Would like to confirm if this is Model 2 Type 4

cjsmack · #1 08-31-2016, 02:07 PM

My mother has a revolver that she says is her great grandfathers. She has pictures of him dressed in a cop uniform (looks like keystone cop). Some of the family thinks this was his service revolver but I am not too sure so I am starting to trace his history as well as the history of this revolver.

I believe it to be a Model 2 Type 4 but I have only started to research (with help of model2project) so it is very new to me. It is a tip up 6 inch barrel and on the cylinder there are three patent dates and I believe I saw 31 on it but can't remember where it was (sorry, not currently with it). It is a square butt and the serial number was hard to read so I took the grip off and found 10650.

I am attaching some pics to help with the identification. Sorry about the quality as I used my parents budget camera :-)

gmborkovic · #2 08-31-2016, 02:46 PM

That is a nice old looking Mod-2, and that holster is a gem.Well the stocks are numbered 10650 and the grip frame appears to be the same.
Just please, do not put steel wool on that gun. Some oil and a cotton rag is all you need. The stitching on the holster is perfect. Just a little saddle soap. Best

JSR III · #3 08-31-2016, 02:52 PM

Welcome to the forum

That is definitely a Model 2 Army although I don't know enough yet to differentiate between the different types.

Not sure if they did this with the Model 2's, but see if there is a number on the cylinder end of the barrel, the cylinder face and on the grip frame with the stocks removed. If so, those are factory assembly numbers and should all be the same if the gun is original. Since this gun came down through your family and has been owned for a long time, I'm guessing that the numbers will match.

There are many Model 2 Armies that you could own but only one that was used by a family member and possibly as a police officer. LEO guns are very popular among collectors and having one in the family only adds to the charm. That is definitely one that should stay in your family and be passed on down.

The holster is very cool too.

Wiregrassguy · #4 08-31-2016, 04:01 PM

Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass!

cjsmack · #5 08-31-2016, 04:01 PM

Thanks for the replies. Have some questions about storing it:

1) To my knowledge it has always been stored in the holster, is this ok or a no no? If there is a better way like a case with foam or something else please let me know.

2) Is there any type of oil that is best for this? Reason I ask is that I do have modern firearms so I have various chemicals but don't want to harm it. Would Rem Oil be ok?

Thanks

Wiregrassguy · #6 08-31-2016, 05:11 PM

Do not store it in the holster. Buy a gun sock or gun rug. You can use any gun cleaning solvent that you use on your other guns. In fact there is a homemade gun cleaning solvent called Ed's Red it works quite well and can be made with materials you can buy at a hardware store Walmart. Just Google for the recipe.

Guy

cjsmack · #7 08-31-2016, 05:21 PM

Awesome, thanks Guy!

opoefc · #8 08-31-2016, 05:43 PM

Nice Model 2 Army of Civil War vintage. The serial number appears in only two places on these guns, the butt and the back side of the right grip panel, as you have found out. The Model2 project of Ron Curtis's is the definer of changes in the engineering & manufacturing designs of the Model 2 and it appears your have a Type 4. The holster is of a later vintage than the gun, of course, but was probably put to use for the gun by your GGGrandFather, but the two are a neat heirloom. Ed.

mmaher94087 · #9 08-31-2016, 08:16 PM

"..and I believe I saw 31 on it.." Those numbers are the assembly numbers that JSRIII mentioned. Rear of the barrel below the bore, front face of the cylinder and located on the left toe of the frame under the grips/stocks.

JSR III · #10 08-31-2016, 09:22 PM

Quote:

"..and I believe I saw 31 on it.." Those numbers are the assembly numbers that JSRIII mentioned. Rear of the barrel below the bore, front face of the cylinder and located on the left toe of the frame under the grips/stocks.

See Mike, I have been paying attention in class in my efforts to learn about the guns that came before hand ejectors.

As far as caring for the gun, I am a fan of Renaissance Wax. It is recommended for long term care of antique firearms by the curator of the Springfield Museum and that's good enough for me. A small can goes a long way and it keeps Mr. Rust away.

shouldazagged · #11 08-31-2016, 11:05 PM

Nice old gun, and the holster is amazing--a real beauty.

Welcome aboard. I hope you'll stick around.

cjsmack · #12 09-01-2016, 09:27 AM

I very much appreciate all of the information and tips. You all have helped quite a bit and I never knew that when I started looking into this I had such a craving for antique firearms and their history.

After submitting the original post I jumped around the forums and forgot I was at work, whoops. I did find the link for the S&WHF Letter of Authenticity Request Form so I may do that just to see what else I can find out about this.

Thanks again everyone!