S&W .38 DA Revolver --Inscribed--

This is a Smith and Wesson .38 Double Action 3rd Model Revolver. Caliber .38 S&W with 3-1/4" barrel, nickel finish, and checkered hard rubber grips. The back strap is engraved/inscribed "Otto Herrmann". Unfortunately, we don't have any history on this revolver and it's a fairly common name with many possibilities both here in America and Germany...ranging from a violin maker, hardware store chain in Glendale, NY, an aviation pioneer from Rhode Island, artist, a U-boat captain, etc. One interesting aspect of this revolver is that it turned up in the United States but has what appears to be German-proofed back when it was new. Perhaps a S&W letter can shed a little more light on when and where this shipped. The 3rd Model was produced from 1884 to 1895...from 119,000-322,000. The serial number on this revolver is in the 306,000 range which places its date of manufacture at approximately 1894 or 1895. All matching numbers on the frame, barrel, latch, and cylinder. Barrel address has proofmarks ranging from 1865 to 1882.

Overall Condition grades to NRA Antique Fine+ to Excellent. Barrel retains 95% original nickel...about 93% on the cylinder. Frame has 90% on the right side and 75% on the left with a bit of light corrosion on and around the left sideplate that it looks like someone cleaned up. The trigger guard and barrel latch retain 85% and 80% of their original blue, respectively. Hammer and trigger retain 80-85% of their original case colors which are strong and vivid. Checkered hard rubber grips are in Very Good Condition with perfect fit to the frame. No chips or cracks. There was a small chip around the lower guide pin on the very bottom of the left grip panel which has been nicely mended. The action is in very good shape, in time, locks, cocks, etc. Ejectors work perfectly. Bore is in Fine Condition with strong lands and just a few light scattered pits. The bore is still bright and shows very little use as you can still see the factory machine grooves running down the spirals of the lands and grooves. Nice example of a pre-1898 Smith and Wesson with a nice inscription.

Item# 1542

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