Pistol Identification Help

RestyleRanger · #1 04-05-2016, 05:21 PM

I was given years ago by my Uncle, this S&W pistol. I would appreciate your help in identifying what it is, and a guess at it's fair market value. Serial number is probably 86421 or possibly 96421. Seems to be in workable condition; Some bluing; handsome grip; Your help is much appreciated.

sturtyboy · #2 04-05-2016, 05:51 PM

By the way...Welcome to the forum!

I have limited knowledge about the early S&W's.

It appears to be a model One-and-a-Half New Model...2nd issue?

It has, what is called a "birdshead" butt. There are some other differences I'm not completely knowledgeable about. And no doubt...someone else will jump in here to straighten things out.

It looks to be in very nice shape.

Wait for someone else to jump in here. Hope you have a winner!

Stu

After reading glowe's response, I removed my incorrect update... He's right on the mark. I magnified the barrel picture and could see the dates better. I was right about several things...I have limited knowledge about these and no doubt, someone else will come along and straighten things out.

I guess it's better to say, "I know nothing and I can prove it"

glowe · #3 04-05-2016, 06:53 PM

Welcome to the Forum. That revolver is known as a Model 1, 3rd Issue, in 22 Rimfire Short. Very nice original blue finish and rosewood stocks. The gun would have shipped from the factory around 1872-1873. There were 131,163 Model 1, 3rd Issue revolvers made from 1868 to 1881.

Value is relatively low for these Model 1s, as compared to other S&W antique revolvers made. With that condition, it would be high on a collector's list, maybe $500. It would take an in-hand inspection to determine the percentage finish left, and it could go higher.

mmaher94087 · #4 04-05-2016, 08:12 PM

Please do not shoot MODERN .22 RF Shorts in this gun. The revolver was designed for black powder loads. Todays equivalent would be CB Caps at best. You might get lucky shooting it but IF something breaks the value would drop close to zero. You have a very desirable and collectible Smith & Wesson, 1st Model, 3rd Issue revolver that collectors will drool over. Wipe it down with a lightly oiled rag and store it in a safe, dry environment. Your family connection is priceless. Document anything that you remember about the family connection so that future generations of "RestyleRangers" might enjoy it. I hope you can preserve it for the next five generations or so. Nice, very nice.

RestyleRanger · #5 04-06-2016, 12:29 PM

Thank you all so very much for the analysis. Very helpful to me. This all makes sense. The Great Uncle who owned it first, was just a bit young to fight in the Civil War with his brother who was in an Indiana Regiment, and for health reasons never went. He did travel extensively on the Western frontier - maybe maybe with this pistol. My thanks again to all of you. RR