it on other guns, like this:

<br clear="all">
I've seen it on others, too. Does anyone know what that is?

Also: can someone tell me the year this was built? The s/n is 425809.

Finally, how should I refer to this gun in my personal records? I'm not an expert on guns of this era. The seller called it a "Frontier 4th model;" is that accurate and sufficient?

Thanks for any help.

 

[feralmerril]

They tell me its called a sideplate. Used to get at the innards.

 

[mzimmers]

Wow...damned if it isn't. This thing is *really* well-fit, too. I can't even see the seam on the top of the frame. Impressive what they did in the old days...

 

[mmaher94087]

mzimmers, what you have is commonly referred to as a .38 Double Action, 4th Model. There are five different models recognized by collectors. That mark you refer to is an irregular shaped sideplate and, as stated before, is where all the innards are contained. I would guess it was manufactured around 1900. Mike