[CurlyJC]

Hi Guys,

I am new to THR and in need of information. I am trying to narrow down the manufacture date on an old S&W Model 3 DA chamberd for 38 S&W with a serial number in the 3606XX range. I understand that they were manufactured between about 1894 and 1910 but that is all I know at this point.

Please help. Thanks in advance!

JC

[rcmodel]

According to my book, the serial number range of any model of the Model 3 never got anywhere near your six digit figure.

You sure that's what you got??

Post a picture and maybe somebody can figure it out.

rc

[CurlyJC]

Sorry, I am pretty new to this. I am an idiot, it is definitely a S&W Model 4.

Thanks for taking the time to respond!

[rcmodel]

Well, there is no such thing as a S&W DA Model 4, so I don't know what to say.

You need to post more details, and a photo sure would help narrow it down.

Please read the first post in this Sticky:
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=372213

rc

[deadin]

There's a little confusion of nomenclature going on here.
There is a definite difference in a "Model 3" and a "3rd Model" (or "4th Model",etc.) when it comes to S&W.
A Model 3 refers to a frame size and was the large frame top break revolvers chambered in mainly .44 caliber cartridges. (with some variations.)

3rd, 4th etc. Model refers to variations or changes within a given model.
The gun in question mentioned by CurlyJC is more than likely a "S&W 38 Double Action 4th Model Revolver" made 1895-1909. That particular serial number indicates that it was probably made prior to 1899 so it qualifies as an antique. There were around 216,300 of this model made in a serial range of 322701 to 539000, making it the most common of the S&W DA top-breaks.

Value will depend on several things with condition being the foremost.
5 and 6 inch barrels are a little more desirable than the shorter ones.

[CurlyJC]

"S&W 38 Double Action 4th Model Revolver" made 1895-1909."

Yes, thanks! D that is exactly the model in question; I really appreciate the information.

Do you have any more advice on the year of manufacture short of getting a S&W factory letter citing the exact date? I currently have a FID in MA but don't yet have my LTC so if it is not an antique I may have to surrender it (hopefully only temporarily).

Thanks again!

JC

[deadin]

The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson (considered the "Bible" by S&W collectors) states that any 4th Model with a serial less than 382022 is pre 1899.
However, that said, the only "official" way to determine the date is with a factory letter ($50.00).

BTW, when I said the the 5 and 6 inch barrels were more desirable than the shorter ones, I should have mentioned that an original 2 1/2" bbl is very rare.
Blue is also a little better than nickel.

[CurlyJC]

That is great news. Thanks again D! And thank you both (RC and D) for your patience with my inexperience.