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S&W Antiques S&W Lever Action Pistols, Tip-Up Revolvers, ALL Top-Break Revolvers, and ALL Single Shots


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Old 06-09-2018, 12:42 PM
NSEGE NSEGE is offline
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Default S&W Model 1891 question

I have an 1891, 8" barrel in about 70%? condition, good (some minor pitting but very shootable) bore and mechanically excellent. I'm selling for the widow of a good friend and I need to know what the differences are between the various "editions/issues" of this piece (first, second or third) so I can represent it properly.

Serial #22991, and original black plastic grips.

Also, an estimate on value? I don't know how to post a picture, but if anyone wants one, let me know and I can email one (I think).

Thanks!
Steve

Last edited by NSEGE; 06-19-2018 at 09:24 PM.
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Old 06-09-2018, 01:40 PM
rct269 rct269 is offline
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Given an 8" barrel, you have a single shot pistol---offspring of the Model of '91 revolver. Given the serial number, you have a 1st Model single shot pistol. Given the condition (with evidence of corrosion), you have an item worth perhaps a few hundred dollars (if that). All things considered, I suspect the parts would fetch more.

Ralph Tremaine
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Old 06-09-2018, 02:54 PM
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Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass, Steve! Your first model differs from the 2nd and 3rd models most strikingly by having rebound shield "ears." In the absence of sharp, well lighted pictures of all sides of the gun, you are going to have to evaluate it yourself. The most recent valuation guide in the Standard Catalog of S&W, 4th Edition says:


AsNew Exc+ Exc Fine ..VG Good Fair Poor

3000 2500 1500 1000 650 425 350 200

(Page 124).
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Old 06-09-2018, 05:39 PM
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If you would like to email me some photos, I will be glad to post them for you.
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Old 06-09-2018, 08:00 PM
mmaher94087 mmaher94087 is offline
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".. rebound shield "ears."". Close; should be: recoil shield ears.

An over simplification is: Single Shot 1st Models had the
'ears' as they started as revolvers and were fitted with single shot barrels. The 2nd Models had the 'ears' milled off and the revolver parts were never installed. The 3rd Models were double action revolver frames with no recoil shield and a single shot barrel.
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Old 06-10-2018, 09:41 AM
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Brain fart...thanks Mike.
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Old 06-19-2018, 08:32 AM
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Attached are photos of NSEGE's First Model Single Shot. It appears to be a Second Model frame version with matching First Model serial numbers. Perhaps an order came in for a 8-inch .22 LR Single Shot and they were already producing the Second Model frame and grabbed a left-over First Model barrel and mated the two?
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File Type: jpg 1891 1.jpg (66.2 KB, 117 views)
File Type: jpg 1891 2.jpg (64.3 KB, 96 views)
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Old 06-20-2018, 10:19 AM
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No thoughts or opinions on the pics? Must be a 2nd Model frame mated to the 1st Model barrel.
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Old 06-20-2018, 06:37 PM
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If I recall correctly, a large amount of the 2nd models left the factory with 1st Model of 91 barrels.
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Old 06-20-2018, 07:23 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ol777gunnerz View Post
If I recall correctly, a large amount of the 2nd models left the factory with 1st Model of 91 barrels.
You recall correctly---albeit not a "large amount of the 2nd models". It was generally accepted (by me at least) that all 2nd Models with 6 or 8" barrels carried 1st Model barrels---barrels marked with the two line address featuring "Model of '91" (as did some of the earlier 2nd Models with 10" barrels). That general acceptance came to a screeching halt when I (FINALLY) stumbled upon my 6" 2nd Model---with a regular, everyday, one line barrel address.

That said, the serial number (in the 1st Model series) has me stumped. I recall more than a few 1st frames (two pins) configured as 2nd Models carrying 1st Model numbers---none like this. Have we determined this serial number came from the frame? Have we determined this is a numbers matching pistol?

Ralph Tremaine

Last edited by rct269; 06-20-2018 at 07:34 PM.
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Old 06-20-2018, 08:20 PM
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I didn't receive a picture of the serial number, but when I zoomed the photos he sent, it appears to be a 5 digit number on front of frame. I did tell him where to look for the matching serial numbers and he did say they all match.
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Old 06-20-2018, 08:31 PM
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Well that's good enough---there ain't no 5 digit 2nd Models---never mind what they look like.

Ralph Tremaine
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Old 06-20-2018, 08:53 PM
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Just to keep the pot stirred, I have a lettered, matching 8" 2nd Model that has a single line address. Serial #3587, shipped 2/15/1910.
(Must have had a bunch of them in the vault....)
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Old 06-21-2018, 12:28 AM
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Here's a pic of the serial number.
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Old 06-21-2018, 12:44 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by deadin View Post
Just to keep the pot stirred, I have a lettered, matching 8" 2nd Model that has a single line address. Serial #3587, shipped 2/15/1910.
(Must have had a bunch of them in the vault....)
And to confirm all this was done with careful, methodical planning---I have a lettered, matching 8" 2nd Model with a Model of '91 address------#3666, shipped May 8, 1910.

Are we having fun yet?

Ralph Tremaine

Last edited by rct269; 06-21-2018 at 12:45 AM.
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Old 06-21-2018, 07:28 AM
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Default 2nd Model

I also have a 2nd Model with 8 inch single address barrel, all matching numbers as well as nickel plated, all confirmed by factory letter. #3032 shipped Feb. 19, 1909.
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File Type: jpg DSCF4770 (2).jpg (201.7 KB, 30 views)
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Old 06-21-2018, 09:14 AM
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Did the photos help any in determining the condition of the gun.
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Old 06-21-2018, 09:27 AM
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Now I beginning to wonder if they had some sort of a close-out sale of 8" 2nd Models after the start of 3rd Model production....??
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Old 06-21-2018, 10:24 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by deadin View Post
Now I beginning to wonder if they had some sort of a close-out sale of 8" 2nd Models after the start of 3rd Model production....??
The 22,xxx serial number falls in the 1st Model range, though.
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Old 06-21-2018, 10:57 AM
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After doing a Ralph (rct269) by sitting and staring, I have a couple of questions.

Did the factory "convert" any 1st Model frames into 2nd Model by milling off the recoil shield and cutting the lightening grooves?
Does the OP's frame have the bolt and hand cuts? (and the associated parts installed?)
Finally, what is with the upper part of the grip panel that appears to be standing proud of the backstrap? (Or is it just a trick of the lighting?)
Neither of my 1st or 2nd Models have this.....
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Old 06-21-2018, 01:38 PM
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Default 2nd model

The pistol in question has a single pin frame, 1st models were 2 pin, with a first model serial number would it be considered a transitional model?
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