Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: .38 Double Action Top Break, 2nd Model

Serial Number: 91016

Year of Manufacture: 1880-1882 (Antique)

Caliber: .38 S&W

Action Type: Double Action / Single Action Revolver with Top-Break Opening Cylinder

Markings: The top of the barrel rib is clearly marked:
"SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS. U.S.A. PAT'D JAN 17 & 24.65 JULY 11.65 AUG 24.69 REISSUE JULY 25.71 MAY 11.80 JAN 3.82."
The serial number "91016" is found on the butt, cylinder, latch, barrel, and extractor.

Barrel Length: 3 ½”

Sights / Optics: The revolver has a rounded blade front sight integral to the barrel rib and a fixed notch rear sight integral to the barrel latch.

Grip Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered black hard rubber panels with embossed Smith & Wesson logos. The grips show minor handling wear with well-defined checkering and no chips or cracks. Overall, they are in Very Good to Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Nickel

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is gray with worn but visible rifling. There is mild erosion and scattered light pitting throughout. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates approximately 5.5/10.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 90% of its original nickel finish. There is evident finish loss and burn marks on the cylinder consistent with firing. There are scattered minor handling marks, light surface scratches, and spots of discoloration typical for an antique revolver. The nickel remains bright overall. Screw heads show minor tool marks but remain very serviceable. The markings remain clear and distinct. Overall, this revolver rates in Fine antique condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up securely with minimal side-to-side play. The double-action trigger pull is smooth, and the single-action break remains crisp. The top-break mechanism is smooth with solid barrel latch engagement. As with all antique firearms, thorough inspection and cleaning are recommended before use.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: This Smith & Wesson .38 Double Action 2nd Model revolver is a wonderful representation of late 19th-century American revolver innovation. Manufactured between 1880-1882, it features Smith & Wesson’s iconic top-break design, offering fast and convenient reloading compared to earlier designs. This revolver was widely popular among both civilian users and law enforcement of its era.

Retaining approximately 90% original nickel finish and displaying authentic age-related finish loss, particularly evident on the cylinder, this revolver shows the character of a firearm that has been carefully used yet preserved. Its original hard rubber grips remain in very good condition, further enhancing its collector value.

Collectors and antique firearm enthusiasts will appreciate this revolver as both a tangible historical artifact and an example of Smith & Wesson’s timeless craftsmanship. Its attractive appearance, mechanical reliability, and antique status make it a desirable addition to any historical firearms collection.