What is this smith and wesson??

[mcfadden222]

Can anyone tell me what I just bought for $100?

On the top of the barrel it says:

Smith and wesson Springfield mass u.s.a. Pat'd Jan 17
24 65 july 11 65 aug 24 69 July 25 71 may 11 1880

The guy said it was a 38 sw. Its top break single action and a stub trigger like a naa revolver. Serial number 82xxx. Looks in amazing shape.

This is what it looks like. I will put up a pic when I get home. I just googled this image..

http://www.google.com/search?tbm=is...wesson top break 38&sa=N&biw=320&bih=356#i=13

 

[Old Fuff]

Well that picture you posted had a right-fine bunch of old iron, but I'm not sure how we are supposed to pick your gun out of the collection.

However the patent dates you posted were more helpful.

I'll go out on a limb and say you probably have a Smith & Wesson .38 Single Action, Second Model (Also known as .38 Model No. 2, Second Model.

These were made between 1877 and 1891, in a serial range running from approximately 1 to 108,255. The five-shot cylinder is chambered in .38 S&W, but I strongly advise you not to shoot it. Standard barrel lengths were 3 1/4, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 10 inches, with 8 and 10 being rare. Given the last patent date it is obvious it was made after 1880 but before 1891. Standard finishes were blue with wood stocks, or nickel plate with black hard rubber grips.

 

[mcfadden222]

It's a 3.5 inch barrel. I must have posted the wrong pic. I'm gonna get one up of the revolver tonight. What's the value of what you "think" it is?

 

[Old Fuff]

Lets wait until we're sure what it is, and exactly what condition it is in, before discussing value.

I will say that it's likely worth more then you paid for it on the collector's market.

 

[mcfadden222]

 

[mcfadden222]

596889[/ATTACH]"]

 

[mcfadden222]

596892[/ATTACH]"]

 

[Old Fuff]

The picture confirms my identifcation, but I can't tell if the original nickel plate is still there, or is the finish down to bare metal?

I am going to play a long shot and say someone polished off the original finish (which if so is too bad). In that case approximate value would be between $225 to $275.

 

[mcfadden222]

It's bare metal. Wish it was worth more but if I can get $200 that's great too. Thanks for your help!! Really appreciate it.