I have a Model 1- 2nd Issue that is identified to a Civil War Captain. Would you clean a revolver that may not have been fired since the Captain last carried it?

The cylinders and bore have power residue.

My first thought is to not clean it and preserve a "connection" with the soldier.

The general condition is fair to good.

Attached Images

S&W_Model_1_2nd_Issue (2).jpg (56.4 KB, 429 views)

I think it looks great just like it is. Just to aid my thinking what do you mean by 'clean'? A bore brush and gentle wipe down or using Mother's mag / Flitz / Ren-Wax? If the powder residue has been there for 100 plus yrs as you suggest then any damage that may have been done is done.

I personally wouldn't do anything to it except wipe it with a silicone cloth and display it. But that's just me. YMMV

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Dan
Ps 96 SWCA 2930 SWHF 524

Oh please! dont touch it. Just an oily rag. No brushes or steel wool.
I have seen to many ruined in the hands of over zealous owners. Best

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Mike 2796
SoFo Bunch member

Two replies and so far great minds think alike. i will heed the good advise from both of you.

It was suggested that I clean it with a brass brush, etc., but it didn't appeal to me. I thought I would get the Forum's opinion(s).

Thanks.

How about the holster? Same age?

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Back to back World War Champs.

Holster looks correct..I'm drooling! My personal belief is a gentle wipe with Ballistol using a soft cotton cloth,just to preserve it from any further corrosion. That holster! Wow..

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My Daddy was a pistol..

I wouldn't even use brass on that, maybe nylon if you really want to clean it. If it were mine I would leave it as is.

I would give it a routine cleaning, cylinder and barrel, just like any other firearm and the oil the interior. I would also give the exterior a coat of Renaissance wax to protect it and let it go at that.
Jim

Agree with previous posters. The gun looks nice as is.

Agree, a gentle but thorough cleaning and waxing. There is antique metal and finish that need preserving, but I draw the line at antique powder fouling . If you think you might get sentimental about it, lots of detailed close-up photos before cleaning would be in order.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

I would hit the cylinder and barrel with a well oiled NYLON brush and nothing more than that. Even though it's over 150 years old those particles may still prove to be corrosive if it's exposed to humid air. My thinking is that anything that is adhered to a surface will soak up the oil you use for the cleaning and provide a protective barrier. As for what oil specifically, back when I was building Small Block Chevy's I always wiped the bored down with Mobile 1 and that stuff would keep a freshly machined bore from hazing with rust even during some of the most humid days in August.

If it's had powder residue in the bore and chambers for decades, then running a few patches through the bore and chambers isn't going to hurt it. No brushes, though. Do it slowly and don't use a metal rod. And a surface wipe down with a lightly oiled cotton cloth shouldn't hurt it, either.

That's my opinion, okay? It's your gun.

The holster is "perfectly" formed to the pistol; fits like a glove. Wear on the inside of holster also match-up with the revolver.

No question in my mind that weapon has been in holster for a very long time, if not from the beginning.

I'm thinking a gentle application of oil and some silicone wiping.

I'm not aloud to have something like that
I'm one of those people that would have to clean and polish it.
My collector friends no better than leave me a lone with something like that. There afraid i'll do my thing.

What hasn't been mentioned above is that the leather in that holster has tannic acid in it. Granted after 150 yrs. it has lost some of it's potency but leaving the gun in the holster is not helping the metal of the gun. The blueing on the barrel & cylinder has faded due to the acid and the holster's tight fitting has worn off the silver plating of the frame over time. Moral: Don't keep he gun in the holster. Ed.

Howdy

Would I clean a 156 year old gun? If I was going to shoot it, absolutely. However I would limit myself to gentle scrubbing with rubbing alcohol. Not very aggressive, but it will still cut the old grease. Then I would follow up with a light coating inside of Ballistol. Yes, oil will prevent Black Powder fouling from absorbing any moisture from the air, so it will protect the bore and chambers from additional rusting.

Would I clean it if I was not going to shoot it? Probably not, although I should give my Old Army from 1863 the same treatment I just mentioned.

I would get it nickel plated and put rubber grips on it. I can't be trusted with a rock.

It's a historical artifact. Preservation, minimal messing about, and display in a really nice case or shadow box with an engraved plate detailing its history--that would be my course of action.

I'm really envious.

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Oh well, what the hell.

Everybody else has opined on "to clean or not to clean." I want to know the history! Tell us about the Civil War captain and how you came into possession of his revolver. Please? Pretty please?? (grin)

I would be in the camp to clean the bore and chambers just as I would clean any firearm, 150 year old black powder residue or not. If you are that concerned about preserving the old soldiers residue then try to dry brush it out on to a cloth and save it in a container for the future. The surface of the gun can be gently cleaned and then waxed for preservation. If planning to shoot then oil the bore and chambers, if planning on long term storage without firing then I would apply a light coat of Rig or some other light grease. Oil is only good for short term storage and will eventually dry up. This is why museums wax their guns for long term storage and preservation. Oil attracts dust and dust attracts moisture. Dust on guns is the major cause of the tiny rust freckling that is often seen.

