Help with identification of my two top break DA revolvers

[Gun and Harry]

Hallo colleagues, I would like to ask you for any help with identification of production dates concerning my newly bought SW .32 DA and .38 DA top break antique revolvers. I apologize for asking again, but when I had sent an application form for a Factory letter, I was given on 29 APR. 2016 a following answer: "Unfortunately, we do not accept requests outside of the U.S. for logistic reasons."
That is why, I am bothering you again. My request concerns two revolvers, both nickel plated (cca 98%), black rubber grips, both in excellent order, all serial numbers matching on the frame bottoms, cylinders and on the bottom of the latches:
1) SW .32 DA, 4th Model, 3 1/2" barrel, serial Number 162252.
2) SW .38 DA, 3rd Model 3 1/4" barrel, serial Number 215821.
I am curious about the production dates of the above mentioned revolvers and I would appreciate any help. Many thanks, Jan.

 

[glowe]

S&W made double action revolvers in both hammer and hammerless with the same serial numbers, so need to know which you have?

 

[Gun and Harry]

Sorry, both revolvers have hammers. Many thanks, Jan.

 

[Jim Watson]

The .32 4th was made in large numbers over 26 years.
About all I can tell is that yours is a USA Antique, made before the end of 1898.

The .38 3rd was made 1884-1895 and yours is near the middle of the serial number range, call it 1890.

Maybe somebody here has letters on those models with serial numbers close to yours.

 

[Gun and Harry]

Hallo Jim, thanks for Your prompt replay, here in Czech are for Antique firearms taken those, which are made before 31. December 1890. That is why I would like to know at least approximate manufacture dates. Your answer concerning the .38 3rd sounds good to me. Best regards, Jan.

 

[glowe]

The 32 Double Action, 4th Model would have shipped from the factory around 1891 and the 38 Double Action, 3rd Model would have shipped around 1888. The only way to get any more accurate is to request a S&W factory Letter at a cost of $75 for each letter. It will give you details about the gun, when it was manufactured and where is was originally shipped. You will also be able to be certain of the finish, type of stocks, and barrel length as it left the factory. The process of requesting letters is currently changing, so check back regularly, since the new request forms will be available soon.

 

[Gun and Harry]

Hallo Gary, I realy very appreciate Your kind and sofisticated information about my SW revolvers, it helps me a lot and confirmed, what I hoped, at least concerning the .38 3rd Model. On April 17. 2016 I sent a request for the SW Factory letter , but on April 26. 2016 I was given from Customer Service Department the answer, that they do not accept requests outside the U.S. for logistic reasons. So You are my best possibility, how to gain relevant information. I am realy obliged to You. Kind regards, Jan

 

[glowe]

As mentioned earlier, it is my understanding that the factory letters will be taken over by the Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation, maybe as early as next month. Hopefully, they will offer the service to overseas members. I assume that the issue with the factory was how to handle the payments, but in today's electronic times, transfer of funds should not be a problem. Check the SWHF section next month for additional information. http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-historical-foundation/

 

[Gun and Harry]

Thanks for advise Gary, I will do so. Jan.