Show your oldest top break S&W revolver

mrcvs · #1 01-24-2021, 01:46 PM

I was inspired by a recent thread similar to this one requesting the earliest Hand Ejector in the collections of Smith & Wesson enthusiasts.

So post your earliest top break.

This First Model American shipped 150 years ago on 02 February.

Wiregrassguy · #2 01-24-2021, 02:57 PM

Here's my 3rd Model Russian, commercial, from 1876 shipped through Schuyler, Hartley & Graham.

And, with its original grips and holster.

thadheth · #3 01-24-2021, 03:30 PM

New Model Number 3 shipped March 1881. Serial number is 3831 (fairly close to serial number 3766, allegedly the gun used by Bob Ford to kill Jesse James).

mod34 · #4 01-24-2021, 03:48 PM

I'm guessing............

glowe · #5 01-24-2021, 05:18 PM

OK, mine is a 44 American, 2nd that left the factory in July, 1873.

Show your oldest top break S&W revolver-pb260008-jpg

Rambler42 · #6 01-24-2021, 06:59 PM

Here's my oldest top break. A Baby Russian that shipped in February of 1877.

OLDSTER · #7 01-24-2021, 07:08 PM

I know nothing about of these revolvers, but enjoy looking at and reading about them. Thanks for posting.

delcrossv · #8 01-24-2021, 07:22 PM

Easy , as I still only have one 😥 .38 DA, shipped 11/1892

In my mitts:

With its original box:

Collin McB · #9 01-24-2021, 07:56 PM

iby · #10 01-25-2021, 12:35 AM

!st model American 1871

Patbar · #11 01-25-2021, 04:30 AM

Here is my engraved Baby Russian, produced in 1877 :

Exmilcop · #12 01-25-2021, 09:24 AM

I have two break-top revolvers. One is sized nice for the wife, and my latest acquisition is DA in .44 Russian. At some point, it went through the hands of a crackerjack gunsmith and has been completely refinished but the bore and chambers on the cylinder are nearly pristine, so it was well cared for in its life. The grips are Asian replacements and the fit is so-so. For such an early production piece (#1340), it's in amazing condition.

mrcvs · #13 01-25-2021, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iby

!st model American 1871

That’s a really nice one! Does it have the oil hole?

I think you should start a new thread about it including details on how you came to acquire it, a letter if you have it, etc.

Gregmk · #14 01-25-2021, 11:01 AM

IMG_6550.jpgMy one and only shipped out in 1923. 5th model Lemon Squeezer

bibain · #15 01-25-2021, 11:59 AM

Hello
Here is my smith & wesson russian first model from 1872

Club Gun Fan · #16 01-25-2021, 01:13 PM

My 2nd Model Schofield shipped October 12, 1876 with a reproduction shipping crate. I bought the Schofield from Dr. Roy Jinks after another SWCA member decided he didn't like the stocks. I think they add to the history of the gun.

ol777gunnerz · #17 01-25-2021, 02:24 PM

My oldest gun I own, period, 2nd Single Action 38 S&W with 3 1/4 inch barrel, shipped in 1878.

reccpd101 · #18 01-25-2021, 02:33 PM

My Baby Russian in 38 S&W shipped in 1877.

BMur · #19 01-25-2021, 04:56 PM

Don’t forget the Wells Fargo’s!
Model 1 shipped July 12,1875 to the Springfield Armory.

Murph

iby · #20 01-25-2021, 05:48 PM

I only have a few but I love to post pics

dltvette · #21 01-25-2021, 06:20 PM

Not many left after liquidation a few years ago, but I still have my Grandfathers Model Number Two (No. 2 Old Army).
Serial No. 31632 circa 1865 (not lettered), with a 5” barrel.
Very well worn, but so was my Grandfather when he passed at 102 years old.
Dave
Sorry, the thread is for a top brake, not a tip-up. I’ll have to rethink this and look at another.

dltvette · #22 01-25-2021, 07:10 PM

Ok, I will try to stay on tract this time.
Another one of my Grandfathers.
.32 Single Action (Model 1-1/2 Single Action)
Delivered to M.W. Robinson on September 20, 1878.
Serial No. 7692 with the “eccentric strain screw”.
Roy stated in the factory letter that this unusual mainspring adjuster did not prove satisfactory and was discontinued from production at approximately serial number 6500.
Roy closed the letter stating, “This revolver is the highest recorded serial number with a main spring cam adjustment”.
The letter is dated October 31, 2014. I’m not sure if this statement still stands.
Dave

new2S&W · #23 01-25-2021, 11:12 PM

This is my American, one of the original of 800 blued model 3 sold to the US Army. Serial #1030, it includes the "oil hole" and has all the proof and inspector markings as well as matching assembly numbers with original walnut stocks.

Trapper70 · #24 01-26-2021, 01:03 PM

"US" Schofield shipped on October 12, 1876, with San Francisco number.

orbruce · #25 01-26-2021, 03:23 PM

My oldest, not quite 150 years old. First Model American (oil hole variation) s/n 99x shipped on March 1, 1871. The lowest serial number (so far) in this thread but shipped later than MRCVS American. My American is in the serial number range of the US First Model Americans but was not shipped to the Army.

B. Mower

Kinman · #26 01-26-2021, 04:45 PM

Not sure if its the oldest but its my favorite S&W revolver, can't get my hands on the letter but it went back to the factory for a complete refinish. I have a note showing 12-31-18, not sure if thats the date it left the factory, I believe the refinish took place in the 50's.

