Smith & Wesson S&W .38 Double Action Perfected Model 6″ Nickel Revolver C&R

SOLD FOR: $1725

LSB#: 211027RF16

Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: .38 Double Action Perfected Model

Serial Number: 33387

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 “33387”. The left side of the frame is marked with an S&W monogram logo.

Barrel Length: 6”

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 smooth mother of pearl. The grips are a bit shy to the frame at the top, hardly noticeable. There are light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. The grips rate in about Excellent overall condition.

Type of Finish: Nickel

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 97% of its metal finish. There are a few scattered little marks and draglines. There are a few spots that are slightly cloudy. There are a few little spots of finish loss that have taken on oxidation, most noticeable on the cylinder, backstrap, and right side of the frame behind the recoil shield. There is a light turn line on the cylinder not through the finish. The trigger and hammer have strong case color. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The double-action trigger is smooth. The single-action is crisp. The cylinder lockup produces almost no 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 Fine-Excellent condition with 97% of its nickel finish remaining, Excellent grips and a great bore. This is the “Perfected” model, so it is a must-have for any collection of Smith & Wesson top-breaks and you’re unlikely to find another in this high condition. Please see our photos and good luck!