Help on identity of pistol Smith and Wesson

[randyj13]

I have a 38 S&W break top 5 shot revolver Smith and Wesson
serial number 419XXX
Any help on identifying this weapon and dates

 

[glowe]

You should have a 38 Double Action, Fourth Model. With your serial number, it was probably shipped between 1900 to 1902. Over 200,000 of this model were made from 1895 to 1909. The total manufactured of all models in 38 DA exceeded 550,000. The 38 DA takes a 38 S&W cartridge still available from major manufacturers.

 

[randyj13]

Did they make these in cromed or nickle? any value?

 

[glowe]

Original finish was either nickel or blue. You might find a stamp under the grips or somewhere else that signifies the original finish, B or N. Original finish on nickel guns should include case hardened trigger and hammer and blued trigger guard. If your gun is nickel, look carefully at the finish and if there are any rounded edges, refinished trigger, hammer, trigger guard, pits with finish over them, general poor preparation under the finish, wavy metal in flat areas, etc. If everything is clean and crisp, you probably have an original finish gun.

Since there were over half-million of these made, there are still many around and value is just not very high, except for exceptional specimens, with near 100% original finish.

 

[randyj13]

It is origiona nickle finish - about 70% - trigger gaurd is blued and trigger and hammer are case hardened - These are my shortcomings - old weapons - I know ww1 era on