Well I traded a gun with a preacher....

[HeDog]

Well there I was...Ok I won't do that to everyone.

But anyway I had a unit chaplain that said he had a couple of old top breaks that he had and he was looking for a good .22 bolt action. Long story short I traded a $200 BRNO for a S&W top break 38 (98% plus) with box and an H&R primier 32 (99%) with box. While both boxes are beaters the pistols are wonderful.

I was wondering if anyon might have any idea about DOB of the S&W...it has a serial number of 137xxx with no markings on the pistol other than serial number on butt and cylinder being patent info on top of barrel with last patent date being Jan 3 82.

I think I came out on top in the trade...do I need to go to confession for doing that to the chaplain or was it close in trade? He was happy if that matters any.

Any info on this pistol would be appreciated and if anyone out there that is looking for one of this condition please let them know because I don't want to put it up for auction or sell it unless there is another S&W fan that wants a fine piece for collecting...already sold all my lookers and prefer to shoot what I own, but this one deserves better.
Bobg

 

[Rigmover]

Hi nice trade looks like you have a S&W .38 Double Action 3th Model they made them from 1884-1895.I'd be guessing yours was made in 1885-86 the lastest. Enjoy your gun ...

Rick

 

[twaits]

They both came with the original boxes? If so can you post pictures of both with the boxes?
I think even without the box that S&W alone is worth more than $200.
It looks like it may be unfired. Congratulations! I think you took the preacher to the cleaners but thats okay. It was Gods will!


By the way, I'm very jealous and envious....arent those deadly sins???

 

[HeDog]

Well there I was...Ok I won't do that to everyone.

But anyway I had a unit chaplain that said he had a couple of old top breaks that he had and he was looking for a good .22 bolt action. Long story short I traded a $200 BRNO for a S&W top break 38 (98% plus) with box and an H&R primier 32 (99%) with box. While both boxes are beaters the pistols are wonderful.

I was wondering if anyon might have any idea about DOB of the S&W...it has a serial number of 137xxx with no markings on the pistol other than serial number on butt and cylinder being patent info on top of barrel with last patent date being Jan 3 82.

I think I came out on top in the trade...do I need to go to confession for doing that to the chaplain or was it close in trade? He was happy if that matters any.

Any info on this pistol would be appreciated and if anyone out there that is looking for one of this condition please let them know because I don't want to put it up for auction or sell it unless there is another S&W fan that wants a fine piece for collecting...already sold all my lookers and prefer to shoot what I own, but this one deserves better.
Bobg

Here are more pictures of the other pistol and both boxes

 

[twaits]

You scored BIG. Good job! Both look to me to be in new in the box condition. I'd say you have a $700-$800 value there. Maybe more. H&Rs aren't super collectible but condition is everything and that one looks unfired. I think blue is a little more rare for this era of top breaks as well. And boxes always add a lot of value.

Can you do me one more favor? Can you shoot a picture of the front of the cylinder of the Smith and Wesson? If it's as clean as the frame is under the cylinder I'm almost positive you have an unfired gun there. And a pretty nice old one at that!

 

[james56]

Wow

Maybe you should be ashamed takeing the preacher to the cleaners (kidding) wish I could find some deal like that! Very nice revolvers you got there!! Good Luck with them.
james56

 

[HeDog]

Thanks for the info...I will get the picture of the front of the cylinder after work today.

 

[hotrodder]

looks like you need to put some extra bucks in the offering basket next sunday.

 

[HeDog]

front of cylinder

here is a picture of the front of the cylinder.

 

[twaits]

here is a picture of the front of the cylinder.

Sure looks unfired to me. If I was you I would keep it that way. I'd buy a second S&W topbreak for a shooter. That one is amazing.
Just beautiful.