S&W MODEL 3, .38 CAL

[Deerunone]

I have had this revolver in my top break collection for many years. I did call S&W and they told me it was made in 1897 or 1898. It is a .38 caliber and appears to be original and in excellent shape with a good bore. I am posting pics and would appreciate your comments and any ideas where to re-home it. It looks like it was probably stored in someone's drawer and the butt with the serial number was in contact with something caustic. Several local gun smiths have examined it and think it is original finish. Thanks in advance for your advice.

This is my first post so please bear with me trying to post multiple pics….Have maxed out at 5. Another post is following unless it violates the rules...

 

[Deerunone]

S&W Model 3 Pics

It was S&W that said this was a Model 3..

 

[gmborkovic]

That is definitely a very original and lightly fired 38 safety hammerless.
Lived in grannies panty's drawer. No need to take apart. Just a little wax.

 

[opoefc]

Welcome to the Forum. Very nice . Correct name is the .38 New Departure Safety Hammerless, 3rd model. It certainly appears original and if it was ever fired, it was very little. As Mike said, some preservative wax on the surfaces and maybe a light oiling of the action. It is classified as an antique by the BATF. Ed

 

[glowe]

Welcome to the Forum. The gun should be cleaned inside and out. If you are familiar with working on these guns, they can be completely disassembled without too much trouble, cleaned, oiled, and put back together. If you have general knowledge working with mechanical parts, you could remove the sideplate and oil the parts in place. If neither, find a gunsmith that will do the job. Shooting these guns with currently available Remington, Winchester, etc. 38 S&W ammunition is fun and can be done with complete safety if desired.

 

[gmborkovic]

There you go, take it apart and clean and then shoot, why? These little gems dont turn up like they use to. Just look at that flawless seam on the side plate and those perfect proud pins. And we all know there is a very time consuming technique for just removing the grips. So when you find them like the OPs, just wipe it down.

 

[mmaher94087]

Welcome to the forum. That is a very nice example of a Safety Hammerless that is becoming harder to find in that condition. A squirt or two of Rem Oil and a good wipe down is all it needs. I do not believe in disassembling any Smith unless there is a problem that needs attention.

 

[iby]

Welcome to the forum. That is a very nice example of a Safety Hammerless that is becoming harder to find in that condition. A squirt or two of Rem Oil and a good wipe down is all it needs. I do not believe in disassembling any Smith unless there is a problem that needs attention.

Even if it's a small problem IMO

 

[Deerunone]

No problems. Locks up tight and indexes well. Smooth trigger pull. Would appreciate anyone interested in it to let me know. I really have no idea of the value???

 

[Frontier44]

It was S&W that said this was a Model 3..

Nice looking Smith. Condition of the recoil shield and cylinder is beautiful!

 

[murphydog]

As noted above it is in much better than average condition for a gun of its era, but there is some damage/wear to the nickel finish. Also, these were made in the hundreds of thousands over several decades.

I have the impression it is a $250-300 gun but I would wait for other opinions. And post an ad in the Wanted to Sell/Trade section if you decide to do that.

 

[Deerunone]

Thanks for the input. I will probably post in the Wanted to sell/trade section after this thread plays out....

 

[gmborkovic]

Mr. Deer, put it up for sale here on the Forum. I have a nice period box it would look great in. Do some research on the price and set it realistically.
It is a non-firearm in the eyes of BATFE. So can be shipped by mail.