Need info on old S&W revolver

[MexicanDragon]

Hey guys.

A few days ago, my uncle entrusted me an old S&W revolver to get some info on. After some research, I figured out it was an old .38 DA Perfected. This was given to him by a family member about 37 years ago. I don't have any pics right now, but much of the nickel plating has worn off, but I was still able to make out some of the markings on it. SN seems to be 154574 or 15457 4, as the last digit seems a bit further out than the others.

I'd appreciate any info on this revolver, and especially if there is a SN list that I missed that could date this, it'd be helpful. Thanks guys.

**BRENT**

[Guest JCE]

What model is it?

When you open the cylinder the Model # should be stamped on the frame

[dcloudy777]

Hey Brent... that sounds like a nice gun, a real family heirloom. The .38 DA Perfected was a variation of the Safety Hammerless line. The Perfected was produced from 1909 through 1911, with around 59,400 being built. The most notable departures from the rest of the Safety Hammerless line were the hand-ejector-esque thumbpiece and the integral trigger guard. All of the other SH models had a trigger guard that was a seperate part from the frame. Values seem to vary widely based on condition, coming in between $200 and $600, but S&W prices keep going up rapidly. One note, the gun is chambered for .38S&W, NOT .38 Special. Ammo is availble, but pricey. You probably wouldn't to want shoot it anyway. Hope that helps, can't wait to see pictures.

DanO

[Guest Len]

Brent:

You may want to get a S&W Factory Letter on this piece. Here's a link to the form:

http://www.theswca.org/swcaforum/Letter_Request_form.pdf

This will get you some useful info and assist in valuation. S&W charges $30.00 for this service, but it will get your firearm authenticated and you will get a history of the piece from the official S&W historian.

[MexicanDragon]

Hey guys, thanks for the info.

Dan, I was wondering about the .38 round... we were thinking it COULDN'T have been a .38 Special, and I hadn't heard of .38S&W til just a day or two ago. It might be fun to track down an old box of it (new box wouldn't matter, probably won't be shot). Its in pretty rough shape right now, much of the plating has worn off, and it could use a good cleaning. Neither of us are really worried about the value, just interested in information. Its in interesting little piece, and hope to get it cleaned up at some point. It also has a leather sheath it came with, but no markings. If I get some pictures done, I'll snap some of that too. May be random, may be original, we shall see.

Len, thanks for the link. I'll pass this too along to my uncle, I'm sure he would like to get this done.

If there's anything else anyone knows before I get the pictures up, it'd be appreciated. Thanks guys.

**BRENT**

[saintsfanbrian]

I think I have one of those at my mom's house. It was her step fathers. A neat little gun, though I was told it shouldn't be shot.

[The Rabbi]

38 S&W is still production ammo with Remington. I have a Centennial Top Break that my wife keeps in her car. I have a couple of boxes in stock but it isnt hard to order.

[Marswolf]

I have a S&W .38 Safety Hammerless 4th Model that came in an Army holster. I think it was used by an uncle in WWI.

Here's a photo of the Perfected.

[Marswolf]

Here's some ammo for it: