This is my model 1896. Nice in blue with pearlgrips. The only flaw is a small missing part of the ejectorstar.

Just the other side.


The revolver has a furure that hold the cylinder open for loading and unloading the revolver. The model of 1899 and 1902 has the same device but that doesnt work as well like this one.
I hold the revolver uside down and the cylinder doesnt fall back in the frame.
I do think that this device is developed to make it easy to load the revolver on a bouncing horseback. The cylinder is underspring tension held open. The spring is placed in the cilinderarm and presses agains the frame.

Does anyone knows when Smith and Wesson stops to produce this device?

Henk

Nice looking grips - I wonder if they are original to the gun.

Since you are so enthused about the cilinder hold-open pin, how about taking a
picture of that part of the frame where the pin functions ? I'm wondering if it
has a deeper indent, to make it more effective ?

Regards, Mike Priwer

I intend to do that. But my time was running out to go to my work. I am just back and it is now almost 2 o clock at night. I do think that I can better wait on good light.
I will make those pics.

This is what I ment. The spring tension plunger wich is sticing out the cylinderarm.
I have pulled the pin a litle out to make it more visible.