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Excellent Smith & Wesson First Model .38 Double Action Revolver with Square-Cut Side Plate

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:600.00 USD Estimated At:1,200.00 - 2,000.00 USD
Excellent Smith & Wesson First Model .38 Double Action Revolver with Square-Cut Side Plate
This is an excellent example of a scarce First Model 38 Smith & Wesson Double Action revolver. Smith & Wesson only made 4,000 of these revolvers with the square-cut side plate one year, 1880. The top of the barrel rib is marked with the two line address/patent dates flanked by crosses and the serial number is marked on the butt. Nickel finish with niter blue trigger guard and latch release and casehardened trigger and hammer. Pinned blade front and notch rear sights, and fitted with checkered hard rubber grips with the S&W logo at the top and patent marking on the lower left panel.
BBL: 3-1/4 inch round solid rib
Stock:
Gauge: 38 S&W
Finish: nickel
Grips: hard rubber
Serial Number: 2456


Excellent. The revolver retains 99% of the original nickel finish with some small areas of minor flaking on the barrel and frame sides, and a few minor scratches and dings. There are a few small areas of light "frosting". The trigger guard retains virtually all of the original bright niter blue finish with some minor spotting. The barrel latch retains 98% bright niter blue with some edge wear and minor thinning. The hammer and trigger retain 97% original bright case colors with wear limited from cycling the action. The grips have sun faded to an attractive brown and remain excellent plus with a couple of minor dings on the lower right side and crisp checkering. The markings are crisp. There is a little play in the cylinder in the half-cock position, otherwise mechanically excellent.