Smith and Wesson Date of Manufacture

[Gene18]

I am looking at buying a Smith and Wesson revolver. It is a 5 shot, top break, .38 caliber, serial number on the bottom of the hand grip is 66909. Is there anyway to know when this gun was manufactured? If it is old, what kind of ammo should be used in this gun? the gun appears to be in good condition, good and tight.
thanks
Gene

 

[Old Fuff]

I don't have a reference book handy so this is off the top of my head.

It's a .38 Double Action model, made during the early 1880's. It's 5 shot cylinder is chambered to use .38 Smith & Wesson cartridges loaded with black powder. Given it's age, delicate lockwork, general lack of repair parts or gunsmiths experienced in fixing them - I strongly suggest that you don't shoot it.

 

[Gene18]

Thanks for the information. I will probably go ahead and get the gun.

 

[Jim Watson]

According to Flayderman it is a 5G-075, a Second Model made 1880-1884.

I can't make out the colors in the picture.
If it is nickel plated the hammer, trigger, and trigger guard should still be black.
Else it is an aftermarket plating job, greatly reducing dollar value.