Hello everyone! We found an old pistol in our grandfather's attic and would like some help identifying it please. We have no idea what it is - caliber, age, type, etc.
On the butt is has the numbers 42097
On the revolver itself it says: Patented April 3, 1855
July 5, 1859
December 18, 1860.
Any idea on type, age and worth?
Thanks!
That looks like a Smith & Wesson Model no. 1, and the serial number suggests it was shipped in 1863. The gun chambers the .22 short black powder cartridge.
These guns are old, but not rare as thousands were made. Yours seems to be in pretty good condition, so I'd guess it might be worth a few to several hundred dollars. I suspect its value as a family heirloom (and any gun found in an old relative's attic counts as one of those) vastly outweighs its commercial potential.
That is a beauty! The frame is silver plated so, do not polish it or attempt any type of cleaning. Valued at between $400-600.00 in most cases from what I have seen. If it is in exceptional condition, maybe more. Great find! If you decide to sell or trade it, let me know.
That is a beauty! The frame is silver plated so, do not polish it or attempt any type of cleaning. Valued at between $400-600.00 in most cases from what I have seen. If it is in exceptional condition, maybe more. Great find! If you decide to sell or trade it, let me know.
How do you know it is silver plated? Looks like plain old patina to me.
Because it is a 2nd change Number one and they were either silver plated with a blued barrel or full nickle plate. Ive handled enough of them to know that that one has a silver plated frame.
Because it is a 2nd change Number one and they were either silver plated with a blued barrel or full nickle plate. Ive handled enough of them to know that that one has a silver plated frame.
Thank you for that information - I learn new stuff here all the time.