S&W 38-caliber 5-shot revolver

[RichSidBoy]

I have a Smith & Wesson revolver, 38-caliber 5-shot, top-break with pearl handles. S&W told me the serial number indicates revolver was manufactured in 1895. The hammer cannot be cocked and is missing the cover above the peral handle grips. Any ideas about this revolver would be appreciated. I think it belonged to my grandfather who worked on the railroads in the early 1900s.

 

[rmfnla]

Photos would be a good start...

 

[Coyote3855]

It would be helpful if you posted pictures and gave the serial number. What "ideas" are you after? In the condition you describe, the revolver has limited value except to you as a family member. It is probably a .38 S&W caliber (NOT a .38 Special). It will be difficult if not impossible to locate the missing part, which by your description may be the sideplate. Without that part, it's probably not worth having the other problem(s) fixed by a gunsmith.

 

[rcmodel]

Regardless, if it doesn't work, and the side-plate is missing, fixing it is probably not going to happen.

Parts like side-plates are very difficult to come by, and one off another junk gun probably would not fit your gun.
Because they were all hand fitted by skilled workers at the factory when the guns were made.

You might consider mounting it in a shadow box with the good side out, and hanging it on the wall as a tribute to your grandfather.

rc

 

[content]

Hello friends and neighbors // The local high end shop has two like that right now, with black plastic grips, in "perhaps" good condition 65%, apparently working. One for $125.00 and the other for $105.00. IHTH