Patent Dates

[sw44russ]

Hi fellas, anyone know of a resource that gives the Patent Dates for the different Models of Top Breaks?

In particular; I'm looking for the Patent Dates on the 4th Model 38 DA and;
the 4th Model 38 Safety Hammerless...

Any help much appreciated.

 

[Masterpiece]

Hi fellas, anyone know of a resource that gives the Patent Dates for the different Models of Top Breaks?

sw44russ,

If you have access to a Revised Edition of Smith & Wesson 1857-1945 by Bob Neal & Roy Jinks...You'll find the Barrel Rib Patent Dates you're looking for on Page 325!!

If not...Here's the info to help you out on the Two Models you've inquired about until can locate one!!

Barrel Patent Dates for the .38 DA 4th Model are...(May 11,1880, Jan. 3,1882 & Apr.9, 1889)!!

Barrel Patent Dates for the 4th Model .38 Safeties are...Early Issues are marked...(May 11,1880, Oct.2,1883, Aug.4,1885, Oct.11,1887, Feb.14,1888, Apr.9,1889, & June 3,1890!! The Late Issues are marked only (Oct.2,1883, Aug.4,1885 & Apr.9,1889)...Hope this helps!!

 

[sw44russ]

Great work Masterpiece!! Exactly what I needed!!

I will get that Neal & Jinks book....sigh....so many books in the Bucket List!!

Thanks heaps for the Info.

 

[glowe]

Don't be surprised if yours does not perfectly match those printed in the Neal Jinks book. Some added and deleted patent dates changes occurred within certain models and so the rib stampings may not match the book.

Bottom line is that 38 Safety revolvers used some different patent dates and will never match any found on a 38 DA or visa-versa. That is always the best way to tell if barrel swaps have occurred. You often find this problem on 38 SAs, since many owners put revolver barrels/cylinders on their Single Shot Model of 1891 frames over the years.

 

[deadin]

many owners put revolver barrels/cylinders on their Single Shot Model of 1891 frames over the years.

Yes. I have one. I'm beginning to think that these should almost be considered a "Sub-Model" of the 1891....