I am now the owner of...

[The Trinity Kid]

...a Forehand & Wadsworth pistol.  I'm thinking it is a 38 S&W, or perhaps a rimfire .38, as a 38 Special is just a smidgin too large.  It fits, but is a push to get in, and with a bullet in it, would be too long.  I think the little DA pocket pistol is cool.

--TK

[St. George]

Look at the firing pin.

If it comes to a point - it's centerfire, and it's chambered for .38 S&W.

if it looks like a flat wedge - it's rimfire, and you're SOL for ammunition - and no, trying to change the firing pin won't work, because you'd have to modify the frame and that sort of work is more than what the piece is worth.

Scouts Out!

[Tornado]

We need pictures.

[The Trinity Kid]

All I have at the moment picture-wise is about a year old...but I'll put some up.  The other problem....  there is no hammer or hammer spring.   This was a garden gun, we think was dropped either by a prospector or a logger.  It's more of a wall piece than anything.

--TK

[St. George]

The hammer was probably removed in order to make it a 'toy' gun for kids to play with.

That was a common thing.

Scouts Out!

[Blair]

TK,

These revolvers are not know to be very collectable or very expensive when complete and working.

Show us a photo of the recoil shield area of the receiver. Where the hammer firing pin would past through. The opening for the center fire or the rim fire will be quite different in the recoil shield.
If it proves to be a rim fire... don't even mess with it. Be happy with your find.

If it is center fire... you may have to think about buying another (perhaps two) revolvers to get the parts you need to make this one firearm useable again.
Cost wise, you might should be happy with what you have? Just my suggestion.
Sometimes, they just aren't worth the effort. But then again, sometimes they are. It is good that you asked.
My best,
Blair

[pony express]

I'm about 99% sure that will be a centerfire, 38S&W. Most like that are either .32 S&W, or .38S&W.

[Driftwood Johnson]

Howdy

The chambers should tell you what the caliber is. I have some antique 38 Short Rimfire ammo. Just like a modern 22 RF, it uses a heeled bullet, and the bullet is the same diameter as the outside or the case. 38 S&W Centerfire ammo uses a conventional bullet with the bullet the same diameter as the inside of the case.

So the a rimfire chamber will be bored straight through with only one diameter, whereas the centerfire chamber will have a step, with a narrower throat than the area where the case sits.

[Shotgun Franklin]

I'm thinking it is a 38 S&W, or perhaps a rimfire .38, as a 38 Special is just a smidgin too large.

The .38 S&W is larger in diameter than a .38 Spl.

[GunClick Rick]

Baby hammerless?