S&W Revolver ID

[Col Kurtz]

I had a very limited time to inspect a S&W break top revolver recently. It was nickel plated in .38 but accompanying the top latch this revolver also had a side frame push latch like the current guns. It was a very interesting pistol in mint condition which a friend inherited from his grandfather. It is believed it was purchased new in the late 1920s. Would anyone be able to identify it from my brief description.
Thanks

 

[Tamara]

That's the ".38 Double Action Perfected Model", S&W's last top-break, made from 1909-1920.

 

[Josey]

These were similar to the suicide special breaktops. The frames are beefier and larger though. They are heavier also. The reason for these was that in LEO use the BGs were grabbing the top latch and dumping the cartridges! S&W put a second side latch on the pistol to prevent that. 38 S&W, 5 shots, 3.25, 4, 5 and 6" barrels. Sights were fixed. Nickel seems to be the most popular finish but, blue ones were made. I have seen red and black hard rubber grips on these revolvers. 1909-1920 was the production run. The lockwork was improved on these too. The use of these for CAS and the resultant ruin of many is good news. The value has risen! I would assign a NRA Excellent value at $550.00.

 

[Col Kurtz]

Could anyone suggest any good reference books on the S&W revolvers?

 

[Hutch]

Oooooooooh yeah. "The Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson" second edition, but Supica and Nahas. I also have Roy Jinks' 1974 "History of Smith and Wesson", but it's not as informative.

Added: I've even seen SCOSW for sale at the local Books-a-Million.

 

[Mike Irwin]

Go to overstock.com for the best price on the Supica & Nahaus book.