Photos of your antique S&W Model Top Breaks

Win38-55 · #1 12-01-2007, 10:55 AM

The great thread on steel and leather got me thinking we should have a similar thread for antique top breaks. Here are two photos of my only two antique top breaks. The first one is a 2nd Model American Commercial Russian Model from around 1873 and the second one is a New Model #3 that letters with a 6" barrel and was shipped in 1880, also in 44 Russian. While I'm at it, I've posted a third photo of a 2nd Model Schofield that I sold in order to get the 2nd Model American.

Modelof1891 · #2 04-05-2009, 07:34 PM

Hello All,
Posting a picture of the right side of this frame which is a First Model Single Shot or could be a 3rd Model Single Action.

The main reason for me posting this is to Research the ROLLSTAMP S&W TRADEMARK monogram on the frame and when it started. It appears to have been added to the frames somewhere past 15,196 serial numbers. We know for sure it is on the serial number 15348. Thanks guys and any help will be appreciated.

Modelof1891 · #3 08-05-2009, 10:43 PM

Another top break for the group.

Buford57 · #4 08-10-2009, 11:02 PM

The only one I currently own.

Bob Smalser · #5 08-14-2009, 06:59 PM

I took this photo a while back for a size comparison.

iby · #6 07-09-2017, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Modelof1891

Hello All,
Posting a picture of the right side of this frame which is a First Model Single Shot or could be a 3rd Model Single Action.

The main reason for me posting this is to Research the ROLLSTAMP S&W TRADEMARK monogram on the frame and when it started. It appears to have been added to the frames somewhere past 15,196 serial numbers. We know for sure it is on the serial number 15348. Thanks guys and any help will be appreciated.

I asked that question on this forum recently and the consensus was approx 1896
regards
Mike

pamlicomike · #7 03-04-2009, 09:10 PM

Here's mine. .32 lemon squeezer. New in the Box

BRush · #8 03-04-2009, 11:04 PM

Here is a 44 DA Frontier with a friend.

cflier · #9 12-03-2007, 07:40 AM

Heres the long and the short of the 38 Safety Hammerless family

Mark

mustangtiger · #10 12-20-2007, 08:59 AM

Deadin,

that is sweet.

Win38-55 · #11 12-07-2007, 09:30 AM

Open a free web account with photobucket, size your photos to be no wider than about 800 pixels and upload them to photobucket. Then copy the bottom address under each photo and paste it into your post here.

Rikkn · #12 02-01-2009, 06:11 PM

Three from me..

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1891SingleShot · #13 02-06-2009, 12:12 PM

Thanks Pete and no, I don't have any Olympic or Pope barrels. I have a small collection of Single Shots, about a dozen, and probably half a dozen extra single shot barrels, and none have the Pope markings. I believe the Olympic barrels are only found on the Third Models, and that is one of the Models I have yet to acquire. Don't find many of these in my area, and the ones I find on the internet seem to bring top dollar. I guess I'll have to break down one of these days and go after one. Thanks again for the compliment. Randy

2152hq · #14 12-08-2007, 08:00 PM

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New Model #3 44 Russian w/ 5 inch barrel and adjustable sights. H/R grips. Original nickle finish. Shipped very late for a #3,,Dec/1915. Still considered an antique I'm told because the frames for the #3's were all made before 1899 (?). Doesn't make any difference here anyway, it still has to be registered.

Ballarat · #15 09-14-2009, 07:43 AM

Herewith a picture of my only Top Break revolver, I am awaiting a Roy Jinks letter on this piece. What do you think it is?

Guevera · #16 09-14-2009, 09:11 AM

Old school, new school. The nickel revolver was used by an uncle to guard his store in a small town in rural Virginia - I guess around 1915.

jimgoldth · #17 09-14-2009, 08:46 PM

Here are a pair of Model 1 3rd issues. Note the cylinder on the right. The 7 shooter cylinder has been replaced with a non fluted 5 shot that was made by a very cleaver fellow whom I have no idea of his identity. I imagine that the owner tried to fire 22 short high speed loads in the original cylinder.

Levallois · #18 02-22-2009, 09:04 PM

Terry,

That is a beautiful 4th Model Merwin, and to be one of a matching pair is unbelievable!

I own a 4th model too that is a single action, factory engraved and with ivory grips. It was obviously carried alot but still really neat to look at. You've got to love top-break Smiths and top-break Merwins.

John

iby · #19 07-09-2017, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Levallois

Terry,

That is a beautiful 4th Model Merwin, and to be one of a matching pair is unbelievable!

