U.S. Revolver Co.

[mrloring]

I have a U.S. Revolver Co. 38 S&W top break revolver. It has approx. 30% of the nickle finish remaining but is not pitted. I am not really interested in the value of this piece as I know it will be low. I am more interested in information about it. Serial # 7293

1) When was this revolver made?

2) Is this a blackpowder or smokeless era revolver?

3) While looking for ammunition I was told that most revolvers chambered for 38S&W are not safe to shoot. Would this gun be generally be considered safe to shoot? I understand that other issues may make mine unsafe to shoot.

Thanks for any information you can provide.

Aaron

[b.goforth]

two possible date for this pistol.

serial number 7293 = 1910
or
serial number C 7293 = 1919
this letter code will only be found on the left side of the grip frame under the grips.

U.S. REVOLVER CO. AUTOMATIC HAMMER
(smokeless powder)--------------------------------------1910-1935
LARGE FRAME AND SMALL FRAME DOES NOT HAVE HAMMER THE HAMMER ACTION; This is a Brand name revolver manufactured by Iver Johnson’s Arms & Cycle Works to be sold through the wholesale trade. It was never listed in any Iver Johnson’s Arms & Cycle Works catalog, although it was listed in some European catalogs as original Iver Johnson products. Does not have Hammer the Hammer action and relies on a safety notch on the hammer. Hard rubber grip panels with U S at the top, large oversize two piece hard rubber grips were optional. Two frame sizes and three calibers were offered. Standard barrel length: small frame 3 inches, large frame 3 ¼ inches; Calibers: large frame 38 centerfire with 5 rounds cylinder capacity, small frame .32 centerfire with 5 rounds cylinder capacity, .22 rimfire with 7 rounds cylinder capacity Weight: small frame .22 rimfire 12 ounces, small frame .32 centerfire 12 ½ ounces, large frame .38 centerfire 17 ¾ ounces; Height: small frame 3 ¾ inches, large frame 3 7/8 inches; Frame length: small frame 4 3/16 inches, large frame 5 inches; Overall length: small frame with 3 inch barrel 6 3/8 inches, large frame with 3 ¼ inches 7 3/8 inches. Main serial number location on left side of grip frame grips must be removed to see.
VALUE: 100%=$225 60%=$105

FYI the 38 S&W was still being chambered in firearms well after wwII (1960,s and 1970's) and in the case of H&R upthrough 1986. who ever told you about this not being a safe cartridge made a generalized statement but does not know much about firearms. most companies chambering this cartridge made the change to smokeless powder early in the 1900's. iver johnson was probably the last in 1908.
bill

[mrloring]

Thanks for the information. Pics added. It has no letter code so it must be a 1910.

[b.goforth]

with a serial number this low i would be very reluctant to fire this revolver unless it locks up very tight with no play in the cylinder at all. the only difference between what i posted and this hammerless model is the hammerless models usually bring about $10.00 more.
bill