Serial number 56823

[luckey strike]

My grandfather left me what I think is a Smith & Wesson "safety hammerless first model" 0.38...the SN is listed above. Please help to identify...it's got great information on top of the barrel...just not sure what I'm reading.

 

[Absalom]

My grandfather left me what I think is a Smith & Wesson "safety hammerless first model" 0.38...the SN is listed above. Please help to identify...it's got great information on top of the barrel...just not sure what I'm reading.

If it is indeed a .38 Safety Hammerless, at serial 56823 it would be a Third Model , which went from 41001 to 116000, produced from 1890 to 1898. They didn't ship in a steady rhythm or even chronological serial sequence, so only a history letter would get you the exact shipping date, but the production of yours likely falls in the early years of the range.

The information on top of the barrel rib are just patent dates which are likely not of much value to you.

 

[luckey strike]

Is there a way to find out what the caliber is or does the SN tell it all?

 

[Absalom]

The serial number doesn't tell you anything about the caliber because at that time they were simply numerical and had no identifying character. And the early models did not have calibers noted on the barrel. If you can't simply measure the bore, distinguishing the .32 from the .38 is pretty easy when looking at the relative dimension, especially length, of the cylinder. I don't have a comparative photo of both handy, but attached are pictures of my .32 (blued) and .38 (nickel). This should give you a reference.

 

[Targets Guy]

The .38 in your original post would indicate a .38 caliber.

 

[Absalom]

The .38 in your original post would indicate a .38 caliber.

I think that's exactly what he is not sure about and would like to ascertain because it does not say so on the gun.

 

[luckey strike]

Promised picture for this serial number

Let me know if this helps.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass! Your safety hammerless is a .32 S&W caliber. And it is a 1st model from the early to mid-1890's. The first model was made from 1888-1902 in SN range 1 to 91417. You can shoot modern smokeless cartridges if you can find them.

 

[luckey strike]

what would you estimate the approx value would be?

 

[gmborkovic]

Hello Lucky, not much value. Just enjoy it and have fun. If Gramps left
it to you , it has great value. Grab an oily rag and start rubbing.
Please no steel wool. Best

 

[luckey strike]

My dad thought I should sell it...he's 90!!! I told him I would never sell grand dad's pistol...he used to shoot turtles with it!!! Great advice...really appreciate it!!!

 

[DWalt]

Definitely a .32 S&W. .32 S&W ammo is still made (I think), but may be a bit difficult to find. It is NOT the same as .32 S&W Long. You won't get rich if you sell it.

S&W DA .32 top break safety hammerless ("lemon squeezer") revolvers with serial #s below 91400 were made prior to 1899, and are antiques under BATFE regulations. So yours is an official antique.