3rd Model Single Shot Perfected Target Pistol - New to me

[THREEDFLYER]

Came across this little gem while traveling through Utah on my way to Idaho for my annual elk hunt.......

Has the less common 8" barrel and the condition is pretty darn good I think.

Other than some minor handling marks this one appears to be only gently used.

And based on the 4-digit S/N My guess is that this is an early production 3rd Model.....maybe 1909-1910??

 

[rct269]

"Less common" huh? Let me see if I can accurately define "less common".

Given that this is a numbers matching gun (and letters), it is the first (legitimate) one I've seen in 30+ years of looking. It is also the only gun I lack to consider my collection complete so I can die happy.

All things considered, I think I hate you----at least for a little while.

Good for you!!

Ralph Tremaine

I can't make out the serial number, but 4807 (a 6") went out November 3, 1915----7642 (10") on February 17, 1916---and 1909 was the first year in production according to those who know and write of such things---and the first serial number (not counting some few, dare I say transitionals), was 4618 (again according to).

 

[red9]

Two things count in collectability, rarity and condition. If it letters, as Ralph indicated, you have both in spades.

Bob

 

[S&WsRsweet]

Wow a gun like that just falls into your lap while you are on your way to hunt elk ! You must be living better that right .A gun that Mr Ralph Tremaine would consider a grail gun is something .Thanks for posting a picture of yet another gun that I probabaly will never see in real life much less own lol. Congratulations .

 

[THREEDFLYER]

Ralph,

I am not up on the single shots and I am trying to verify where the location of the serial numbers should be on this one? The SN is 4826 and so far I have located it on the front of the grip frame (which is an obvious location) and the underside of the latch. I am not sure where to look on the barrel, but so far I am not seeing a number there.

The address on the top of the rib is a single line address and appears to be centered on the rib between the front and rear sights.

Your guidance on locating the S/N locations would be appreciated.

Here are a few more photos.

 

[H Richard]

That is an outstanding piece! I happen to have a similar gun (but not in condition), a 3rd Model Perfected with an 8" barrel (but the barrel is off a 2nd model not numbers matching).

Consider yourself very fortunate. For what it's worth, my S/N is 8694 and was shipped July 1917.

Have you checked it for Olympic chamber? (Just insert a round in the chamber, and if it stops about 1/10" short of fully seating and has to be pushed in that last little bit it is an Olympic chamber).

 

[THREEDFLYER]

Richard, it does not appear to have the "Olympic" chambering....a standard CCI .22 LR cartridge drops right in easily.

That said, I am not finding an S/N stamped on the barrel, but not sure if I am looking in the right place.

 

[M_conrad_0311]

Tom I do not own a single shot, but I think the barrel SN is found by lifting the latch up (may have to take off), as lookng down through the bore, it will be on the flat faced surface above the bore opening behind top latch. If I am wrong, I am sure someone will correct me.

 

[H Richard]

Inside the latch.

 

[THREEDFLYER]

Inside the latch.

OK....I will get out the big magnifying glass tonight when I get home and try to find it.....must be really small!!

 

[Rangeline9]

Looks PERFECT ! Here's hoping the barrel number matches !!

Never seen a 3rd (Perfected) single shot in an 8" barrel, nor has Dad. We have 4 Perfected SS, all 10" barrels.

Dad says, frame number (of course), bottom of latch (no points deducted if latch is un-numbered but negative it wrong number). The under side of the extractor may be (but not always) numbered but the barrel would always be numbered in the recess area at the rear of the barrel with the latch lifted way up. May need a Q-tip to clean to see clearly.

With that low of a SN it should not be an Olympic barrel. Stocks may either be pencil numbered or stamped on right stock only.

We all hope the barrel number matches and it letters as a 8".

 

[rct269]

IT'S CONFIRMED!!!!

Ralph,

I am not up on the single shots and I am trying to verify where the location of the serial numbers should be on this one? The SN is 4826 and so far I have located it on the front of the grip frame (which is an obvious location) and the underside of the latch. I am not sure where to look on the barrel, but so far I am not seeing a number there.

The address on the top of the rib is a single line address and appears to be centered on the rib between the front and rear sights.

Your guidance on locating the S/N locations would be appreciated.

Here are a few more photos.

It's confirmed---I hate you for sure!

Ralph Tremaine

WOW!!-----just WOW!!!!

 

[rct269]

SCHEECH!!

Tom I do not own a single shot, but I think the barrel SN is found by lifting the latch up (may have to take off), as lookng down through the bore, it will be on the flat faced surface above the bore opening behind top latch. If I am wrong, I am sure someone will correct me.

It's to the right of the bore opening----consider yourself corrected---and don't let it happen again!!

Ralph Tremaine

 

[Rangeline9]

It's to the right of the bore opening----consider yourself corrected---and don't let it happen again!!

Ralph Tremaine

See what happens when you get Ralph all cranked up. Showing him this eye candy is worse than showing a young GI in boot camp a topless dancer.

Ralph, it's not yet confirmed until the barrel number is validated as a match and it letters as a 8" but if the barrel matches with NO signs of being sent back to the factory for repairs or refinish, it's a winner !!

 

[rct269]

See what happens when you get Ralph all cranked up. Showing him this eye candy is worse than showing a young GI in boot camp a topless dancer.

Ralph, it's not yet confirmed until the barrel number is validated as a match and it letters as a 8" but if the barrel matches with NO signs of being sent back to the factory for repairs or refinish, it's a winner !!

You got that right!!!

RT

 

[THREEDFLYER]

***UPDATE*** Serial numbers located and ALL are matching

OK, finally had some time to clear away some dust and I have confirmed that there are four matching serial number locations as follows and they all have the same lettering/stamp style and appear to be original.

Found the numbers stamped on the front strap, latch, barrel and ejector.

Did not see the S/N penciled on the inside of the right stock panel, but I have not put it under bright light and high magnification. I was under the impression that unless the stocks were fitted to a frame they were not always numbered?

As mentioned, there is NO sign of this gun being refinished.

 

[rct269]

I have four of these, and all have numbered stocks (pencil). All the numbers are essentially invisible--at least illegible. Bright light/daylight and varying viewing angles helps---if you don't run out of patience. I recall photographing the stocks helps bring out the numbers (helps a bunch from what I've seen), but I don't recall the instructions to be followed for the photography---only that there were instructions. Perhaps some of our camera wizards can help.

Ralph Tremaine

 

[THREEDFLYER]

My guess is that the stocks are original based on condition and I am sure with some good photography the pencil/numbers may very well show up.

Here's some photos that I took......

 

[model3sw]

OK, finally had some time to clear away some dust and I have confirmed that there are four matching serial number locations as follows and they all have the same lettering/stamp style and appear to be original.

Found the numbers stamped on the front strap, latch, barrel and ejector.

Did not see the S/N penciled on the inside of the right stock panel, but I have not put it under bright light and high magnification. I was under the impression that unless the stocks were fitted to a frame they were not always numbered?

As mentioned, there is NO sign of this gun being refinished.

It looks pristine to me. Congrats on that find ! Sal Sr.

PS: if the stocks are not numbered I wouldn't sweat that in the least. Perhaps with a UV light in a dark room you may be able to pick up traces of the pencil, if not, don't give it another thought.

Anyone that truly "needs" that gun is not walking way because the grips are unnumbered.

 

[rct269]

Don't sweat the small stuff! Those pencil marks needed to last what---a few days maybe?

If I get matching grips, great! If I don't, no problem.

Ralph Tremaine