Smith & Wesson .38 Safety Hammerless 3rd Model, .38 S&W, 3.25 in Top-Break, 5-Shot, Antique 1890s Revolver
This Smith & Wesson .38 Safety Hammerless 3rd Model stands out as an 1890s top-break revolver with the hallmark concealed hammer and grip safety that define the series. Chambered in .38 S&W with a 3.25 in barrel and a five-shot cylinder, it features the classic bird's-head grip profile, fixed sights, and an automatic star ejector. Its antique status and 3rd Model features, including the non-"T-latch" top latch, make it a notable example of S&W's late-19th-century design.
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: Good Rifling - Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: The revolver shows major finish loss with areas of rust on exposed metal. Surfaces present visible wear consistent with extensive handling and age. The rifling remains in good standing with well-defined lands and grooves.
What's Included
- Smith & Wesson .38 Safety Hammerless 3rd Model revolver
The 3rd Model .38 Safety Hammerless, often nicknamed the "lemon-squeezer," uses a double-action-only mechanism with an internal, concealed hammer. The integrated grip safety is a defining feature of this series, providing an added layer of handling security without external controls.
This top-break design uses an automatic star ejector for fast extraction when the latch is opened. The non-"T-latch" top latch is correct for 3rd Model production and complements the fixed-sight arrangement: a half-moon front sight integral to the barrel rib and a rear notch cut into the top latch.
Key dimensions and configuration include a 3.25 in barrel, a five-shot cylinder, and a round-butt bird's-head grip profile. The revolver wears a bright metal finish over its steel frame with smooth, light-colored two-piece grips.
Manufactured in the 1890–1898 range in the USA, this antique example aligns with the Safety Hammerless series features in .38 S&W. Its period-correct construction and working details reflect Smith & Wesson's late-19th-century approach to compact defensive revolvers.