Smith & Wesson S&W .38 Double Action Perfected Model 5″ Blued Revolver C&R

SOLD FOR: $1235.99

LSB#: 211027RF06

Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: .38 Double Action Perfected Model

Serial Number: 45443

Year of Manufacture: 1909-1920

Caliber: .38 S&W

Action Type: Top-Break, Single and Double Action Revolver With Top and Thumb Latches

Markings: The barrel rib is marked “SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS. U.S.A / PAT’D AUG.4.96. DEC.22.96. OCT.8.01. FEB.6.06. SEPT. 14.09”, the left side of the barrel is marked “38. S. & W. CTG”. The bottom of the barrel latch, the rear face of the topstrap, the rear face of the cylinder, the underside of the ejector star, and the butt are marked “45443”. The rear face of the topstrap is also marked “B”. The side plate is marked with an S&W monogram logo. The inside of the right grip panel is marked “45443”.

Barrel Length: 5”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a half-round blade that is integral to the barrel. The rear sight is a “U” notch in the barrel latch.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered black hard rubber with smooth diamonds around the grip screw escutcheons, molded monogram logos, and smooth borders. There are a few scattered light marks. There is a larger mark on the left panel at the bottom. There are light handling marks. The checkering is strong with some light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. The grips rate in about Fine overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp where not interrupted by erosion. There are some scattered patches of erosion and pitting.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 90% of its metal finish. There are some scattered spots of oxidation, most noticeable on the grip frame. There is some light patina on the grip frame. Some of the edges have finish loss, most noticeable on the trigger guard and on the edge of the muzzle. There are a few little nicks and dings. There are turn lines through the finish on the cylinder. There are sool marks around the sideplate screws. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Very Good-Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The double-action trigger is smooth. The single-action is crisp. The cylinder lockup produces light side-to-side play on each of the five chambers. This revolver has both a barrel latch and a cylinder release latch. 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: This is the only .38 top-break that has both a barrel latch and a cylinder release latch, both of which must be manipulated to open the action. It also introduced the sideplate mounted on the right side of the frame with four screws and the integral trigger guard to Smith & Wesson double action revolvers as well as being the only S&W top-break with an integral trigger guard. These models were made from 1909 to 1920 and were very popular in Central and South America making them somewhat scarce in the U.S. This revolver is in Very Good-Fine condition with 90% of its blued finish remaining, nice grips, and a rarer 5″ barrel. This is the “Perfected” model, so it is a must-have for any collection of Smith & Wesson top-breaks and this is a nice one to add. Please see our photos and good luck!