Guns International #: 102879079

Category - Smith & Wesson Revolvers - Pre 45 - Smith & Wesson Pistols - Antique

Category
Smith & Wesson Revolvers - Pre 45
Smith & Wesson Pistols - Antique

SUPERB CONDITION .38 DOUBLE ACTION PERFECTED MODEL, RARE 6" BARREL, #33XXX.

Description:
SUPERB CONDITION .38 DOUBLE ACTION PERFECTED MODEL, RARE 6" BARREL, #33XXX. This was the last of the top-break .38 S&W caliber revolvers and is unique in that it has the old style barrel latch at the rear of the top strap PLUS the modern slide thumb release (normally pushed forward to swing the cylinder out). This model takes two hands to open! Only 59,400 of these were produced between 1909-1920 in the serial range of 1-59400. This example appears to be a mid-production revolver, however , according to the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson by Supica & Nahas, "#42566  used by Floyd Allen in a daring getaway in a Hillsville, VA courthouse on March 14, 1912...he killed at least six people including the judge. Allen died in the VA electric chair on March 28, 1913." I included this  to show that the serial number on this example is lower than the mentioned revolver and may have been manufactured earlier than 1912. Additionally, this book states, "This model was reportedly popular in Central and South America, with many exported, making it somewhat scarce in the U.S." Most of this model's production was made in blue finish, this one is nickel. Barrel lengths were 3 1/4", 4", 5" and 6".  Most I've seen were 3 1/4" or 4". This is the first 6" example I've encountered. I hage no idea how many 6" nickel revolvers were made, but it can't be many. This one retains about all the original nickel with only one tiny patch of peeling just behind the front sight on the barrel rib- hardly worth mentioning. Matching numbers on the frame, barrel latch, barrel, cylinder and inside the grips. Good case color on the hammer and trigger and deep blue on the latch. Excellent mechanically, bright exc. bore. A rare model with a rare finish and a rare barrel length...all in superior condition.

Price: $1,295.00

Curio/Relic: Yes
Handgun Caliber: .38 S&W (.38 Colt New Police, .38 Super Police)
Manufacturer: SMITH & WESSON
Model: .38 PERFECTED
Serial Number: 33XXX
Barrel Length: 6
Condition: EXCELLENT
Bore Condition: EXCELLENT