Top Break Identification

[NavySCPO]

I am new to the forum so I apologize in advance if I make a mess of this, but here goes. I purchased this old Smith several years ago in a local pawn shop because1) I love Smiths, 2) aside from it being in pretty bad shape I loved the grips and 3) it was very reasonably priced. I've been through my Blue Book and still come away confused. It's a 5 shot, 32 (I think), .329 cylinder bore, 3 in barrel and serial number 133893. The serial inside the top latch and cylinder agree. The first patent date is Jan 24, 65. Thanks for any assist you can offer with identifying this old top break.

 

[59dexta]

It would be called a 32 double action 4th model. Serial # range 43406 to 282999 made between 1883 and 1909. Your would most likely have been made just prior to 1900.

 

[Jtown]

Good pictures plenty of information, makes ID easy.
Walt

 

[NavySCPO]

Thank you 59dexta and Jtown, very much appreciated! Sweet little revolver and amazing how smooth the action is after almost 120 years.

 

[BMur]

Hey Senior Chief!
Welcome Aboard. OS2 on a couple tin cans for my 4 year hitch.
I like your Smitty. The Pearl grips look like they have been on that gun for a while. The fit is nice. Especially around the butt which suggests that they are original or installed by a major distributor. Only way to know for sure is a factory letter. I think by this time the factory was using the S&W insert at the top of the grips but either way a nice set up.

 

[H Richard]

Welcome to the Forum, with your interest in S&W you may want to acquire a "Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson 4th Edition". It is considered the Bile. You will have much enjoyable reading and be buried in information. It is available in major book stores or on Amazon as hard bound or digital.

 

[NavySCPO]

Thanks!

Thanks guys, appreciate the info on my 4th model grips and the catalog. Guess I need to think about a letter on the 4th model and my Model 1.

I just ordered the S&W catalog from Amazon a few minutes ago, can't wait to have a look. I only own 11 Smiths, but proud of each one, and like most people each one has its own story. Thinking about joining the S&W Collectors Association but I am a very small collector compared to most I'm sure. Still it looks like they provide a valuable service.

At any rate I sincerely appreciate all the good advice from the great folks on this forum.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass! Hope you avoided any damage from the storms last Sunday. We had 5 or 6 touchdowns around us down here but no major damage.


Good decision to get the SCSW. As H Richard says, "it's the Bile" (Bible). There are one or two others that I recommend such as several by Roy Jinks, the S&W Historian. 11 Smiths is more than a small collection and certainly enough to make it worth your while to join the S&WCA. The 3 journals a year are packed with interesting articles and facts rarely known about S&W. Plus, you get a Picture Album on this site to upload and post your pictures integrated into your posts instead of attaching them. Then, there is the annual Symposium in June that is open only to members and limited guests. What an awesome experience those are!


Speaking of meetings, the guys around Atlanta get together several times a year to show off the cream of their collection and claim bragging rights. The next meeting will probably be in April. I just have to figure out a date and location. It will probably be on the East side and I know that's a hike for you but we would love to have you join us. Stay tuned.


BTW, post some pictures of your Model 1. We love those little pea shooters.

 

[NavySCPO]

Thanks Guy, that definitely made up my mind on the association, will be mailing them a check very soon! Yes we dodged the storms here in Carrollton but it was touch and go for a bit. I know our neighbors to the west in Alabama go slammed. My youngest son is a contractor and they just got back last night from some clean up jobs.
I drove in Atlanta for years as a Navy Recruiter from 77-88 so the traffic is just another day for me, so when you guys have a meeting I'd love to come if my schedule works. In fact I bought my first Smith in Atlanta in 1978, a beautiful 19-3 Combat Magnum that my first wife took. But I replaced it a few years ago with an absolute beauty 6". Couple of pictures of it and my Model 1. My 19-3 came with the original box, paper and tools, what a dream to shoot.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

We've been having our meetings on Saturday as it seems to be the best day for a gathering for those who work. I'll try to nail down a date and give as much advance notice as possible.


Nice guns!