Does anyone know what this is?

[23Bandit]

38 short 5 shot. It has a "knotch" cut in the handle, it is not a dent or knick. It had a lot of rust, but it's been cleaned and blued lightly. Have no idea when it was fired last or any history. No markings of any kind. It has a serial number under the grips, but nothing else.

It belongs to my dad, so I'll need to relay any questions you might have and get back to you.

Thanks...

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[BillM]

Top break in 38 S&W. Could be a S&W, Iver Johnson, Harrington and
Richardson, or one of MANY other manufacturers of similar guns.

Look on top of the barrel rib. Magnifying glass close. I've never seen
one with NO markings. I swear they must have had some kind of contest in
the late 1800's to see who could use the smallest lettering on barrel ribs!

 

[madcratebuilder]

A top break probably from the turn of the century, and not the last one. It's not a S&W and does not look like any IJ I have ever seen. Sort of resembles a old Webley but not the same hammer and grips.

 

[magnum]

Your pistol is an Iver Johnson top break very similar to a model 1908. The pic I have in my reference book shows the notched grip where it meets the frame but is a hammerless model. Obviously yours has a hammer so I'm not sure exactely what model yours is but it's an Iver Johnson. Hope that helps to narrow it down.

 

[23Bandit]

Thanks guys. Your input is turning out to be quite helpful. My dad just told me the serial number. Can any of you tell me more from this number?

200XX The last two digits are XX'd out.

Year?
Caliber?
Worth ($$$)?