Topbreak .38 help ID

[Northwesttrooper]

Greetings,

Today I purchased from a fellow at work a S&W topbreak revolver which has been in his family 75+ years. It chambers
the .38 S&W, has a 3.25" bbl, odd shaped trigger guard and odd looking trigger, top of bbl marked as follows; Smith & Wesson Springfield Mass U.S.A. numerous pat dates ending with 1880.
The revolver has wood grips, with no S&W markings. Serial # on cylinder is 255## any help would be appreciated. I can provide picture if needed.

Thanks!

 

[murphydog]

Hi, and welcome! It could be a .38 Double Action if it has an exposed hammer, or a Safety Hammerless if not. Most came with hard rubber stocks. A photo would be helpful.

 

[Northwesttrooper]

Picture isn't real great, hope this is good enough!

 

[HKSmith]

It looks like a .38 Double Action, 2nd Model. The grips are not original. They were produced from 1880-1884 in serial number range 4001-119000. There were 5 model variations, with over 555000 revolvers produced from 1880-1911.

 

[mel023]

I think HK has it nailed down. About the only thing I can add is that the grips look like they're the type found on the Single Action target pistols. And even at that they look like they might be copies but it's little hard to tell from the photo.

 

[Northwesttrooper]

Thanks, that is the info I was looking for...next question, how about some grips? I can check with Numrich or I hit the gun show or if somebody here has a set I'd be happy to purchase them! Thanks, you guys are the best.

 

[cflier]

Hello NorthwestTrooper,
Good news, those are the very easiest hard rubber top break grips to find. The grips from any top break 38 Double Action or 38 Safety Hammerless, or round butt 32 Hand Ejector will fit your gun. They all used the same grip and S&W produced almost a million of them in total. They are on Ebay and Gunbroker often and also at local shows. You should be able to get a so so pair for $25 to $35 and a great pair for from $35 to $45 dollars. I would be very surprized if some one on this sight doesn't offer you some. I would (I have about 20 sets in my safe), but I'm going to be out of touch for awhile.
good hunting,
Mark

 

[gunnut2u]

try

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