A little ID help on top break 38 5 shot

[boatguy]

This was my great Grandfathers gun. He was a south Alabama pastor in the 1910-1940 era. Any info will be greatly appreciated.
-38 S & W CTG
-top break
-5 shot
-3 1/4 " barrel?
-has a visible hammer
Serial # is either 39472 or 09472
I will try to post a couple of pics within a few minutes.
Thank you for the help
Just to add... This was his carry gun. Yes even on Sundays. It likely has not been fired since his death in the 1950's. I want to package it up so that my son can have it one day and I would like to put a description of what it is in the package along with some of his great great grandfathers sermons and pictures.

 

[Old Fuff]

You have a Smith & Wesson .38 Double Action Perfected Model. These were the last of Smith & Wesson's topbreak designs, and were unique in that to open the revolver to load or unload it, you had to (1) push on the thumbpiese on the left side of the frame, and (2) lift the latch on the back of the barrel. This system prevented someone from reaching over the gun and lifting the barrel latch while tipping the barrel down. If they were able to do this the cartridges would be scattered on the ground, and the revolver would be useless as a weapon.

They were made between 1909 qnd 1920, within a serial number range running from 1 to 59,400. The 5-shot cylinder was chambered in .38 S&W (ammunition is available). Standard barrel lengths were 3 1/4. 4, 5, and 6 inches. Standard finish was blue or nickel plate, with black hard-rubber stocks. The pearl stocks on it now were probably added after it left the factory. Current value is around $400.00. 39,472 is the likely serial number, as they didn't start with "0".

Given this gun's history within your family, I suggest that you get it "lettered." To do so you will need a snapshot of the gun, a full description including the serial number on the butt, and a check in the amount of $50.00 made out to Smith & Wesson. In exchange the company's historian, Roy G. Jinks, will research the original records (which are not computerized by the way) and send you a letter containing the details of what he finds.

This comprehensive document will contain an overview of the model’s history, followed by the details of your particular gun. This usually includes the caliber, barrel length, finish, and the exact date it was shipped from the factory, and to what distributor or dealer. If there are any special features they will be listed too. This information is often invaluable to both you and future generations.

Additional information on a historical letter will be found at the Smith & Wesson company website at:

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...catalogId=11101&content=25301&sectionId=10504

 

[boatguy]

Thank you for your reply. I will most likely send the info to Smith & Wesson with my check. I think this will add value for my son. Family artifacts are too often discarded because the next generation does not know the history of the item and thus the intrinsic value.
Thanks again,
Alan

 

[Chuck Dye]

You might PM, email, or otherwise alert Tamara K., a lady of considerable knowledge about S&W antiques.

http://cosmolineandrust.blogspot.com/

http://booksbikesboomsticks.blogspot.com/