I won this at an online auction a week ago and it arrived today. I thought the estimate was a little high but I put in a bid close to the starting price and it seems I was the only bidder so I got it for the starting price which was half the low estimate. I am not sure what everyone else saw that was wrong with it, but I am happy. It has a good amount of the original silver, although it is getting thin in spots. All the assembly numbers match and the serial number is stamped on the inside of the right grip. There is decent but pitted rifling, and best of all it is the first one I have had that doesn't have broken springs and that actually locks up with the hammer back and down.

It came with a factory letter, which wasn't mentioned in the auction description, dated 1989. It is interesting that the letter only gives a year of manufacture, not an exact date or where it was shipped. It also came with a hand written note from Roy saying that for an additional $20 the owner could get a "deluxe" letter which I guess would have the date and who it was sent to.

This is the pistol that I asked in another thread about polishing the silver. Given the thinness of the silver I am only going to give it a coat of Renaissance Wax and not try to polish it.

One question. The letter and the auction listed the serial number as 91686, but is sort of looks to me more like 97686. Is that just the funny font S&W used or is it a 7 (see additional picture in next message)?

Thanks

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It looks like it just missed the Civil War by a year which would kill any interest among the war collectors. It looks good to me. I'd be happy to have it in my collection. I paid $250 six months ago for a 3rd issue that was really nice nickel and had it lettered to 1875. I'd probably drop a few hundred for your gun if one showed up and be delighted with it. I should mention that I would use a little Flitz on it just to make it shine a little more.

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Dr. B

hsr, I vote for 91686.

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Mike Maher #283

I agree with Mike & vote for 91686.
Here is a model one second issue serial no. 17793
Dave

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OK. I am convinced

Thanks

The second digit on the stock looks like it has a horizontal bar at the bottom of the digit. If so, that would not be correct at all for a "7". On the bottom of the frame the "1" might be stamped at an angle or worn to eliminate the bottom bar. The "1" on the frame is definitely not like the "7" on the other example shown, but off hand I don't remember that style of "7" being the most common font for that model. Look again at the stamp in the wood and I think you can decide.