Identification Help Needed

[Slyk54]

I am trying to help a friend identify the revolver pictured below.

It is a S&W, and the chambering is unclear; I know it is a .32 of some sort; I was given 5 rounds to shoot in the gun if I wished. (I haven't fired it- the shells appear to be lead, round-nose, and many years old)

I am curious as to what this gun is- Stamping on top of the barrel rib is Smith & Wesson, and identifies 3 patent dates, the latest of which appears to be late 1800's?

I would appreciate any help on what model this gun is, how old it might be, and roughly, what kind of value it might have.

Thank you!

 

[Kelly Green]

S&W 4th model .32 DA Top Break revolver. The guns range from the 1st Model of 1880 to the 5th Model of 1909. The 4th model serial numbers range from 43406 to 282999 and were manufactured between 1883-1909.I would need a serial number to estimate its date. I have seen these go for upwards of $400.00 on the auction sites.

 

[Dosgatos]

Kelly Green is correct as to identification. I would differ on the value - maybe $150-200. There are a zillion of these and the condition is not great.

 

[H Richard]

I agree with Dostagos, I have a 5th model, in fairly decent condition, which I picked up for $200. They're a lot of them out there.

 

[singleshot1891]

Ditto the two previous posts regarding value. Condition, condition, condition.

 

[Dosgatos]

Just for perspective: I bought this .32 DA 5th Model for $75, had the right grip (numbered to the gun) repaired for $45, and put $40 worth of parts into it for a total of $160. I can't add value for the hours of cleaning, polishing, and general fiddling around, but I think that's probably a good value for this gun and part of the fun of collecting older S&Ws.

 

[1891SingleShot]

Just for perspective: I bought this .32 DA 5th Model for $75, had the right grip (numbered to the gun) repaired for $45, and put $40 worth of parts into it for a total of $160. I can't add value for the hours of cleaning, polishing, and general fiddling around, but I think that's probably a good value for this gun and part of the fun of collecting older S&Ws.


That's the nice thing about collecting these little S&W Topbreaks. You can still find nice examples from the late 1800's and you don't have to take out a loan to buy them.

 

[hami]

I love the grips! i have been looking for some pearls for mine.