Smith & Wesson .38 Safety Hammerless Fourth Model, .38 S&W, Top-Break 5-Shot Revolver, 3.25 Inch Barrel, Nickel Finish (c. 1898–1907)
This Smith & Wesson .38 Safety Hammerless Fourth Model stands out for its compact top-break design, nickel finish, and internal hammer with integral grip safety. Produced circa 1898–1907 and also known as the S&W "New Departure," it features a 3.25 inch barrel, five-shot cylinder, and matching serial numbers on key components. It is a period-correct example of S&W's concealed-hammer safety revolver line.
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair condition, showing extensive signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Overall Condition: Fair - Generally clean, some residue or smudges, slight corrosion.
Bore Rifling: Fair Rifling - Worn rifling, slight loss of definition.
Specific Condition Notes: There are scratches and blemishes present, and finish wear is widespread. The revolver maintains function.
What's Included
- Smith & Wesson .38 Safety Hammerless Fourth Model revolver (3.25 inch barrel, nickel finish)
The Fourth Model of the .38 Safety Hammerless is a double-action-only, top-break revolver with an internal hammer and integral grip safety. Often marketed as the "New Departure," it incorporates a rebounding hammer system and a concealed-hammer profile.
Its top-break frame uses a T-bar top latch with a checkered release and an automatic star extractor for simultaneous ejection. The five-shot cylinder is chambered in .38 S&W, and the 3.25 inch barrel includes a barrel rib.
Sighting is straightforward and durable, with a half-moon pinned front sight and a rear notch integral to the top latch. The revolver wears checkered black hard-rubber S&W monogram grips on a round-butt frame.
The nickel finish over carbon steel covers the frame, cylinder, and receiver. Markings include the S&W monogram trade mark on the sideplate and "USX" on the left frame. Matching serial numbers are present on the butt and cylinder and also observed on the right frame. No lanyard ring is observed.