S&W Model 1891 question

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NSEGE

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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
 
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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
 
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).
 
".. 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.
 
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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barrel

If I recall correctly, a large amount of the 2nd models left the factory with 1st Model of 91 barrels.
 
ol777gunnerz said:
If I recall correctly, a large amount of the 2nd models left the factory with 1st Model of 91 barrels.
Click to expand...

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
 
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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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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....)
 
deadin said:
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....)
Click to expand...

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
 
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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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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....??;):confused:
 
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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