Smith & Wesson S&W .38 Double Action 4th Model Blued DA/SA Revolver Antique

SOLD FOR: $1025

LSB#: 211027RF03

Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: .38 Double Action 4th Model

Serial Number: 368192

Year of Manufacture: 1895-1898 (Serial Number Below 382022)

Caliber: .38 S&W

Action Type: Top Break Double Action / Single Action Auto-Ejecting Revolver with 5 Round Cylinder

Markings: The bottom of the grip frame, the rear face of the cylinder, rear face of the top strap, and the underside of the barrel latch are marked “368192”. The front face of the ejector is marked “8192”. The top of the barrel rib is marked “SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS. U.S.A. / PAT’D MAY 11. 1880. JAN. 3. 1882. APRIL 9. 1889.”. The right side of the frame is marked with an S&W logo. The interior of the right grip panel is marked “368192”. The right grip is marked “PAT’D JAN. 29. 78” at the bottom.

Barrel Length: 3 1/4″, Ribbed

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a thin half-round blade pinned to the barrel rib and the rear sight is a “U” notch in the top of the barrel latch.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered black hard rubber. The grips have an S&W logo at the top and a smooth diamond around the grip screw escutcheon. The grips have a slightly brownish discoloration. There are some light marks on the smooth portions, mostly on the bottom faces. The lettering is slightly worn and light but the detail is otherwise strong. The checkering is mostly strong with light handling marks. The grips rate in about Fine condition as Antique.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. 

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 82% of its metal finish. There are some scattered spots of light oxidation, the largest are on the cylinder. There are some areas of finish loss, most noticeable on the barrel at the muzzle and on the cylinder. There are a few scattered scratches. The cylinder has turn lines through the finish. There are some scattered little nicks, some of the most noticeable are on the backstrap and barrel. There are some light handling marks. The screwheads show light use with strong slots. The markings are rounded. Overall, this handgun rates in about Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. There is almost zero side-to-side play in full lockup. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None 

Our Assessment: The .38 Double Action was first introduced in 1880 and manufactured until 1911 with a total production of 554,077 revolvers, it was the companies first .38 double action. Four different design changes were made, resulting in five separate models for the collectors to use in distinguishing the different variations. The 4th Model was introduced in 1895 and manufactured until 1909, with a total production of 216,300 revolvers produced. This one was made between 1895 and 1898 based on its serial number making it an antique. It has seen some use but is still a charming little revolver at over 120 years old with a bore that can do work and an action that is still spot on. Please see our photos and good luck!