S&W .38 DA Top Break In Box

[SalemCat]

You are describing a 38 Double Action, 2nd Model, maybe shipped in the early 1880s. The 38 DAs were probably the most difficult revolvers to estimate shipping dates, since they are all over the place. One example with lower serial number than yours shipped in 1920. Only accurate way to date would be to request a factory letter.

But was the MANUAFACTURED DATE 1920 ?

I could be wrong, but some say the Date of Manufacture is what matters to the ATF, not Shipping Date.

At least S&W has records. With too many manufacturers, claiming 1898 or before is a lawsuit waiting to happen .

 

[peepaw]

I'm jealous, artwork it is.
Congrats