Info on this 5 shooter 38

[mo84]

I got this gun from my unckle asking me to find out anything about it. It is a 38 and he said the bullets where short. it doesnt have any numbers on it as far as I can see and I really don't know anything about it. I am pretty sure it is a S&W becasuse of the one grip has the logo. if anyone knows anything about this gun I would really appreciate it.

 

[glowe]

mo84 - you have a 38 Double Action, either a 1st or second Model. These revolvers were made from 1880 to 1884, with about 120,000 made.

Look on the bottom of the butt and at the back of the cylinder and post the number found. Someone can help you with more detailed info once the serial number is established.

 

[mo84]

60206 was on the back of the cylender, very tiny. thanks for letting me know. thats some great info. older then I thought. I dont see any numbers on the butt anywhere, it is in pretty rough shape as far as finish goes but it still functions well. I like the self ejecting when it is opened.

 

[glowe]

With that serial number, you have a 2nd Model and it would have been shipped from the factory 1882-1883. The serial number range for the 2nd Model is from 4001 to 119,000 and this model was made from 1880 to 1884. Looks like yours is a 3 1/4" barrel. This revolver's cartridge is a 38 S&W, which is still available from most major ammo companies.

 

[mo84]

wow thats great. ill be sure to let my uncle know everything that was posted, I'm sure he will be excited to know.

 

[mo84]

Does anyone know what kinda value somthing like this might have?

 

[DCWilson]

Top-break S&Ws are not rare, so they have to be in pretty high condition to be worth serious money to a collector. The finish on yours is mostly gone, so its value is as a shooter and family heirloom. A gun store might offer you $75-125 for it in hopes of turning it at $250 or above. Leaving out the middleman you might find a buyer at $300. As an early model it is a little more desirable than the later ones, but that still doesn't translate to big bucks.

I would try to keep a gun like that in the family forever. Just document the heck out of it and make sure the inheritors get the written history as well as the gun.

 

[twaits]

I'm not sure a gun store is going to give you anything for it without a serial number on the butt. Even as an antique. If there is no number there it has been ground off.
Like DC Wilson said, keep it in the family.

 

[DCWilson]

I'm not sure a gun store is going to give you anything for it without a serial number on the butt. Even as an antique. If there is no number there it has been ground off.
Like DC Wilson said, keep it in the family.

Somehow the part about the missing serial number didn't register when I read the top post the first time. Since the gun is classified as an antique (pre-1898), that may not be a big deal. But why raise a question that you might need to argue about?

 

[DWalt]

As it is an antique (made pre-1899), the presence or absence of a serial number would have no legal consequences. If someone does decide to shoot it, make sure to get only .38 S&W ammunition, NOT .38 S&W SPECIAL ammunition. That won't fit. It is a little difficult to find, it won't be at Wal-Mart.

 

[Walthernut]

Maybe the serial number is under the grips.