Model 4???

[SGT GiJoe]

I recently inherited what I think is a Model 4 38SW. If that is correct, they were made from 1895 to 1909. Is there any way to narrow that down based on the serial number (436xxx)

It has the following across the top of the barrel:
S&W SPRINGFIELD MASS. U.S.A
PAT'D MAY 11 1880 JAN 3 1882 APRIL 9 1889

I would appreciate any info anyone has to offer. Thanks

 

[murphydog]

This is a .38 Double Action, 4th model. You have the production years correct, but you would need a factory historical letter to obtain the specific ship date and destination.

Firearm History Request - Smith & Wesson

The earliest S & W revolvers were the model 1, 1 1/2, 2 and 3. They gave up on numbers after the model 3, so every gun had just a name until 1957 when numbers were assigned again. Hope this is helpful.

 

[glowe]

Just to add to Alan's information, your 38 DA is considered a modern revolver and it is subject to all BATF regulations and whatever rules your state has for registration. The cut off serial number for antique status is serial number below 382,022.

Your revolver was shipped in the early 1900s, maybe around 1902.

 

[Islandgunner]

Thanks for the info.

I too, have an antique .32 S&W, maybe a model 4. The serial number of this one is 378xxx. It's in pretty tough shape -- it was stored for many years in a kitchen cabinet. There is a very small portion of the grip missing, the nickel is slightly pitted, but the action seems to be tight, but sticky. Any opinion as to whether there is any value in paying someone to rehab it for resale? Thanks for any and all information.

 

[murphydog]

I too, have an antique .32 S&W, maybe a model 4. The serial number of this one is 378xxx. It's in pretty tough shape -- it was stored for many years in a kitchen cabinet. There is a very small portion of the grip missing, the nickel is slightly pitted, but the action seems to be tight, but sticky. Any opinion as to whether there is any value in paying someone to rehab it for resale? Thanks for any and all information.

Welcome! The serial number is too high for an antique (pre-1898) S & W revolver. Photos would be helpful here, but you most likely have a .32 Hand Ejector model 1903. The gun on top of this thread is a top-break, and I would guess your gun has its cylinder swinging out to the left.

 

[Islandgunner]

Thanks for the information! The gun is a top-break. I have attached pictures. I appreciate all your expertise!

 

[murphydog]

This is a .38 Double Action, similar to the one in the original post and from the same time period.

 

[Islandgunner]

Ok, thanks. I'm glad you've recognized it. Any idea if there is any value to spending some money to fix it up? I really like to trade it and buy something else.

 

[murphydog]

If it is mechanically sound (functions in SA/DA, locks and extracts properly), it will be worth what a shooter-grade gun goes for in today's market. If you are thinking refinish, you will not recoup the cost and it may even be worth less with 0% original nickel.

 

[glowe]

Ok, thanks. I'm glad you've recognized it. Any idea if there is any value to spending some money to fix it up? I really like to trade it and buy something else.

I have seen similar revolvers going for $200 at recent auctions. If it cleans up to a higher condition, maybe $250.

 

[Islandgunner]

Again, thanks to both Gary and Alan. It does seem to work well and I'll have someone locally look at it to see if it is truly function. Thanks for all the help!