You never know what you will find in or around old homes. 50 years ago, on the family farm in Tennessee, I found an early S&W 6" 38 laying in the tall grass. None of the family knew anythng about it, no telling where it came from. Still have it.

I have on exactly like that one. I tinkered with it several years ago with smokeless. Before I knew about these first models I wondered why it was worn out. It seems the area in the recoil shield where the little ratchet nub fits was so sloppy and the latch was sloppy. I peened the latch some to tighten it up.

I did load some 4f black in the 32 cases as I couldn't get enough 3f in there to even get to 500 fps IIRC. Cant remember what fps the 4 f did. My boolits were too heavy. Seems I was using a 94 grainer.

The smokeless model (3rd) is identified by the Owl head turned different on the grips and regular S&W type cylinder locking notches. But you probably already knew that.

The metal in that first model is very soft

Bob

If I recall correctly, I paid $20 for an old holster and it came with a pistol.

I've shot it with VERY modest loads. They are good fun. Been meaning to try some BP but haven't gotten to that yet.

Edited to add: Oh yeah, the Owl's Head looking 'down the barrel' indicated from pre-1897. FWIW

That whole series were known as Owl Head revolvers, and the term became a purjorative among shooters and traders for decades. "Some owl head had this gun reblued". It's still heard occasionally from some old geezer. Like this post.

JLF