Driftwood Johnson · #27 01-26-2021, 05:59 PM

Howdy

A First Model Russian. Roy told me it shipped in September of 1873. I bought it because the 1st Model Russian looks exactly like the American Model, except it is chambered for 44 Russian, which is much easier to reload than the 44 S&W American cartridge with its heeled bullet. I got it for a pretty good price, not great, but pretty good. At first I thought the blue had all been polished off and it was 'in the white' but now I am thinking maybe it is nickel plated. Not sure, and don't know how to tell except to see if the surface rusts. It has been over polished a bit, a few edges are rounded over a bit, and the side plate, not visible in this view, has been over polished and the joint around the side plate sticks out like a sore thumb. Pretty sure the barrel has been cut down, the front sight has been replaced by an old coin, and the grips are pretty funky too. Hmmm.....doesn't sound all that great, does it? Anyway, one of these days I will bring it to the range and fire it with some of my Black Powder 44 Russian ammo.

Thuer · #28 01-26-2021, 06:34 PM

OK, it is a refinish. But I do still love it. My Second model Schofield. Basic they did a terrible job. The text on both sides of the barrel lug are gonne. I really hate that. On the other side. The blueing and case hardning was a very good job. I have no idear when that was done. Also the ivory grips are great. It is a real second model. Al things are right. Exept grrrrrrrrrr the missing of the text. Still love this revolver. It gonna be on the market again when I am very dead. Maybe then.

PALADIN85020 · #29 01-26-2021, 06:40 PM

Since I only have one S&W top-break, by default, it's also the oldest one I have. This is a safety hammerless .32 that dates to 1921, and it is still as new - amazing for a 100-year-old gun!

John

IWK2HT · #30 01-26-2021, 07:12 PM

This little top break is my oldest, not real pretty but it is honest wear and the inside is good, clean bore good trigger just no nickel left on it. Even shoots good.
It’s a 2nd model 2nd issue ser# 58360.

lwood92 · #31 01-26-2021, 10:00 PM

Here's one of my oldest top breaks. First Model American SN# 13X. The 1970 letter I have says it shipped Fall 1870.

Lynn

Hunter Keith · #32 01-27-2021, 11:11 AM

.38 S&W "5 inch bbl. factory nickel Safety Hammerless, 4th change. Finish is rough, but it shoots surprisingly well!

Kurusu · #33 01-27-2021, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iby

I only have a few but I love to post pics

Wowsers!

Thank you for sharing.

delcrossv · #34 01-27-2021, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iby

I only have a few but I love to post pics

Gorgeous!

Must have used a time machine to get that one:

BMur · #35 01-27-2021, 04:35 PM

LEST WE FORGET the 1876/77 Baltimore Police Baby Russian. One of the longest standing Law enforcement side arms from 1876-1917. 40+ years.

Murph

iby · #36 01-27-2021, 07:13 PM

Thanks for posting this thread Ian.
Best one for me in a long time!!
All the Pretty Guns

first-model · #37 01-27-2021, 09:21 PM

My Baby Russian -- one of only two top breaks that I currently own.

This shipped to a Canadian dealer in 1876. Blissfully I know who its first owner was, so It's nicely document and good looking.

altbrewer · #38 01-27-2021, 09:43 PM

Model 1 first issue, second type, late 1850s.

LEO918 · #39 01-27-2021, 10:21 PM

Here's my top break .44 D.A. found in a dry wash near the mining town of Oatman, AZ.

Wiregrassguy · #40 01-27-2021, 10:42 PM

How does it shoot?

22lrfan · #41 01-28-2021, 01:42 AM

1877 .38 Single Action 2nd Model

Books · #42 01-28-2021, 11:25 AM

Another Balto Police Baby Russian.

It's the oldest that I have lettered.

Books

lwood92 · #43 01-28-2021, 03:39 PM

Murph,

I see your Baltimore Police and raise you the Nashville Police. First Model Americans, shipped May 1871, order of 32.

Lynn

first-model · #44 01-28-2021, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lwood92

I see your Baltimore Police and raise you the Nashville Police. First Model Americans, shipped May 1871, order of 32.

... and Lynn plays the royal flush!

Seriously nice group of guns there.

Mike

Schof45 · #45 01-28-2021, 04:24 PM

Model 1, First Issue, Second variation (serial no 627). Shipped August 18, 1858 to J.W. Storrs, New York City.

So this little guy was born 100 years before I!

Schof45 · #46 01-28-2021, 05:53 PM

A correction was pointed out to me. The Model 1 I posted a picture of is not a top-break but a tip-up. Still a cool little 162 year old.

BMur · #47 01-28-2021, 06:14 PM

Very nice Lynn!

Murph

Schof45 · #48 01-28-2021, 06:58 PM

Here is my oldest TOP-BREAK and cartridge box.
The American First Model oil hole was shipped to the Armory on March 16, 1871. The cartridge box is date is the following month.

Books · #49 01-29-2021, 11:25 AM

Not in the class with the trio of Americans, but this one predates my Balto Police by 5 months.

Engraved (not factory) Baby Russian shipped Feb. 1877.

Books

raljr1 · #50 01-29-2021, 12:14 PM

Lousy picture. But the best I can do while away from home. The engraved piece shipped to MW Robinson in 1881. The other just happened to be in the photo. It if much later, 1904.

Robert