Smith & Wesson Top Break ID
- Thread starter JBHotrods
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DWalt
Member
Its a .38 Double Action, Second Model, early 1880s. About 100,000 Second Models were made, 1880-84. Over a half-million .38 DAs were made in all models, so they are not rare. Many of them were bedside nightstand guns and are found in very good condition, as yours appears to be. A factory nickel plated finish is not unusual. Caliber is .38 S&W, not .38 S&W Special. Ammo is still made but can be difficult to find and expensive.
OP
JBHotrods
Member
Thanks for the info.
I would have to disagree with DWalt's identification. 38 Second Models have a set of "free groves" in addition to the cylinder stops on the cylinder. The gun pictured is either Fourth or Fifth Model, the front sight is not fully pictured so diffcllt to determine.
B. Mower
B. Mower
mmaher94087
Member
Please recheck that serial number as it's not correct for the features of that revolver.
mmaher94087
Member
"I would like to ID with as much info as possible."
For the lack of a confirmation of the serial number; I suspect that the serial number is 54X,700. I do not see a pin for holding the front sight and that leads me to believe that the revolver pictured is a .38 Double Action, Fifth Model and the serial number would be in the 54X,700 range. These DAs were manufactured between 1909 and 1911 and serialized between 539001 and 554007. The revolver is Modern manufacture by definition.
For the lack of a confirmation of the serial number; I suspect that the serial number is 54X,700. I do not see a pin for holding the front sight and that leads me to believe that the revolver pictured is a .38 Double Action, Fifth Model and the serial number would be in the 54X,700 range. These DAs were manufactured between 1909 and 1911 and serialized between 539001 and 554007. The revolver is Modern manufacture by definition.
OP
JBHotrods
Member
The serial is correct and when I called S&W they said it was a 1882 model ?
I suppose it is possible that it has a later cylinder and someone modified it to take a front sight pin...or replaced the barrel. But, check the SN under the barrel latch and on the cylinder. This is what a 2nd Model is supposed to look like.
OP
JBHotrods
Member
I suppose it is possible that it has a later cylinder and someone modified it to take a front sight pin...or replaced the barrel. But, check the SN under the barrel latch and on the cylinder. This is what a 2nd Model is supposed to look like.
Looking on the cyclinder with a magnifing glass I now see a 6 on the ser# 54700 6
OP
JBHotrods
Member
Looking on the cyclinder with a magnifing glass I now see a 6 on the ser# 54700 6
That number makes more sense. It would put it shipping in 1909.
OP
JBHotrods
Member
With this new info on the SN what series is this gun ?
It's a .38 Double Action, 5th Model. S&W stopped pinning the front sight on this model. The 5th model was the last of the .38 DA's with only a top break latch.
OP
JBHotrods
Member
Thanks
What is the value ???
What is the value ???
A lot depends on the finish, the bore and action condition. That being said, they generally go for $100-300 around here. Prices vary in different parts of the country. You can shoot .38 S&W smokeless cartridges in it. They are sometimes hard to find and a little pricier than .38 Special. But, I've not had difficulty finding them at the Big Box stores like Academy Sports and Gander Mountain.
OP
JBHotrods
Member
Thanks for your help.
