S&W 2nd model 38 S&W inquiry

[nthrut9]

I have a blue 5 screw, 2nd model, 5 shot, 5 inch barrel top break revolver, serial # 49204. It has a dual action mechanism for exposing the cylinder. The rear sight has to be pulled rearward, while, simultaneously, pushing the side latch forward ( like on a swing out cylinder). Bore and cylinders are crisp and clean , tight mechanism, and, appears to have been re-blued (guessing, due to age), by the factory, or an equivalent job. I have Pythons, so I know what quality bluing looks like. I'm curious as to when this was manufactured and when the dual cylinder opening mechanism appeared. Also, the hammer and trigger seem to be casehardened.
Thanks for any help here.

 

[opoefc]

It's not the .38 DA, 2nd model, you have a .38 Double Action Perfected model. Probably made around 1915, or so. These were made from 1909 to 1920, with a production total of 59,400 guns. Ed.

 

[nthrut9]

S&W top break

Yes. it is a double action. All numbers match, including, the grips. Thanks, I figured I'd get the right "poop" here, always have..............

 

[raljr1]

Pictures if you want opinions on the finish. Lots of guys here can help you with that.

 

[DWalt]

.38 Perfected revolvers are somewhat unusual, and are not often encountered. The idea behind the "Double" lockup is to make it more difficult for a Bad Guy to reach over the top and open the cylinder rendering the revolver inoperative. Apparently that was known to have happened on the earlier .38 DAs.