Here is one of the recent additions to my collection, a first model single shot 1891.

The serial number is 21775 it’s on the front strap as well as on the barrel catch and barrel and the correct grips are fitted. The bluing is brilliant, there are a few storage marks that detract from the overall finish. The photo highlights oil on the frame, the only true mark is on the end of the barrel. The stocks are perfect and look to be made yesterday. The action is so tight and the ejector slides back in slow motion.

Is there a current thought on the numbers manufactured?
Neal & Jinks mentions 1251 with 1253 serial numbers listed in the book, with this one not in the list.

Attached Images

1891 single shot.jpg (74.0 KB, 101 views)

I assume it is in 22LR? The gun certainly looks legitimate, with matching serial numbers and the front butt frame stamped. The serial number shows a later manufactured gun. I notice the SS serial numbers stop in the 18,000 range, but I bet there were orders that came in after that. We know that the revolver continued to over 28,000 serial number and that the factory had lots of leftover barrels long after this model was gone, so no problem to put a few SS pistols together in the early 1900s as orders came in. Roy's book states that it is known that more SS pistols than listed in his book were made.

I would get it lettered, since it was probably a special order and you may find the name of the original owner.

__________________
Gary
SWCA 2515

My three 1st Model 22's are 17958, 19852, and 23001. None are listed in N&J---all of them letter. I suspect the estimates of numbers of 32's and 38's in N&J are pretty close to reality. I suspect the estimates of numbers of 22's is light by at least 150-200 guns.

Ralph Tremaine

It's perhaps noteworthy there are more than a few odd-wad (1st Model) guns in this serial number range (20000 +). They are 1st Model guns by virtue of the two pin frame and their serial numbers. To stand and stare at them, they are configured EXACTLY as 2nd Models. And just to keep you up nights, there are guns configured EXACTLY the same (including two pin frames), but numbered within the 2nd Model series. All these guns letter as per their serial number. You could have two ABSOLUTELY IDENTICAL guns---one a 1st Model, the other a 2nd Model. And to keep you guessing further, that one of mine up there (23001) is a stock, standard, everyday 1st Model.

Thanks for the information in the reply’s

Yes this single shot is in .22

I would have thought a special order single shot would have been assembled from a completed revolver on hand in which case the serial number would not be on the front strap.
Planned production to cater for orders in hand is the logical answer for the serial number to be correctly placed.

I would think that serial numbers would be one of the last things the factory would put on the frame. The Third Model was a slow mover after the advent of hand ejectors, so there wer probably lots of frames in the parts bin ready for whatever orders came in.

__________________
Gary
SWCA 2515

Yes it appears you are correct. With a little reading I see the serial number was allocated when the stocks were fitted. I thought it would have been before bluing, it makes sense to place the number last so to minimize lost numbers. Thanks.

Serial numbers were stamped prior to finishing. Stocks were fitted prior to finishing (although those stocks seldom needed any fitting to speak of). Typical (top break) SS's have the serial number on the front strap. There are lettered exceptions with the number on the butt-----so I'm told----have never seen one.

A word about the ejector sliding back in slow motion: It will SNAP back after a little bath and a wee dab of lube------lube being optional.

Ralph Tremaine

I mentioned the ejector's motion because my experience is this is caused by oil/grease placed many many years ago possibly a century ago. I have a few other like new top breaks that have the same slow motion. I should give them a clean. Thanks.