Another old gun, would like to learn about it.

JBS · #1 06-30-2015, 09:52 AM

I have found this old gun in some family stuff.

It is a top-break with no visible hammer.
It has a functional auto shell extractor.
It has a fixed sight and there is a strain screw.
The front sight is missing.
The gun is in poor condition.
The barrel stamping indicates 32 caliber
The butt located serial number is 147548.

I would very much appreciate information concerning its age.
I presume the condition seriously degrades any value, but am interested if it has value, maybe for parts?

Thank you for your time and expertise. I will upload a few more pics momentarily. JBS

JBS · #2 06-30-2015, 09:53 AM

More pics from JBS

tpamdx1 · #3 06-30-2015, 10:06 AM

Hi JBS. I believe you have a Top Break Safety Hammerless, 2nd Model. The serial number range for this model is approximately 91418 thru 163081 with a date range from about 1902 thru around 1916. I would put the value to be $100 to $150. I'm no expert so someone with more experience may see your post and add more details.

Thanks,
John

Absalom · #4 06-30-2015, 11:09 AM

As John said, it's a Second Model, actually made from 1900 to 1909. I have one pretty close to yours, # 1450XX (see below), which was shipped to San Francisco in October 1906. At that time, S&W didn't necessarily ship guns in strict chronological serial number order, but it's reasonable to assume that yours was made around that year also.

I would also concur with John's valuation, if that. I paid $182 for mine a couple of years ago; while mine is missing the original grips, it's in quite a bit better shape. You might just want to hang on to the gun as a family curio.

deadin · #5 06-30-2015, 11:32 AM

With a little judicious elbow grease, 0000 steel wool, some replacement grips and a sight blade, that piece might surprise you on just how well it will clean up.

JBS · #6 06-30-2015, 01:03 PM

Much thanks to each of you. Your willingness to share your expertise is very appreciated.

Due to its age and where I found it I can only presume it was my great grandfather's pistol. Not knowing exactly takes a little family history value away.

Deadin, I had never considered cleaning it up. You advice re clean up raises a few questions. Where does one find replacement parts for a gun this old? Also, other than the two parts you mentioned, several of the screws have been abused. I presume those may be available as well?

Thanks again for your help.

tpamdx1 · #7 06-30-2015, 03:33 PM

If you want reproduction stocks (a.k.a. "grips") check out Vintage Gun Grips. Keep in mind that screws and escutcheons are usually sold separately.

S & W / Smith & Wesson Pistol Grips

deadin · #8 06-30-2015, 04:41 PM

Depending on how well you are satisfied with the clean-up (0000 steel wool, Kroil, Flitz & Ren Wax), you might just want to find some original grips. (They aren't all that rare.) If you go with the reproductions, you already have the grip screw and escutcheons. As for screw heads, I don't see any that are BBB (Buggered Beyond Belief). You're not going to end up with a "mint" gun in any case, so some"experienced" screw heads will fit right in. If there are internal part that need replacing, there are also parts guns around or maybe somebody here that would be willing to supply whatever....

JBS · #9 07-01-2015, 09:25 AM

Dean,

You've gotten me fired up to work on this pistol.

Yeah, I can clean than screw up a bit. Fortunately all components, ejector etc work well. Surprising since in its 106 years of life it has had the mess beaten out of it.

I know where to get Kroil and can find the Flitz & Ren wax. I put a "wanted to buy" in classifieds on this forum for parts and have not had reply as yet. I will do more Google-ing for original grips. The sites tpamdx1 sent have some good looking repro stuff. I will be amazed if I can find the barrel sight and what looks like a tiny little pin what holds it in.
I hope other forum members that may have parts laying about will weigh in.

I suspect that people like me that are not collectors but want info on various old guns are a dime a dozen.

Thank you again for your encouragement and help.

John

JBS · #10 07-02-2015, 06:30 PM

Hi All,

I've been working on finding the parts. I am going with repro grips (thanks tpamdx1).

If I choose to replace the hammer stud nut, I have found a source, but may just clean up the one on the pistol. A tad pricey for one screw, but hey, you can't get these at Lowes.

The front sight is another thing. Hard to come by. I have considered buying an old barrel in poor condition with one installed to use as a donor. I have found one and wonder are their some simple tricks to "color" parts to come near matching the color of my gun? See pic of barrel for sale. It is too light in color to install on my gun and look correct. Maybe I could bury it in the back yard for a few years.

Suggestions appreciated immensely.
John

Wiregrassguy · #11 07-03-2015, 10:39 AM

JBS, welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass! IIRC, back in the day, some folks used silver dimes to replace the front sight. You might have to file the sides down a bit to get the dime into the sight base. You can make a pin using the shank of a small drill bit. I don't recall the diameter off hand, but you want one that is a press fit.

tjpopkin · #12 07-03-2015, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Absalom

I paid $182 for mine a couple of years ago; while mine is missing the original grips, it's in quite a bit better shape. You might just want to hang on to the gun as a family curio.

Who made the replacement stocks…Very nice!…

I would replace mine with those in a heartbeat…..