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  #1  
Old 08-04-2014, 02:12 PM
patrickd patrickd is offline
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Default family heirloom

I need some of you expert S&W guys/gals to help me identify a revolver I have inherited. It has been in my family for at least 125 years or so. The markings are as follows.

Smith & Wesson Springfield Mass U.S.A. PAT. July 10. 60 JAN 17 FEB 17 . JULY 11. 65 & AUG 24. 69


Serial # on but of revolver reads 20936

I have pics, but can't figure out how to attach them from my computer to this post so if anyone can give me some guidance on how to do that I'd appreciate it greatly.
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Old 08-04-2014, 02:18 PM
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Welcome! We would need to know more details, photos would be icing on the cake after this. Click on the Search function at the top of the home page, then put To identify your gun into the Search Site/Google function and give the information there.

After this, information on posting photos is under FAQ at the top of the page, click on reading and posting messages, then click on Attachments and Images.
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Last edited by murphydog; 08-04-2014 at 02:22 PM.
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Old 08-04-2014, 02:39 PM
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It's a model 3, a contemporary of the Colt SAA. This is out of my area of knowledge but one of the antique collectors here will be along with more information. In the meantime, we like family stories here . Hope this is helpful.
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Old 08-04-2014, 02:46 PM
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It is either a 2nd model American or a 1st model Russian, depending on the caliber and markings. If the chambers in the cylinder are straight cylindrical holes, it is the 2nd model American, if the chambers have a slight step in them toward the front, it is the Russian version. These were made from about 1870 to 1873 or so.
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Old 08-04-2014, 02:54 PM
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Now that's an heirloom!!! The gun would be a treasure to anybody by itself, you got it with a period belt, holster and family history to boot!!!
WOW!!!
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Old 08-04-2014, 02:57 PM
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Yours appears to be the S&W Model 3 American, Second Model. From the serial number, probably from 1873-74. Most were chambered in the .44 American caliber (centerfire), but a few were also chambered in .44 Henry rimfire. A good closeup picture of the cocked hammer would help resolve the caliber determination. That is a very nice revolver to have for an heirloom. Many famous Old West characters carried these and similar revolvers.
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Old 08-04-2014, 03:04 PM
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That is absolutely awesome! Gun with leather & history...
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Old 08-04-2014, 03:13 PM
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Judging by the ammo in the belt, it looks to be a .44 American (centerfire). Very very cool.
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Old 08-04-2014, 05:37 PM
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It could possibly be a shooter, but .44 American ammo (if that is what it takes) is long obsolete. Maybe some custom ammo loaders still offer it, catering to the Cowboy Action shooters, but I doubt it. Someone who knows what he is doing can form usable brass from .41 Magnum cases.
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Old 08-04-2014, 05:38 PM
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If you intend to keep this gun in the family, you should obtain a S&W Factory Historical letter for the gun. There's a link on this Forum to the application form to obtain a factory letter, also a link on the S&W web page. Roy Jinks, S&W Factory Historian will send you a letter telling to whom, when and where the gun was originally shipped and the configuration of the gun when shipped. Cost is $50 but well with it to keep with the gun for future generations. Ed.
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Old 08-04-2014, 08:44 PM
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Please do not store the revolver in its leather holster. The tannins in the leather will destroy the finish.
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Old 08-04-2014, 08:57 PM
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Why didn't anyone in my family ever leave anything like this behind?? A wonderful heirloom......
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Old 08-09-2014, 05:06 PM
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A beautiful piece. I think it's safe to say that the holster was made for a shorter gun.
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Old 08-13-2014, 12:23 PM
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That gun , depending on condition, could be worth many thousands of dollars! You really need to get it out of that holster, get the S&W letter and get it appraised! What a great historical gun you have...
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Old 08-14-2014, 04:57 PM
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I can't believe no one has directly asked this, so here goes:
Do you know anything specific about the history of that fantastic heirloom? Who owned it, when and where, and anything else?
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Old 03-16-2015, 01:52 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rjb1 View Post
I can't believe no one has directly asked this, so here goes:
Do you know anything specific about the history of that fantastic heirloom? Who owned it, when and where, and anything else?
All I know is that it was one of my uncle's revolvers. How many Great Great's back?? Do not know. I really need to spend the money on doing some research. It has been in the family for generations.
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Old 03-16-2015, 02:02 PM
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Wow, what a family heirloom!!!! Congrats on a fine looking old Smith & Wesson.
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Old 08-28-2016, 01:16 AM
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Heirloom update..
A few months ago I sent some pictures of my old heirloom S&W to Gary James of Guns and Ammo magazine. Imagine my surprise when I opened the July 2016 issue and there on page 17 was my revolver! He stated it was a S&W #3 2nd model. Holster was it's original Olive-pattern, Mexican loop holster with cartridge and money belt of the same time frame as the gun. Said the gun value was a "solid" $3,000.00 and here's the real kicker.. Holster added ANOTHER $2,000 to the total! $2,000 for the holster?!
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Old 08-28-2016, 07:33 PM
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Thanks for the update. If you have not already requested a history letter it may shed some insight as to how/when your relative might have acquired it:

Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation - Letter Process - Insuring that the rich history of Smith & Wesson will continue for generations to come
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Old 08-28-2016, 07:41 PM
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I believe that the bullet diameter is the same as the .44 Russian and .44 Special. The cartridge case is smaller diameter, though, and .41 Magnum cases are usable after trimming. The real problem with loading any heeled bullet is crimping the case onto the bullet. I have both a lathe and a milling machine, so I'm sure I could fabricate something that would work if I had a need.
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Old 08-28-2016, 08:09 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sw44russ View Post
What a great story!! I've shied away from this Model because of the oddball Cartridge and it's big diameter Heeled Bullet. Does anyone hand load for 44 American? I'm guessing a Bullet Mould would be the only way.....can you buy the Brass?
I found this, but have not tried it yet.

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Old 08-28-2016, 08:59 PM
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That beautiful revolver is a perfectly splendid heirloom. I hope it will stay in your family for more genrations to come.
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Old 08-28-2016, 09:47 PM
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That is cool! You guys are going to turn me into a collector!
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Old 08-28-2016, 10:13 PM
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I really really hope this stays in your family.
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Old 08-28-2016, 10:40 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Stopsign32v View Post
I really really hope this stays in your family.
So do I!! I have no plans of ever trying to sell it unless I'm literally homeless and starving to death. I've already told my son it will someday be his to care for and pass on to his son should he deem him worthy.
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Old 08-28-2016, 10:46 PM
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Originally Posted by patrickd View Post
So do I!! I have no plans of ever trying to sell it unless I'm literally homeless and starving to death. I've already told my son it will someday be his to care for and pass on to his son should he deem him worthy.
Every person on this site should like this post.
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Old 08-29-2016, 07:39 AM
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I read on another forum that .44 special cases can be cut down for this gun. I think that the poster also miked his barrel at .429 so I'm guessing there should be molds available for lead casting. Several other folks said that they used round balls and that loading the ball shaved off enough lead to make for a tight fit. Since they were only shooting short range, extreme accuracy was not a concern. FWIW
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Old 08-29-2016, 09:35 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JSR III View Post
I read on another forum that .44 special cases can be cut down for this gun. I think that the poster also miked his barrel at .429 so I'm guessing there should be molds available for lead casting. Several other folks said that they used round balls and that loading the ball shaved off enough lead to make for a tight fit. Since they were only shooting short range, extreme accuracy was not a concern. FWIW
While the bore is .44 cal., the .44 S&W bullet is a 210 gr heeled type like the .22 LR. The heeled portion is .41 cal. so you can only use .41Mag cases and not .44 cases to load the bullets
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Old 08-30-2016, 07:45 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by raljr1 View Post
Why didn't anyone in my family ever leave anything like this behind?? A wonderful heirloom......
My thought exactly...along with an "Oh my, that's a big one..."
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