DO NOT store the gun in the holster as the leather will also attract moisture and rust to the metal. I made the mistake of leaving one of my primitive rendezvous knives in its sheath for several months and the blade was so badly rusted that I almost lost it.

Very neat gun and we definitely need to hear the back story. Who was the soldier and what have you learned about him?

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James Redfield
LM #497

I have had two requests for the history of this revolver and the soldier that carried it. I will be happy to share with the Forum, however, I would like to take a few more days to qualify the information.

I have a couple questions in my mind that need research and, given the in-depth responses/questions I have witnessed from all of you in the Forum, I anticipate that many of you will have similar questions.

I will follow-up before providing a back story history. Stay tuned.

Attached Images

IMG_2185.jpg (27.7 KB, 79 views)

If you're unsure now then leave it as is until you decide. You cant put certain stuff back.

In the condition it is in and with the provenance you have, I would leave it all just the way it is unless it is the only gun you have and want to shoot something.

There are certainly very knowledgeable folks here on the Forum, but in this instance, if I were in your shoes I'd get some expert advice. I'd consult the staff at the Smithsonian institute, as well as some of the staff at the higher end auction houses like Christie's or Sotheby's. I'm sure that any of these organizations will give you good advice, but don't be surprised if Christies or Sothebys offers to buy the revolver and holster from you.

Best of luck,

Dave

Hello Dave, your advice has merit with just a little Flaw. The fore mentioned organizations often consult the members of this Forum for advice. You will get the honest poop from these experienced students of the S&W. Best.

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Mike 2796
SoFo Bunch member

The other question...what to do to preserve the holster?

In response to requests for the back story regarding my post about cleaning a 156 year old Model 1 from the Civil War, i submit the following.

This revolver has been identified to Howard M. Smith who was a Captain when he acquired his Smith & Wesson Model 1 Second Issue Revolver. Its identification is based on an engraving on the back strap “H. M. S. Capt.” and word of mouth declarations by the collector who acquired it from Captain Smith’s ancestors and passed on by subsequent collectors.
His promotion to major November 1 ,1863, the “Capt.” inscription on the back strap and Smith & Wesson’s August 1863 ship date for SN 35742, per Roy’s letter, all appear to evidence an 1863 acquisition.
The photo [CDV] below was taken with his Model 1 proudly in hand. The reverse identifies a photographer in Elmira, N. Y. which includes a 3-cent tax stamp date stamped MAR 18 1865, which would appear to indicate that then Major Smith was still in possession of this revolver near the end of the war.
Harold Malcolm Smith was mustered as Captain, Co B. [August 11, 1862] into the 130th Infantry which regiment was later [July 28, 1863] transferred to the mounted service under the designation of 19th New York Calvary and later called the First New York Dragoons; he was promoted to major November 1, 1863; became breveted Lieutenant-Colonel in May 1865
The revolver and CDV was originally acquired from his ancestors by a collector and has passed through the hands of several collectors since. Somewhere along the line there have been searches of the US Library of Congress [Manuscript Room, File #80002845], the National Archives and the US Pension Office. Copies of official records and pension records and a typed transcript of personal letters and diary entries, in which he notes having two revolvers, [185 pages donated gifted to the Library in November 14, 1941 by J C Smith, estate] are included in the “collection” [ 200 pages + in all].

The collection was acquired at an Ancestry Guns auction

Sorry for the delay in providing the information, but I wanted to read the 200 + pages of his diary and letters first; in case there was any additional information regarding the revolver.

Attached Images

	Backstrap_inscription.jpg (27.7 KB, 51 views)
	S&W_Model_1_2nd_Issue (2).jpg (56.4 KB, 58 views)
	HMS_CDV_obverse.jpg (43.3 KB, 75 views)

I would only clean this gun with 156 year old bore cleaner!

Great history....

Randy

I wouldn't touch it. I had a learning experience about 45yrs ago.
I had gotten ahold of a original Muzzel Loading half stock 32 cal
rifle. This gun was signed by the maker, who was a local smith
back in early 1800s. Being young & dumb I really polished the
gun up. I already knew who the buyer would be. Long story
short, I only got $650 for it. The buyer, who is a authority and
honest, told me he would have gave me $1650 for it before my
"Upgrade". It was a lesson that I never forgot. I have since sold
him several MLs for top dollar. Some of these rifles he sends off
to be professionally restored. I've never figured that out yet. To
me it is not original, no matter who restores it. Bottom Line,
leave it original.

Nice revolver, better story. Thanks.

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Mike
S&WCA #3065

Wowee kazowee. That is just a very cool little archive. Much more than just another revolver.

Congratulations and thanks.

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