S&w 38 Old!!!

[fredch]

I have a chrome plated S&W 38 with no trigger or trigger guard. It is a five shot revolver.The number 102281 is on the bottom of the handle. The S&W logo is on a black ?bakelite? handle There is a single post with a small bar on it that severs as a trigger. One hand cocks the pistol and then squeezes the post bar to fire the weapon. On the top of the barrel there are several patent dates. One is 1880. S&W, Springfield, MA is also there.

Anyone know this pistol? It has been in my family for at least 78 years.
Thanks

 

[Old Fuff]

There are several possibilities, and to be sure we need more information. Posting a picture would be a big help. You mentioned the patent dates on the barrel. knowing what they are could help. Also measure the barrel from the front cylinder face to the muzzle. After that we'll start the detective work.

 

[Zebraranger]

How bout a photo?

 

[Ron James]

To help in your description, that bar and post is called a " spur trigger ". Spur triggers were .very common on all types of revolvers in the 19th and early 20th century. In fact on the small pocket type of revolvers trigger guards were uncommon

 

[fredch]

The length from muzzle tip to the front face of the cylinder is 8.5 Cm (3 1/3 inches). The first patent number is 11 May, 1880.

 

[dogmush]

Never mind, wrong gun.

 

[fredch]

Answers

You have what is called a .38 Single Action, 2nd Model. This model was made from 1887-1891 and S&W manufactured 108,255 in all. They came in either blue or nickel finish, both used color case hardened hammers and the barrel lengths were 3&1/4", 4", 5-6 and 8" with the shortest being the most common. Grips are checkered hard rubber. The caliber is .38 S&W and although modern made ammo will chamber and fire, your gun was made in the black powder era and I would advise against you firing it except with newly made black powder cartridges.

Got the above from a man whose name was given to me on another forum.

 

[Old Fuff]

Your photograph did the trick. I can now identify your revolver.

You have a Smith & Wesson .38 Single Action, 2nd. Model. These were made between 1877 and 1891, within a serial number range running from 1 to 108,255. Your revolver is a late one at serial number 102,281, and probably was made during the latter 1880's.

(As an aside: Under U.S. Federal law and in many other countries it is classified as an "antique" and as such is exempted from statutes governing firearms.)

It was one of the first revolvers chambered to use the then new .38 S&W cartridge. Modern smokeless powder ammunition is available, but should not be fired in a gun of this age.

The cylinder holds 5 rounds. Standard barrel lengths were 3 1/4 or 4 inches, although some were made with longer lengths. Standard finishes were blue or nickel-plated, with nickel being the more popular. The stocks are made from black hard rubber, also know as "gutta percha." Be careful how you handle them, as they become brittle with age. That last patent date is May 11, 1880.

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 $30.00 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

 

[fredch]

Thanks

Many thanks for the information to all.