Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this iconic antique-era top-break revolver for a penny-start auction, this is a Smith & Wesson .38 Double Action 4th Model in .38 S&W w/ Top-Break Auto-Ejection System, Blued Finish & Original S&W Logo Hard Rubber Grips.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson
Model: .38 Double Action 4th Model
Serial: NSN
Caliber: .38 S&W (.38 S&W CTG)
Finish: Blued Ordnance Steel Frame, Barrel & Cylinder
Barrel Length: 3 1/4" Ribbed Ordnance Steel Barrel w/ Integrated Top-Break Latch
Optics/Sights: Rear Latch Notch Sight & Fixed Half-Moon Front Sight Blade
Stock/Grips: Factory Floral Checkered Brown Hard Rubber Grips w/ S&W Monogram Logos
Action: Double-Action / Single-Action Top-Break 5-Shot Revolver w/ Automatic Shell Ejection
Markings: Barrel rib top stamped "SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS. U.S.A. / PAT'D MAY 11. 1880. JAN. 3. 1882. APRIL 9. 1889"; barrel left stamped "* 38 S.& W. CTG *"; frame right stamped w/ S&W trademark trade logo.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
First introduced in 1880, the Smith & Wesson .38 Double Action series represented a landmark evolution in compact self-defense handguns during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Manufactured through 1911, the 4th Model sub-variant incorporated refined top-break latching mechanisms, improved trigger return springing, and an automatic shell extraction star that instantly cleared fired casings when the barrel was pivoted downward. Chambered in the ubiquitous .38 S&W cartridge, these top-break revolvers were prized by lawmen, express messengers, and private citizens across Victorian-era America for their rapid reloading speed and reliable mechanical operation. The combination of S&W's iconic top-ribbed barrel architecture, double-action capability, and distinctive monogram hard rubber grips made the .38 Double Action one of the most successful pocket handguns in early American firearms history.
This specific example is an authentic vintage Smith & Wesson .38 Double Action 4th Model revolver chambered in .38 S&W (.38 S&W CTG). Configured in the classic 3 1/4-inch ribbed barrel trim, it features a blued steel finish on the frame, barrel, and 5-shot fluted cylinder, a top-break automatic shell ejection mechanism, integral half-moon front sight blade, and factory floral checkered brown hard rubber grips bearing the embossed S&W monogram logo. The steel surfaces display an honest, authentic aged patina throughout, exhibiting smooth graying, high-edge character, and clear barrel top patent markings. Mechanically, the top-break latch opens smoothly, the automatic star ejector functions as designed, double-action and single-action hammer cycles operate cleanly, and the 3 1/4-inch barrel bore displays visible rifling. This historic top-break .38 DA offers a fantastic piece of classic Smith & Wesson heritage for vintage wheelgun enthusiasts and arms historians.
Contents:
Model: .38 Double Action 4th Model
Serial: NSN
Caliber: .38 S&W (.38 S&W CTG)
Finish: Blued Ordnance Steel Frame, Barrel & Cylinder
Barrel Length: 3 1/4" Ribbed Ordnance Steel Barrel w/ Integrated Top-Break Latch
Optics/Sights: Rear Latch Notch Sight & Fixed Half-Moon Front Sight Blade
Stock/Grips: Factory Floral Checkered Brown Hard Rubber Grips w/ S&W Monogram Logos
Action: Double-Action / Single-Action Top-Break 5-Shot Revolver w/ Automatic Shell Ejection
Markings: Barrel rib top stamped "SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS. U.S.A. / PAT'D MAY 11. 1880. JAN. 3. 1882. APRIL 9. 1889"; barrel left stamped "* 38 S.& W. CTG *"; frame right stamped w/ S&W trademark trade logo.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
First introduced in 1880, the Smith & Wesson .38 Double Action series represented a landmark evolution in compact self-defense handguns during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Manufactured through 1911, the 4th Model sub-variant incorporated refined top-break latching mechanisms, improved trigger return springing, and an automatic shell extraction star that instantly cleared fired casings when the barrel was pivoted downward. Chambered in the ubiquitous .38 S&W cartridge, these top-break revolvers were prized by lawmen, express messengers, and private citizens across Victorian-era America for their rapid reloading speed and reliable mechanical operation. The combination of S&W's iconic top-ribbed barrel architecture, double-action capability, and distinctive monogram hard rubber grips made the .38 Double Action one of the most successful pocket handguns in early American firearms history.
This specific example is an authentic vintage Smith & Wesson .38 Double Action 4th Model revolver chambered in .38 S&W (.38 S&W CTG). Configured in the classic 3 1/4-inch ribbed barrel trim, it features a blued steel finish on the frame, barrel, and 5-shot fluted cylinder, a top-break automatic shell ejection mechanism, integral half-moon front sight blade, and factory floral checkered brown hard rubber grips bearing the embossed S&W monogram logo. The steel surfaces display an honest, authentic aged patina throughout, exhibiting smooth graying, high-edge character, and clear barrel top patent markings. Mechanically, the top-break latch opens smoothly, the automatic star ejector functions as designed, double-action and single-action hammer cycles operate cleanly, and the 3 1/4-inch barrel bore displays visible rifling. This historic top-break .38 DA offers a fantastic piece of classic Smith & Wesson heritage for vintage wheelgun enthusiasts and arms historians.
Contents:
Revolver as pictured only. No original box or additional accessories included.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3-day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
Our #1 priority is customer satisfaction. We want to build a lasting trust in the relationship with our customers, so that you will always look to us for all your firearms needs. If you have any issues with your transactions please contact us, and we will work with you to resolve any issues you may have. We greatly appreciate your trust in us and we look forward to fulfilling all your future firearm needs.
Bryant Ridge also reserves the right to cancel any sales that may occur while gunbroker.com is experiencing technical issues that affects the entire site or a complete site outage, within an hour of the auction ending.
We have an amazing inventory of classic and collector firearms that we are adding to Gunbroker daily. Stay up to date on all of our latest auction by adding us to your favorite sellers list.
About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection. 
Additional Information
GunbrokerLink: |
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1219407975 |
BidPrice: |
0.01 |
AuctionEndDate: |
2026-11-22 21:00:00 |
CurrentBid: |
78.76 |
