Smith made two different kinds of 'break open' guns. 'Tip ups', of which the model 1 1/2 is one, and 'Top Breaks'. The difference is the 'top breaks' had the hinge on the bottom of the frame and it hung down like a double barrel shotgun, and the cylinder stayed on the gun, while the 'tip ups' has the hinge at the top of the frame, and the barrel swung up and on top of the frame, pointing back at the shooter, while you removed the cylinder. So, first you got to figger out which you have, since your information contradicts itself.
![Wesson Wesson](http://media.liveauctiongroup.net/i/9633/10494430_2.jpg?v=8CDC8F8AF843630)
The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson doesn't list any serial numbers with the prefix 'Y'. The.38 Safety Hammerless, commonly known as the 'Lemon Squeezer due to it's grip safety, was made with serial #s 1 thru 261493 between 18.
Also, all of the tip ups are single action, while all the break top 32s are double action. And, some of the break tops have a hammer and some are hammerless. All this makes a difference in knowing what you have, so we can decide how old it is. The 32 is a DA32, from your description. The grips aren't plastic, which hadn't been invented yet. They are gutta percha, also known as 'hard rubber'.
Just so you know. By the SN you give it is a 4th Model, and was made between 1883 and 1909. In that time frame they went from 43406 to 282999. 240 thousand in 26 years comes out to about 10 thousand a year, and since yours is 90 thousand after the starting number, I'd SWAG it to between 1890 and 1895.
Your 5' one would be 38 S&W, and with that SN would make it a 3rd Model DA38, made between 1884 and 1895. That run was 119001 - 322700, for around 210 thousand in 11 years, making 20 thousand a year, about.
With yours being 60,000 into the run, I'd SWAG it to about 1887 to 1890. If, as I read it, those guns are Double Action Only, that would be because he single action notch is broken off the hammers. They are supposed to be single and double action.
![Smith wesson hammerless 38 special Smith wesson hammerless 38 special](http://media.liveauctiongroup.net/i/10975/11406492_1.jpg?v=8CE7F21BFE4A660)
By the serial number and description, the first is a.32 Safety Model (concealed hammer) Double Action, Second Model, made between 1902 and 1909. The second, if.38 caliber, is a.38 Safety Model (concealed hammer) Double Action, Fourth Model, made between 1898 and 1907. Your gun was made after 1 Jan 1899 which means it is not legally an antique under Federal law. Those guns were called 'Safety Models' because the combination of a hard trigger pull and a grip safety prevented accidental firing by children and the concealed hammer prevented the gun from firing if it were dropped on the hammer. I don't necessarily disagree with Alpo, but S&Ws were well made and firing a few rounds of modern ammo won't harm them, but continued use is not advisable. The Firearms Forum is on online community for all gun enthusiasts.
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Many people have questions about how to identify a S&W revolver and when was it made. I borrowed this from a thread on Highroad.org forum. It has a lot of info that might be of interest to many of you. Identifying features: This is where to look for the model number (not used until around 1957). Sometimes the serial number is here, especially in later models.
Earlier models have them here: S&W revolver names before World War II Name Caliber Frame.22 Hand Ejector Ladysmith 22 Long M.22/32 Target 22 Long Rifle I.22 Outdoorsman 22 Long Rifle K.32 Hand Ejector (round Butt) 32 S&W Long I.32 Regulation Police (Square Butt) 32 S&W Long I.32-20 Hand Ejector 32-20 Win. K.38 Military&Police 38 Spl K.38 Hand Ejector (same as above, with adjustable sights).38 Regulation Police (Square Butt) 38 S&W I.38 Terrier 2' Round Butt 38 S&W I.38/44 Heavy Duty (fixed sights) 38 Spl N.38/44 Outdoorsman (Adj. Sights) 38 Spl N.357 Magnum 357 Mag N.44 HAnd Ejector Military Model 44 Spl N.44 Hand ejector Model 1926 44 Spl N (shrouded extractor rod).45 U.S. Posting above continued here. DATING A S&W Please note that this list is a general guide and not meant to be exact.
There is some dispute regarding the dates on some serial numbers and your gun may actually be a year off from what is listed. The precise shipping date as 'lettered' can be several years off depending on model. For the exact date on your gun request the letter from S&W Historian Roy Jinks. Pre-War N frame.
Year/Beginning Serial 1908.1919 None-1936. STUMPED and couldn't sleep.
I have a S&W Revolver given to me in the 1990's. It has never been fired since I have owned it. It shows significant holster and carry wear but is in good shape. The problem is I have NO idea what I have. The serial numbers have no letters, it has a lanyard strap in the grip butt and Trade Mark is on the right side. Not looking for value as it is sentimental. Thanks for ANY advice or direction, Matt THANKS TO EVERYONE!
FPrice is going to help explain. This is a quandry with what we found. The quandary: THANKS AGAIN TO EVERYONE! I have been pointed towards this video which was on American Rifleman. The video is slightly less specific about the Victory Model but is interesting.
When I find out more I will let you know. STUMPED and couldn't sleep. I have a S&W Revolver given to me by a widow in the 1990's. It has never been fired since I have owned it. It shows significant holster and carry wear but is in good shape. The problem is I have NO idea what I have.
The serial numbers have no letters, it has a lanyard strap in the grip butt and Trade Mark is on the right side. Is there anyone that I can send photos to that may be able to help me? I don't have the means to send a request to S&W currently. OR a local dealer very knowledgeable about Smith's who are not going to make a sale? (Metro Boston) Not looking for value as it is sentimental. Please feel free to email me it that is easier.
Thanks for ANY advice or direction, Matt.