SMITH & WESSON RARITY: .38-40 DOUBLE ACTION FRONTIER REVOLVER WITH 6 1/2" BARREL, SERIAL NUMBER 32, ONLY 276 MADE AND NUMBERED IN THEIR OWN SERIES WITH SERIAL NUMBERS FROM 1-276, MADE FROM 1900-1910! (Note: Although cataloged into the twentiety century, all frames were manufactured prior to 1899, making this gun an antique). Of the very few of these we've heard of coming to market over the years, all have been in hard used condition. This makes sense as anyone wanting a .38-40 revolver was probably spending a lot of time in the outdoors (ranching most likely) and pairing it with a Winchester or Marlin saddle rifle. This special model was offered in barrel lengths of 4", 5", and 6 1/2" lengths. This 6 1/2" long barrel example is a factory nickel plated revolver that still retains the original nickel in the more protected areas around the hammer and trigger guard, with some nickel on the cylinder, etc. The balance has flaked and worn off revealing a most attractive dark, uncleaned patina. The barrel markings on the top of the barrel are good, but a bit worn, and the correct and original .38 Winchester Ctg. marking on the left side of the barrel is similarly worn and only partially visible. The serial numbers on the barrel, frame, and cylinder match. Mechanics are fine and the bore shows good rifling with only minor scattered surface roughness. The grips fit perfectly and show normal wear, but no chipping or cracks. Obviously, this big revolver was a working holster gun and carried many miles. The .38-40 was a popular caliber in the Southwest and Mexico at the time of the Mexican Revolution and there is a good probability this revolver found its way to the southwestern U.S. or Mexico. Lots of history in this extremely rare S&W! When you consider that these revolvers were made in three barrel lengths and two finishes (nickel and blue), the number of 6 1/2" nickel examples would be very small. This is unquestionably the rarest Smith and Wesson revolver we have ever offered, and is frequently considered too rare to put a general value on, as few have survived to the present time and rarely are they offered for sale. This is a very respectable example of a specific S&W revolver model that even the most advanced Smith & Wesson collections are lacking. This is perhaps a once in a lifetime chance to purchase such a scarce and important frontier era big bore S&W. Even the most referred to S&W books with price guides cannot list a value for this model. Serial Number: 32. This firearm qualifies as an Antique and does not require FFL Transfer or NICS Background Check. Incredibly scarce firearm with very few still available for purchase in the collecting market today.