Smith (no Wesson) .38 Questions

[SPEEDGUNNER]

[ame]https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=P7uQfYcJNJM[/ame]

Tell me about this Otis A. Smith 5-shot top break please. A good friend of mine inherited this from his father when he passed, he believes it may have belonged to his grandfather. Is this a Model 1887, mfg between 1887-1890? Low 3-digit serial, in outstanding condition with tight lockup and positive trigger and cylinder action. What type ammo would it shoot?

I was impressed with how nice the nickel is, the grips are near perfect, and how tight the action is. Barrel and cylinders are clean, hardly a trace of powder residue or carbon fouling. Any input would be appreciated.

 

[SPEEDGUNNER]

Box end and interior

 

[JH1951]

The O. A. Smith revolvers always seem to be a quality cut or two above the average handgun of its day. I have seen this model sell for $500. in nice condition.
Yours seems to be somewhat better than 'nice', and it has the box, which I have never seen. I would probably ask $1200., and take $900. The hard part will be finding a O.A. Smith collector, but they are out there.

 

[desi2358]

Very nice example of one of the less common top breaks! Especially nice with the box! I would tend to agree with JH1951 on the possible value. Though it might take a while to sell, even at $900. There are simply fewer people collecting guns like this than the big names but it is rare to find one so nice!

As to the caliber, to the best of my knowledge the Otis Smith top break revolvers were only offered in 32 and 38 Smith & Wesson. Some of his other designs were chambered for rim fire rounds but I don't believe this one was.