.38 S&W. 3.25" barrel. SN: 176920. Nickel plated finish with blued small parts and casehardened trigger mounting checkered hardrubber Smith & Wesson monogram grips with patent dates. Double action five-shot top-break hammerless revolver with automatic ejection. Item mounts a pinned half-moon front blade and rear latch notch sights. Smith & Wesson address and patent mark to fluted barrel rib is in two lines showing patent dates ranging from 1883 to 1889. Standard markings include Smith & Wesson monogram to right frame, and 38 S.&W. CTG caliber mark to left barrel. Serial numbers match on frame, barrel, cylinder, and latch. Item has an engraved dealer mark on left barrel reading COX & SON, 28 HIGH STREET SOUTHAMPTON with Birmingham proof marks to barrel, right frame, and between each chamber of cylinder. Inventory number of 2438 engraved into the upper rear frame, which may suggest British police use.

Initially founded by John Cox, the firm of Cox & Son was an English gunmaking house eventually inherited by William Cox. Known primarily for producing English sporting arms, Cox & Son also functioned as a well known outfitter in everything from sporting guns to defensive arms, such as this Smith & Wesson revolver. {C&R}

Very Good. Bore is dirty with some old residues that may clean to Bright with strong rifling. Some flaking of nickel finish on topstrap with scattered light scratches and some clouding over the frame. Blued components show some brown flecking and streaks. Trigger retains strong case colors on the flanks with operating wear and some brown patina. Grips retain strong details. Mechanically functional. Action shows good timing.