help identifying this pistol

[hng]

Hi all,

I have been given an antique pistol and can't seem to find out exactly which one it is and what it is worth. it is a top break model and on the top of the barrel it says "Smith & Wesson springfield mass u.s. pat'd jan 17 & 24 65 July 11, 65 aug 24,69 jan 19 1875 reissue july 25, 1871". It has a wooden grip and on the butt of the grip on the frame it says 3079. I'm not sure if that is the serial number or not.

 

[murphydog]

Welcome! A photo would help here, but...

.32 or .38 caliber? Concealed or exposed hammer? Single/double action or double action only?

 

[hng]

I will work on getting a photo posted. I don't know much about guns to be honest. i don't know what caliber it is. the hammer is exposed and it locks into place when you cock it back. the hammer does not go back when you pull the trigger.

 

[murphydog]

It may be a .32 or .38 Single Action. Does it look like the one in this link?

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-antiques/68247-s-w-38-single-action-2nd-model-s-n-1463-a.html

 

[hng]

yes! it looks just like that one except that the grips do not have any writing on them. what is something like this worth?

 

[murphydog]

It depends on its finish/metal and mechanical condition; the range is pretty large ($200 for a beat up one with no finish, over $1000 in as-new condition). Here is where the photos would really help...

 

[jleiper]

Hi all,

I have been given an antique pistol and can't seem to find out exactly which one it is and what it is worth. it is a top break model and on the top of the barrel it says "Smith & Wesson springfield mass u.s. pat'd jan 17 & 24 65 July 11, 65 aug 24,69 jan 19 1875 reissue july 25, 1871". It has a wooden grip and on the butt of the grip on the frame it says 3079. I'm not sure if that is the serial number or not.

That is the barrel mark found on Non Russian Contract No. 3s for other governments.
The question will now likely be which model and which contract. Pictures would really help!
Pictures
Joe