Help identifying old top break

[jetjky]

This one is old but IMHO worth restoring. I do love these old break tops. Functions perfectly but I am convinced that the front sight on it is very wrong for this gun. Looks like the pin can be removed and the correct style sight placed. Difficult to make out the serial number clearly. Any suggestions?

 

[Jim Watson]

In my inexpert opinion, I would only put on a period semicircular sight blade and clean it up. True restoration would be far beyond its value.

Now if that is the original barrel length, the rules might change.

 

[jetjky]

Thanks, I uploaded an additional picture. I do want the original size front sight blade placed but there are no competent gunsmiths who have worked on these where I live. It looks like it might be an easy job IF you can find the sight blade.

I do NOT believe its the original length because it appears to be 1&3/4 instead of 1&1/2 plus there is the obvious wrong front sight.

 

[gmborkovic]

Mr. jet, cant quite make out any barrel address? It appears the gun has been buffed and re-blued? Need clear pics of top rib, right side of barrel
and trigger. I agree, removal of the front sight is a bit tricky. You have to use a concave, cupped, punch. Naturally in a padded vise. And remove the MOP grips before you do anything.

 

[mmaher94087]

#235600? I suspect a refinish as the edges look soft and the blue doesn't look right. Along with the front sight replacement, it leads one to suspect a cut barrel. However, the barrel-rib set back looks factory. I believe a letter is in order. I have seen a lettered 2" where the actual barrel length was 2 1/4".

 

[gmborkovic]

OH, Mr. jet, a nice clear pic of muzzle and front of the rib. thanks.

 

[jetjky]

Thanks. WIlCO, as soon as I get back stateside. I guess you guys can tell its a 38. I must 1000 rounds of the stuff I have accumulated over the years. Have two other old ones also.

 

[jetjky]

Agreed. It has a crude refinish attempt but the barrel quality and lockup are superb so I might invest in a refinish if I can get the front sight corrected. As to the numbers, I agree. The muddled one sometimes looks like a 3 or a 5. I am guessing this is a 1920s gun.

 

[gmborkovic]

Mr. jet, pls. keep us posted on your refinish project. I really want to see how you refresh the smeared serial number from over buffing.

 

[jetjky]

Well, I sure do not plan to do the work. I got a very good price from Ron to just do a nickel job.

Firearm Plating -Mahovsky's Metalife

 

[glowe]

Highly likely it is a cut barrel, with some of the top barrel patent dates still visible behind the sight blade. Serial number appears to be 233600. Just check on the back of the cylinder for the number.

 

[Heinz]

I like it. Someone liked it enough to modify it to their needs. Replace the sight if it bothers you, it ain't rocket science, but maybe best to have a gunsmith do it, if you have not done it before. Sometimes they have been epoxied in. I would not do anything other than clean it up and maybe the sight work. You are lucky to have the ammo. Very hard to find around here.

 

[Boulder350]

Since the cut barrel is not factory the groove to hold the front sight is probably not cut to factory specs for the original sight. I would leave the existing sight

 

[jetjky]

Since the cut barrel is not factory the groove to hold the front sight is probably not cut to factory specs for the original sight. I would leave the existing sight

How do you know the cut barrel is not factory?

 

[jetjky]

Thanks. Seems that a whole lot of them have been cut down.

 

[jetjky]

Thanks all of you for your advice and help.

 

[Boulder350]

I agree with post #11 from Gary. Looks like there is some lettering on the top of the barrel just behind the front sight. That is a good sign the barrel was cut outside the factory. I have not seen a barrel that is cut by the factory where they leave the original barrel stamp shortened.