Can anyone tell my anything about this old S&W

[ghostman1960]

All that I can tell that its an old top break S&W. It looks as though it is nickle plated. I have not handled this pistol personally so thats all I can tell from the photo. A lady my GF knows wants to sell it.

http://i823.photobucket.com/albums/zz159/ghostman1961/2011-09-25235027-1.jpg

[40Arpent]

Looks to be a 2nd Model S&W .32 Hammerless. The 1st Model had a slightly different top latch, and the 3rd Model did away with the pinned front sight.

[ghostman1960]

Looks to be a 2nd Model S&W .32 Hammerless. The 1st Model had a slightly different top latch, and the 3rd Model did away with the pinned front sight.

Thank you.

[Eliakim]

Here is a link to the different .32 cal Models: http://www.armchairgunshow.com/images/32-Safety-Hless-Mods.jpg

And a link to the 38's: http://www.armchairgunshow.com/images/38-Safety-Hless-Mods.jpg

I used to have a third model Smith & Wesson New Departure Safety Hammerless. It was very well made but grossly underpowered for self-defence use. The long heavy double action pull was to help make the revolver safer around small children. The idea was that a little child would not have the strength to fire the piece if found unattended. Although I'm sure it did not stop the little tikes from trying

They were made in two calibers (.32 S&W Short and .38 S&W). About a quarter million were made in both calibers over a 53 year production run. They were too good to throw away so a large number have probably survived

[brushy bill]

If memory serves, Col Appelgate used one of these in 38 S&W. His experiences with a machette wielding attacker in Mexico were reportedly instrumental in S&Ws introduction of the Centennial Model in .38 Spl.