Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: .38 Single Action 2nd Model (Model 2. 2nd Issue)

Serial Number: 88730

Year of Manufacture: 1877-1891 / Antique

Caliber: .38 S&W

Action Type: Top Break, Single Action Only, Spur Trigger, Exposed Hammer, 5-shot auto-ejecting cylinder.

Markings: The top of the barrel is marked with a Smith & Wesson address over patents. The bottom of the grip frame is marked "88730". The rear face of the cylinder is marked "88730". The top-break latch is marked "88730". The rear of the barrel inside the latch cutout is marked "88730".

Barrel Length: 4"

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

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two piece smooth mother-of-pearl. There are some losses and cracks along the edges and around the grip screw escutcheons. There is mild handling wear and age discoloration. Overall, the grips rate in about Good condition as antique.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Refinished.

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is defined. There is light erosion throughout. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 6/10.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 65% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows finish loss on some of the leading edges, intermittent thinning, and oxidation. Some areas have taken to a mottled patina. This revolver was originally nickel plated but most of the nickel has been stripped and the metal blued. There is a turn line through the finish on the cylinder. There is subtle erosion on the muzzle. The screw heads are sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver rates in about Very Good condition as refinished Antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up with some light side-to-side play. The ejector functions properly. The timing is good. We did not fire this revolver. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: This Smith & Wesson .38 Single Action Second Model was manufactured between 1877 and 1891 and represents a mature example of the company’s Victorian-era top break revolver design. Intended as a compact personal arm, these revolvers featured automatic extraction, a spur trigger, and slim proportions well suited to civilian carry in the late 19th century. The 4 inch barrel and exposed hammer reflect the practical balance of portability and sight radius favored during this period of rapid firearms innovation.

Chambered in .38 S&W, the cartridge was designed for modest recoil and close range defensive use. This example shows a refinished blue with clear markings, a mostly bright bore with defined rifling, and honest age-related wear throughout. The mother-of-pearl grips display period-consistent losses and aging, adding visual character. Overall, it presents as a representative refinished antique revolver that still conveys the craftsmanship and mechanical ingenuity that established Smith and Wesson as a dominant maker in the 19th century.