Gamblers Pistol?

[spiff001]

Hi. I acquired a gorgeous S&W top break 38 in pristine nickel and pearl grips. Serial number is 27384. Can someone help me date it?

 

[spiff001]

Oh yeah....

Top break, 5 shot, not a lemon squeezer.

 

[deadin]

Serial number puts it as a .38 DA 2nd Model made 1880-1884 in a serial range of 4001 to 119000.

 

[spiff001]

Thanks!

Thanks Dean! Here it is. I beieve the writing on the barrel is too crisp for this to be a refinish...

 

[DWalt]

While it could have been a "Gambler's Pistol" do you have any reason to believe that it was? What's the story behind it?

 

[opoefc]

spiff001, Sorry, but the gun, in my opinion, is a refinished gun. Done outside the factory at some time in the past. Obvious indications are (1) visible polish marks and striations, (2) rounded edges on side plate and other areas, due to over polishing, and (3) plated parts that were blue or case hardened originally, such as trigger, hammer, etc. Ed.

 

[Old TexMex]

While it could have been a "Gambler's Pistol" do you have any reason to believe that it was? What's the story behind it?

Here's a couple, found in an old gambling house wall, along with the set of cuffs...

spiff: that's a beaut, hang on to that one.

 

[rebel0994]

Nice 2ND model !!!