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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 07-27-2018, 02:24 PM
mrcvs mrcvs is online now
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Barrel Latches, American Model, Nickel Finish Barrel Latches, American Model, Nickel Finish Barrel Latches, American Model, Nickel Finish Barrel Latches, American Model, Nickel Finish Barrel Latches, American Model, Nickel Finish  
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Default Barrel Latches, American Model, Nickel Finish

Originally, blued, nicked, either, depending on lot?

I would have not hesitated to answer most definitely blued, as most other (later) models that are nickeled have blued barrel latches, among other things (such as the trigger guard). The American Model, and NM 3 revolvers have a case coloured trigger guard. But my hesitation...

Here's a Second Model American delivered to M W Robinson in a shipment of 100 units, these containing a mix of nickel and blue finish revolvers.

This gun is just like you want to find them...unrestored/not refinished, with condition. Note the barrel latch; it is nickel. A search on the internet of auction sites demonstrates there is no consistency with regards to the barrel latch being blued or nickeled. Many are high condition examples, and refinishing seems unlikely; many appear virtually untouched, crisp edges, sharp markings, etc. Although M W Robinson did have the ability to refinish with professional results.

My conclusion is that this early in production the finish of barrel latches was not determined yet to be blued consistently

My conclusion can be supported or refuted...
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Old 07-27-2018, 02:27 PM
mrcvs mrcvs is online now
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Should have added ship date: Probably 15 February 1873.
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Old 07-27-2018, 04:28 PM
opoefc opoefc is offline
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American models in nickel are seen with nickel latches, but proving they left the factory that way is anybodies guess, although Charlie Pate in his book on the American Model, notes that the factory developed the capability to nickel plate guns about the same time as the US Army was having the Boston Plating Co. plate 200 US American revolvers. American model archives and invoices are very hard to read, however you might try a SWHF letter search to see if an invoice for your gun exists . Ed.
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Old 07-27-2018, 05:58 PM
rct269 rct269 is offline
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My guru said the exact same thing--------"American models in nickel are seen with nickel latches---etc." Two of the very best can't be wrong. (Actually, of course, they can be wrong---it's just that there's nobody who would believe it.)

Ralph Tremaine
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