Help Identifying An Old Revolver

[Rjordan90]

Hello all, I have recently been given this by a family member and I have a ton of questions about it. All I know is that it is .38 caliber, and what is very interesting is US Shield. And help would be appreciated IMG-1543 hosted at ImgBB — ImgBB
IMG-1545 hosted at ImgBB — ImgBB

 

[shown50]

Hello all, I have recently been given this by a family member and I have a ton of questions about it. All I know is that it is .38 caliber, and what is very interesting is US Shield. And help would be appreciated IMG-1543 hosted at ImgBB — ImgBB
IMG-1545 hosted at ImgBB — ImgBB

I believe that's a Forehand & Wadsworth top break in 38 s&w not 38 special.

 

[Rjordan90]

Would you off hand happen to know an approximate age? When I did some searching I never saw one with the U.S. shield. Potential government issue?

 

[SPEEDGUNNER]

shown50 is probably correct. We would need some clearer pictures, especially of the markings on the top of the barrel and the grips to provide more detail. Most likely late 1800's to maybe 1930's vintage?

 

[desi2358]

Would you off hand happen to know an approximate age? When I did some searching I never saw one with the U.S. shield. Potential government issue?

The shield was a logo used by Forehand & Wadsworth on some of their firearms. It has nothing to do with government use. The company operated under that name from 1871 to 1890 when the name changed to Forehand Arms Co (Wadsworth had retired and was longer involved with the firm).

 

[Alk8944]

If you really want to know what your gun is buy a copy of a book titled "Suicide Specials". There are two different books with this title, one by Warner and one by Varner. Simply "Google" the title to find both.