I bought the beautiful smith on a whim, it's in excellent condition with original box however I do know anything about it. I was wondering if anyone has info on this model, i.e.; when it was made what history was on these and maybe a value. The serial number is 10265 and thanks in advance

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Where is the picture of the gun?? With that serial number, it could be a put-together Model of 1891 Single Shot, or a Third Model Single Shot. Does the barrel state Model of 1891? and/or does the frame have a recoil shield?

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Gary
SWCA 2515

3rd Model single shot. The inside of the box lid: "This pistol has the patented Automatic Rebounding Lock".

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Mike Maher #283

eccollision, Do your due diligence and read up on this model's history & values in the Standard catalog of Smith & Wesson, 3rd edit., by Supica & Nahas. You have a very nice example with some value, as value depends on condition plus presence of original box. Ed.

Great find. Single shots in that condition are fairly scarce: the box a lot scarcer. Did all boxes say "PERFECT", not "PERFECTED" TARGET? If so, the factory thought that's as good as it gets.

Bob

Glad the OP posted the picture, but the box would not necessarily have matched the gun. An original box for a Third Model SS might be nearly as valuable as the gun. I have only seen a couple in many years of looking. You are definitely into the 4 digits for value of the box and gun. Check the bottom of the box for a hand written serial number.

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Gary
SWCA 2515

I guess I also should have mentioned that it has the 'Perfect' box. Nice outfit.

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Mike Maher #283

10263 or 10265 ?

Sorry 10265 I have been told that this has a Olympic barrel and was wondering what that means

The easiest way to tell is to place a standard long rifle round in the chamber and see how far it goes in without pushing it forward. A standard chamber is slightly longer and the round will almost drop all the way in. An Olympic barrel required moderate to heavy force to fully chamber the round. Theory is that if the bullet is forced into the rifling, it will improve accuracy.

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Gary
SWCA 2515

Here is the official version from Roy Jinks, it's also recommended that you use small wood block to push cartridge into chamber, otherwise your thumb will get sore quick.

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Congratulations you have one of the best handguns ever made, a tribute to excellence.

I was given mine over 65 years ago, it was shot in competition by my grandfather and father. I have shot thousands of rounds through mine and never realized how well designed it was until I posted a photo on this forum and asked a few questions.

The rear sight is adjustable in very fine increments for both windage and elevation.

You can eject shells by opening the action fully or simply grasp the sides of the extractor and pull it back.

GLOWE What is the recoil shield? Have not heard of it before.

I have shot a lot of target pistols and none of them could beat it. It will favorably compete with most rifles. Mine has an ever so slight restriction in the bore at the muzzle of the barrel, just like the rimfire benchrest crowd likes today.

The angle that the firing pin strikes the rim of the cartridge is very complimentary to uniform ignition.

I believe that all the science of rimfire accuracy we know today was considered when they made that pistol.

The First Model and the Second Model were fashioned from a 38 Single Action revolver. For me, the recoil shield is the rounded metal shroud behind the cylinder. These projections were removed in the Second Model. The Third Model was designed using a Model 1903 HE double action frame without the shields as well. Basically the entire frame directly behind the cylinder could be called the recoil shield, since it shields the shooter.

Picture below is of a Model of '91 Single Shot, so you can see the recoil shield projections.

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Gary
SWCA 2515

Thank you Sir! Never heard the term before, but I understand now!

Mine does not have recoil shields, just a grove like the one in the first post. I can understand where they would be an improvement.

Mine does have the Olympic barrel I am wondering if I should get a letter on it. It is very interesting and well made piece

If you want to document when it was shipped, where it was shipped, and to make sure it is in original factory configuration, then do it. Your chances of this one lettering to an individual are higher than most other models, but factory records could simply state it was sold to John Smith, address unknown.

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Gary
SWCA 2515