Help with antique tip up please

Drb1643 · Jan 28, 2023

Hi all, here’s another old revolver that I came across from my grandfather’s estate. It’s in rough shape but all matching (frame, barrel and cylinder). I’m wondering what it is and does it have any value besides a cool paperweight?
Thank you all very much for any information.
Tom

mmaher94087 · Jan 28, 2023

Your revolver is a .38 Single Action, 2nd Model.

glowe · Jan 28, 2023

Paperweight is perhaps the best option for you. The fact it was your grandfather's gun and likely his father before, is important as an heirloom for the family to keep and pass down. The caliber is 38 S&W, a short relatively light load that continued to be used through WWII by England. The ammunition is still manufactures today.

The gun was almost certainly manufactured in the early 1880s.

Rpg · Jan 28, 2023

The stocks appear to be ivory, probably worth $250-300 for just the stocks.

Although not as lovely as some of your other guns, the revolver is probably a $250 gun without the stocks.

Overall, a pretty nice revolver.

H Richard · Jan 28, 2023

With a little TLC it can be made more visually appealing, and if it is mechanically O.K. you can plink with it. The MOP grips do have some value.

Boulder350 · Jan 28, 2023

Nice family heirloom. I have a thing for these old spur trigger revolvers from the 1880's. Nice MOP (mother of pearl) grips on the gun. Yours wears a uncommon 5" barrel. Can't tell if it was originally blued finish or nickel finish.

Drb1643 · Jan 28, 2023

Thank you very much guys. What a great forum this is, good people with great advice! I’m suspecting it was a blued gun that was nickeled.
Thanks again,
Tom

mrcvs · Jan 28, 2023

One poster stated incorrectly the grips are ivory. Another correctly posted they are mother of pearl.

Yes, they are mother of pearl. Although not as nearly as valuable as ivory today, mother of pearl stocks in the 1800s cost more than ivory ones. They were likely installed by the distributor.

glowe · Jan 28, 2023

Yes, I also thought they were ivory until I saw the right side image. I think the rust from the frame has discolored the butt of one stock, but they are MOP. They are cracked at the top and rust stained, so would not likely sell over $100.

Tip-up revolvers have the hinge on the top and top-breaks have the hinge on the bottom.

gmborkovic · Jan 28, 2023

Tom, be careful if you remove the MOPS. Those screws are prone to rust, so soak the hardware. That little threaded nut can spin in the grip.

Help with antique tip up please

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