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1800's revolver-happy Thanksgiving to me!-update w pics/info

2K views 27 replies 8 participants last post by  gamecocks 
#1 ·
My great uncle passed away awhile back, and some guns were discovered that no one knew he had. My aunt knows I would be one of the only ones who would appreciate such things, so she gave me a few of them! They are all in rough shape, but that's alright. There are 2 single shot shotguns, 1 from very early 1900's (Hopkins Allen Arms Co Norwich, Conn) and one from the 1960s or 70s (Topper Jr Model 490). Neat stuff, but what I am really excited about is this old S&W revolver! Just beginning to look into it, but I think's a Smith & Wesson single action, .38 Second Model (Second Type) made in 1890-91(Serial number in the 107,000's). If I'm wrong, please feel free to chime in...and I may well be wrong, know nothing of these guns and just started googling around.




All of these guns are in bad condition, but I do not care. They are a fun way to remember my Uncle, and neat because I like guns. Of course I wanted to show off my new toys, but would also greatly appreciate any advice on how to care for these old, rusty guns. I have no intention of trying to shoot them, of course, but would like to clean them up a bit, and properly care for them going forward, despite the years of previous neglect.
 
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#2 ·
Was that nickeled at one time? I am not an expert on cleaning up old guns like that but I would probably try some 4 aught steel wool and some gun oil and just got at it slow. Do the innards work on that Smith, will it rotate when you cock it? It is really cool I would be stoked too!.
 
#6 ·
Your info looks right; second model, second issue single action. Serial # puts toward the end of it's production run, 1890-91.
Second suggestion on ballistol, how does bore and chambers look?
I have a model one and 1/2 .32 from the same era, dark but serviceable bore and fair chambers, it shoots fine.....not suggesting your is gtg, but it might clean up.
 
#9 ·
IF you do shoot it, black powder only. Some of those old guns still have a serviceable bore. Be Careful.
The insides of the barrel & cylinders look better than the outside, actually. A little rust, but not much. I can still clearly see the rifling in the barrel. I wouldn't try to shoot it without having a smith check it out, and I definitely don't have any ammo for it. Well, maybe one day I'll try to shoot it, but for now I just enjoy handling and admiring it.
 
#10 ·
Tough choice. Of course if a smith says it's shootable you'll be dying to do it. I would. On the other hand, it's a piece of history and a family heirloom. Why risk messing it up? Good luck with the choice. I personally, would get a nice display set up for it. It looks so authentically old like it is. Glad that it's in the right hands.
 
#11 · (Edited)
Deleted. My participation here is not welcome.
 
#12 ·
A poorly maintained relic may have high sentimental appeal but low market value. If you intend to keep it as a family heirloom, then get it professionally restored to it's former glory. Make it pretty, functional and store it in a presentation case with an engraved plate of family remembrances.

Unless it's rare, highly esteemed and condition warrants, it's not much value to a collector. The No 2 Army Civil War versions do have market interest, however the .38 2nd models in better condition can be purchased for a few hundred bones.

Many folks abhor refinishing an antique firearm fearing diminished historical and monetary value. I don't hold that view when in involves quality restoral work of firearms with moderate to low worth and significant personal value.
I am in no hurry at all to make a decision, but refinishing it has definitely crossed my mind. Would be different if it was super rare or still had a little finish, but as is, it might be worth it for me to restore it.
 
#13 ·
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#15 ·
Does anyone know anything about those grips? The appear to be plastic, or something similar, but I assumed everything back then would've had natural grips, like wood. I didn't even think plastic was around, or certainly not commonly used 125 years ago, yet most of the pictures I see of these guns show them with the same black S&W grips as mine. Thoughts?
 
#23 ·
Thought I'd share a little more with another update:
As I learned from the letter, posted above, this revolver went from S&W to E.C. Meacham Arms Co. in St Louis, in March of 1889. That was a wholesaler in St Louis in the late 1800s, apparently. Found a company online that reprints copies of old gun manuals and catalogs. They actually had a few E.C. Meacham catalogs, so I ordered one from 1885, which has an ad for my revolver, as well as an 1887 Smith & Wesson catalog. Smith & Wesson made the same model from 1877 to 1891, so '85 & '87 are close enough...a few relevant pics-



 
#24 ·
Well, perhaps I am talking to myself at this point (not the 1st time:crazy::supergrin:), but thought I'd give one more update. I ordered some ammo and finally was able to shoot it this weekend! Borrowed a buddy's ransom to make sure if it went south, we would keep our fingers. 5 for 5 with the ransom, so shot 4 or 5 cylinders at some steel targets.

Man, what a fun little gun to shoot. All the smoke was neat, never shot black powder before. Also have never shot .38S&W. These loads I ordered are 150 grains, and only advertised as 650fps out of a 4 inch barrel...so they were very easy shooting. I feel like there was barely any recoil. Though the sights are small, they were pretty easy to see. We had no trouble at all hitting a torso sized steel target at will, from 10 yards or so. I do not plan to shoot it much, because it is so old, but am so glad that I did shoot it...such a fun experience, and doubt I will ever get the chance to shoot another 130 year old gun. Cool stuff.
 
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