S&W "Fourth" model

[Bakerr]

I recently discovered in my father-in-laws collection a very old S&W revolver. It's called the "Fourth" model. The serial number is 18433. I looked up the revolver on the Internet and there was some info available, including admonitions not to use standard/factor 32 caliber ammo. The author of the article bought regular factory ammo and replaced the more powerful smokeless powder with black powder. So, revolver needs to be shot with black powder only. I'd appreciate hearing from anyone who might know how old this revolver is, based on the serial number, and any further advice on its use.
Thank you,
bakerr

 

[DWalt]

"So, revolver needs to be shot with black powder only."

No. Factory smokeless loadings are lightly loaded and are safe to use even in older black powder revolvers.

 

[Bakerr]

Thank you for the correction.
Would you happen to have a resource that indicates the approximate date of manufacture? See serial number in previous message.

 

[Jim Watson]

Yes. But that serial number could apply to about five different S&Ws and "Fourth model" does not show up in my book. Well, three; probably not the two .32 rimfires because of comments about flip flopping the gunpowder. So we need pictures or at least answers to the questions in the sticky above "To IDENTIFY your gun."

 

[Bakerr]

This attachment process is a bit awkward for me, but I think I attached four images. Does this help identify the date of manufacture or shipping?

Thank you.

 

[Bakerr]

more numbers

I just found a number on the cylinder head (where cartridge is inserted). 18433

Also, on the frame, located above the trigger on the inside section that is beveled to the shape of the cylinder is the number 5.

Lastly, when I pull the hammer back hard it will lock in the cocked position.

 

[DWalt]

Yours is a .32 Double Action (DA) revolver, Second Model, made from 1880-82. It uses the .32 S&W cartridge. 18433 is the correct serial number.

 

[Old TexMex]

That's a nice old heirloom, I like those. Good pictures.

 

[Jim Watson]

Yup, that's what it is.
Caliber is .32 S&W. Not .32 S&W Long (there is no "short", just .32 S&W) and for sure not .32 ACP.

 

[Bakerr]

Thank you all for the information, especially DWalt for doing the search!! Can anyone hazard an estimated value?

 

[DWalt]

Value is in the eye of the beholder. Yours looks to be in pretty good condition, and I would guess it wouldn't be too tough to sell in the $250-$300 range if it's in good working condition and the barrel is not rusted out. But there aren't a lot of lookers for guns of this type. .32 S&W ammo is tough to find, and your revolver is not in the highest condition possible to interest a serious collector. And the .32 S&W lacks the ballistics to be a good personal defense weapon.

 

[Bryan Smith]

.38 safety hammerless 4th model

My wife recently got her grandfather's .38 safety hammerless 4th model .38 revolver. It has a break open and clearly can not use standard current .38 cartridges. The serial number is 218909 and one source said it was made between 1898 and 1907.

I went to one gun dealer and they had some S&W .38 which were short looking but I understand there is also a .38 short which has been made. Nobody seems to know what should be shot in this pistol.

Does anyone know anything about this?