Collectors and shooters who value historic engineering and solid handling know that period top-break revolvers occupy a special place in a defensive-equipment collection. This late 19th/early 20th century design offers a compact, reliable package with straightforward maintenance and unique mechanical character compared with swing-out cylinder designs.

SMITH & WESSON top break is presented as the S&W 1ST MODEL NEW DEPARTURE — a 5-shot revolver chambered in 38 S&W with a 3 1/4″ barrel. The example offered has a nickel plate finish, very good black plastic grips with no chipping or cracks, a cylinder with tight lockup and a crisp trigger. Expect handling marks, high-edge and rotation wear consistent with service and age. Shop this product

Design, condition, and mechanical notes

The 5-shot top-break action is compact and fast to reload for its era. This specimen’s tight cylinder lockup is an important operational detail — it maintains alignment and contributes to consistent lock-up for safe shooting. The nickel plate shows handling marks and edge wear consistent with age, and rotation wear on the cylinder indicates normal use rather than mechanical neglect. The grips are in very good condition with no chipping or cracks, preserving handling comfort and aesthetic value.

Trigger and handling

A crisp trigger is notable on older revolvers; it improves practical accuracy and feels confident in both single- and double-action operation. With its 3 1/4″ barrel, this revolver balances sight radius and concealability, making it suited to close-range defensive practice and historical shooting events.

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Caliber and real-world applications

The 38 S&W cartridge is a period-appropriate round that offers mild recoil, reliable feeding in revolvers of this era, and adequate terminal performance for personal defense standards of the time. It’s an economical option for range practice and safe shooting drills, especially when preserving an original firearm’s finish and mechanical condition.

Value and purchasing notes

Offered at $1,700.99, this SMITH & WESSON top break represents a collectible-condition example with honest wear, tight mechanics, and serviceable grips. It ships without a box, so buyers should account for safe transfer and inspection. For collectors who prioritize mechanical integrity and period-correct presentation, this example is a solid find. Check current availability

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