Old S&W top-break revolver - input welcomed

[gbundersea]

A friend of mine just acquired this revolver via family. He sent me the pictures and info, asking me to look it up for him. After some diligent online research, I found it to be a Smith & Wesson DA 3rd Model revolver. It chambered in .38 S&W (NOT .38 Special!)
From the serial number (430XXX) I'm approximating its vintage as 1902-1903. Apparently the blued ones were much less common than the nickel-plated ones.

Pictures of his gun:




Here are links to other examples:

Nickel-plated, in pretty bad shape. (Though they classed it as "very good."
Nickel-plated, with a longer barrel. Apparently sold for $300, it too wasn't in good shape.
Stunning blued, unfired pistol. Seems to be very similar to his. Was still in the box!

All comments and additional information will be most appreciated!

 

[LA.Call'emClose]

there was someone on the clasifieds looking to give away some .38 S&W ammo that he had bought on accident. Your friend may be interested?

 

[charliepapa]

there was someone on the clasifieds looking to give away some .38 S&W ammo that he had bought on accident. Your friend may be interested?

It wasn't me, but I too have a box of it. I doubt he'll want to shoot that piece but I have a little of the ammo if he does.

 

[LA.Call'emClose]

here's that ad
http://www.bayoushooter.com/forums/showthread.php?t=23822