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Early 1st Model Smith and Wesson 38 Double Action Revolver, Serial Number "313".
Guns International #: 101553729 Seller's Inventory #:
Category: Antique Revolvers - Cartridge - Smith & Wesson Revolvers - Antique
Seller's Information
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Seller: Brent Wilburn
Company: Antique Arms, Inc.
Member Since: 11/19/15
First Name: Brent
Last Name: Wilburn
State: Georgia
Zip: 30052
Country: United States
Phone: (678) 471-1432
Phone2: (678) 471-1432
Premium Seller
Number of Active Listings: 35
Total Number of Listings: 577
Seller: Private Seller
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Payment Types Accepted: Money Order, Certified Check
Description:
This is one of the earliest surviving examples of a Smith and Wesson Double Action Revolvers made in 1880 and is known by collectors as a First Model 38 DA Revolver. It's most distinctive features are the square side plate on the left side of the frame and the barrel patent dates that run from 1865 to 1875 as the company had not yet added the 1879 and 1880 patents. Only 4,000 of these 1st Models were made with this style side plate, this particular example being Number "313"; a good honest low 3 digit serial number which is pretty special when you take into account that over 550,000 of these DA's were made up to the year 1911. This one was used quite a bit but looked after. I would say the owner carried it but the mechanics are nice, the barrel latches tightly to the frame, and the bore is Very Good with strong lands and grooves...a bit frosty but no significant pits. For a pocket revolver from the black powder era, this one is well above average compared to most and I've seen a lot of these over the years. The action works on both single and double action. The finish has an old re-nickel that almost looks original except for some fine scratches and little buffing on the left side of the frame...it's old...probably done around the turn of the century as its worn through in places with about 75% remaining. The barrel markings and serial numbers are all sharp...not buffed or worn. When we found this revolver, the entire gun was nickel which was incorrect as the trigger guard and latch were originally supposed to be blued and the trigger and hammer were case color hardened. We stripped the old nickel off of these components; carefully polishing and rebluing the guard and latch...and the hammer and trigger still show a little muscle memory of their original case colors as there was mottling and shadows remaining. The result is this gun looks MUCH closer to an original S&W DA with its Factory Finish. The grips are a bit worn but have been on this gun for forever...the left panel appears to be original while the right panel is a later replacement that's just as worn as the original panel. Given how well this gun was maintained and the fact that it was re-nickeled a long time ago, we're somewhat inclined to believe this revolver belonged to someone in law enforcement...perhaps a beat cop or a detective. While this isn't a pristine original example, it was looked after and kept in good repair to offset any wear or damage that occurred during its many years of use. The fact that the bore is pretty good is indicative of that as well as it was carried much more than it was firied. You might liken this to an early 1964 Ford Mustang that's had a fender replaced, is on it's 2nd coat of paint. It's not a high dollar example (we've seen high condition 1st Models priced from 1800-2200 dollars) but more of a daily driver that's still mostly original and early production. That said, the serial numbers on this revolver are matching on the frame, cylinder, latch, and barrel. See photos of each. Antique, No FFL required. We cannot ship this to NJ, NYC, NY State, DC, HI, or anywhere local laws that define this as a modern handgun. We do not export to foreign countries either. Sorry. All potential buyers must be 21 years of age, a legal citizen of the United States, and a non-Felon. $20.00 Shipping via USPS Priority Mail in the Lower 48 States.
SOLD
Antique: Yes
Handgun Caliber: .38 S&W (.38 Colt New Police, .38 Super Police)
Manufacturer: Smith and Wesson S&W
Model: 1st Model 38 DA
Serial Number: 313
Finish: Nickel