Help identifying 1885 Smith

Titan · #1 11-13-2009, 04:31 PM

I have no very old Smith's but a friend just inherited from his Dad's estate, Smith & Wesson revolver that he says has paperwork that dates to 1885.

Is there a way to determine the model, just from the year, or were there too many models at that time?

He describes it as 'chrome' ... I presume Nickel plated and says it looks great other than a very minor spot of rust.

Sorry but I have no pictures. I won't see it in person until some time next week.

.

DCWilson · #2 11-13-2009, 04:40 PM

The year is not enough by itself. If you can identify the caliber, the barrel length, the serial number, whether it is single or double action, and any other markings you might find on the gun (patent dates, for example), that would probably be enough to go on.

Best of all, of course, would be a photo or two. You have whetted our appetites now, and you are morally obligated to follow through with an image!

Titan · #3 11-13-2009, 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DCWilson

The year is not enough by itself. If you can identify the caliber, the barrel length, the serial number, whether it is single or double action, and any other markings you might find on the gun (patent dates, for example), that would probably be enough to go on.

Best of all, of course, would be a photo or two. You have whetted our appetites now, and you are morally obligated to follow through with an image!

I accept my mission and will complete it within the week!

tjpopkin · #4 11-19-2009, 02:30 AM

Remember there were copies of the S&W guns in that era.....
I have(had) an "Otis Smith" of 1883 that I donated to the NRA Museum. Be careful, I bought mine thinking it was an S&W....as they say, before you knew!!!!!

Terry