1st Smith & Wesson Top Break System, Revolver Patent

btvarner · Aug 11, 2022

Hi,
I like to look up the patents associated with those S&W revolvers I obtain. Gives me a better understanding the the design history. So my question.

Who patented the S&W top break locking system on the Model 3 revolver, and what year was it patented?

I am specifically looking for the patent covering the top break itself. The round knurled piece that one grabs to break open such revolvers. Thanks!

iby · Aug 11, 2022

The Latch???????

BMur · Aug 11, 2022

Early patent

The 44 American would be the first model top- break revolver. The relevant patent is number 94003. Dated August 24,1869. This is the latest patent found stamped on the barrel of the Earliest American model. Earlier patents refer to the L. pond design and tip-out frame.
See photos of prototype and patent.

Keep in mind that the final product is more often different from the original drawing and prototype.

The next patent is the latch improvement from Schofield in 1871,73,75,80.

So I guess C A King would be the top break patent design holder which would include the latch/catch since the real design is the top break. So the latch/catch is whatever the patent holder wants it to look like in the final product since they own the top- break design!

Murph

btvarner · Aug 11, 2022

Hi Murph!
Glad to see you are back at it. I assume the fire danger has past for you?

I was spelling Schofield wrong and getting no hits. but, one other thing. Do you have the actual patent numbers for Schofield's 1873 & 1875 patents?

I am using Hathis Trust Digital Library for patent searches by year and it skips from 1871 to 1876 (No 1872, 1873, 1874, or 1875). With the actual patent number I can search it directly. Thanks!

BMur · Aug 11, 2022

Fire

btvarner said:
Hi Murph!
Glad to see you are back at it. I assume the fire danger has past for you?

I was spelling Schofield wrong and getting no hits. but, one other thing. Do you have the actual patent numbers for Schofield's 1873 & 1875 patents?

I am using Hathis Trust Digital Library for patent searches by year and it skips from 1871 to 1876 (No 1872, 1873, 1874, or 1875). With the actual patent number I can search it directly. Thanks!

Is this Bruce?

If so, how’s the book coming along?

Thanks for the well wishes. This fire really spooked me but they brought in the H47’s and what a relief! Those egg beaters really can put a fire out!

See photos of Schofield patent drawings. I have a few more. Gotta look through my Schofield stuff.
The other patent dates are seen in the barrel photo’s.

Murph

BMur · Aug 12, 2022

Barrel photo

Here is another late serial number barrel photo that clearly shows applicable patents. The later patents were actually never applied since the gun was discontinued about 1879ish.

Murph

btvarner · Aug 12, 2022

Hi Murph,
Yes it’s me. Glad to hear the fire danger has passed. Thanks for the patent references. I now have the answer to my question:

Who patented the S&W top break locking system on the Model 3 revolver, and what year was it patented?

Answer: The patent directly related to the Model 3 barrel latch is:

Patent #116,225 of Jun. 20th, 1871
Schofield’s 1st patent. “The objects of this invention are, first, to provide a lock-fast for such weapons, which shall hold the barrel securely in the position for firing:”

1st Smith & Wesson Top Break System, Revolver Patent

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