Another 38DA?

[dbh1956]

Is this pistol a S&W 38DA? The trigger doesnt look right for a S&W. Mainspring is broken, but the bore and chambers look fine. Serial number is 886, and its on the butt and on the cylinder. Lettering on the top of the barrel is barely legible but i think i can make out Smith and 14 07? Caliber is 38S&W. Thanks for your help.

 

[mmaher94087]

Welcome to the forum. It appears to be a .38 Single Action, aka Model of '91. Mike #283

 

[glowe]

You have a well worn, but fairly scarce single action Model of '91 revolver in 38 S&W. There is a Commentary on this model at the link below.

Smith & Wesson Forum - Gary Lowe

The official name for this revolver is 38 Single Action, Third Model, but most collectors know it as Model of '91. That serial number would indicate it was manufactured in the early 1890s, maybe 1891. Not sure if the right stock is original, but if it has a serial number on the back side it is original and was probably carried in a holster for many years. I believe that any 38 single or double action mainspring will fit and should not be too hard to find on ebay, Gunbroker, Jack First, or maybe Numrich Gun Parts Corp. Nice find.

 

[dbh1956]

Thanks! My brother got it about 20 years ago from a black coworker who needed money. He gave him $100 for it. Our Dad wasn't pleased that he gave that for a non working pistol. This is in south Alabama, wish I knew if it had any family history.

 

[dbh1956]

checked with my brother and he took the grips off and the serial number matches on both. after a closer look he thinks the SN is 888. Amazing to us its that old and with that amount of wear on the Right grip. As with any gun what stories could it tell!

 

[dbh1956]

Model of '91

Wow time gets away. just looked at this one again in my gun safe. i see some members are from the Wiregrass. This one came from Enterprise, AL.

I know its a common question but Would a factory letter be interesting on one of these?

 

[gmborkovic]

Yes, get a letter. Mr. Jinks is retired and could use the cash flow.