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Question
Hi Sid, The 38 dad gave me is a break action model and on the cylinder is stamped 252343. Its a 4 inch barrel,hammerless with what I  believe is the grip safety on the handle. On the raised rib on the barrel is stamped with Smith & Wesson Springfield Mass. It holds 6 rounds,with blue finish. Cant not say how thankful I am to you for helping me...Its been driving me crazy..I don't have a digital camera. I have pictures on my phone,but now sure how to send them. Thank you ...Have a good day Sid...Julie

Answer
Hi Julie,

As you can guess I'm going out on a limb trying to do this without benefit of either a personal inspection or photo of the gun.

That said, in an attempt to at least get you on the right track and give you a suggestion or two as what you may have, here goes.........

It is very likely that you have a .38 Safety Hammerless Model. The problem is that there were a half dozen or so versions of same.

If this is correct, you more than likely have one of the 4th, or 5th model versions also sometimes referred to as "Lemon Squeezers". The 4th model was made between 1898 and 1907 with 100,000+ being produced. In "good" condition it would have a retail value of about $175 to $200

The .38 S.H. 5th. model was made between 1907 and 1940 with 41,000+ being produced. In "good" condition it has a retail value of approximately $175.

Please understand that this is about the best I can do for you under the circumstances regardless of the fact that I very much prefer to have little if any doubt as to what make & model that I'm answering about. However in my desire to get you started and hopefully at least on the right track.... the above is what I'm going with.

Now that you some idea as to what you may have, I'd suggest getting back on the net and entering the info that I've given you. My bet is that you'll locate various sites that have photos and descriptions of these revolvers and you may recognize one of them as being the same as the model that you have.

If I can be of any further help, please do not hesitate to contact me. I sincerely hope that this has been of some help to you.

Good luck and thanks for the question.
Sid Lark