I own a 4th model too that is a single action, factory engraved and with ivory grips. It was obviously carried alot but still really neat to look at. You've got to love top-break Smiths and top-break Merwins.

John

nice ivories

mr-mom · #20 07-09-2017, 04:00 PM

I just stumbled across this thread and wanted to share my one Smith & Wesson top break. This isn't as nice as a lot of the pieces shown here, but it is a treasure to me. This originally was my Grandfather's gun, which he carried in his shop in Freeport, IL. It was passed to my Father who carried it when he and my Mother traveled over the years. I inherited it upon my Father's death several years ago. This is the gun that started me down a long and slippery road.....
Dave
SWCA #2778

wundudnee · #21 12-18-2007, 08:25 AM

There are some beautiful revolvers and photography on this thread. Here is my only top break and my first model hand ejector that belonged to my grandfather.

rhmc24 · #22 11-14-2010, 07:17 AM

Top I bought with bad grips. Grips I had made in Africa in '50s while working there, my steer.

Bottom is my re-creation, bought cold blued for $135 in 1982. Engraved and nickeled it myself. Grips same as top piece.

Fletchman · #23 01-06-2011, 08:09 PM

I just wanted to say your engraved nickel is beautiful. You are a true craftsman. I have been going through this thread looking at all the beautiful old top breaks. I own modern revolvers and pistols but I think I am going to start looking for an antique. Thankyou for the inspiration.

oldwolf · #24 01-29-2009, 10:30 AM

These are some great revolvers guys. Thanks for sharing.

Modelof1891 · #25 02-08-2009, 08:33 PM

One of 229 .32 1st Model Single Shot as listed in the Neal & Jinks book.

Modelof1891 · #26 02-01-2009, 02:34 PM

Model of 1891 .22, .32, .38 Single Shot and Combo set.

New Model 3 in 32-44 with serial number 17

One othe nice top break, Model of 1891 in .32 Caliber...one of 229

MKT · #27 12-02-2007, 11:27 AM

This is currently my only top break, shown with period ammo plus period correct silver & gold.

My local pusher has an early lemon squeezer in very nice condition that I have been contemplating, now waiting for my C&R to arrive.

Ky Bob · #28 02-11-2009, 07:35 PM

Not sure what Model it really is. I've been told Model 1 but I think its a Model 1 1/2.
Its pretty rough looking but the hammer and trigger still work but the top break is really loose. I'd like to get it restored but I don't know anyone who does that kind of work.

kobsw · #29 09-15-2009, 07:48 PM

It's a Model Number Two Old Army (No. 2 Old Army)

.32 Rimfire 6 shot with smooth rosewood grips.

S/N Range is 1-77,155 and total Manufactured was 77,155 between 1861-1874

**Note: The hammer appears to be bobbed since all references I have indicate a hooked hammer. Just thought you might want to know.

I really enjoyed seeing it.... Thanks.

LOBO · #30 09-16-2009, 06:03 PM

twaits · #31 09-16-2009, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LOBO

Lobo that is a stunning little 'squeezer! Is that thing unfired?
Did you get it lettered? I'm a little envious

james56 · #32 09-17-2009, 11:06 AM

Wow LOBO awsume

cwo4uscgret · #33 02-14-2009, 10:25 AM

My 1-1/2 .32 S&W Centerfire:

I've had it at the range once, using some Magtech, less then 800 fps ammo, lead round nose bullet. Very tame ammo, fun little gun to shoot. Got it last year at an Antiques Show in Charleston, SC.

BRush · #34 12-02-2007, 04:03 PM

Great pictures and top breaks. Here is my 38 DA, SN 27xx.

digi-shots · #35 12-02-2007, 08:51 AM

mm6mm6... Great photos! I like the low, closeup shots. Having it loaded gives it a better look. I keep forgetting to load mine when I take the pics.

Here's a another shot or so of my "one and only S&W topbreak":

Home made well worn & used "ankle holster":

gunnut2u · #36 10-11-2009, 02:04 AM

My pair of .38 s

twaits · #37 10-11-2009, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gunnut2u

My pair of .38 s

That looks like a really odd barrel length on the nickel plated one. Is that factory or has it been shortened a bit?

WILDCATT · #38 11-07-2009, 05:56 PM

what model is the breakaction with the spur trigger. I have a 32 like that
that I am repairing.Its in poor condition.some butcher got at it but I have it coming and I think numrich has parts.mainly its screws and the trigger spring I have the spring but its crushed.I am going to try to save it.the serial is 22866,so what yr was it made? thanks.

Howg · #39 11-08-2009, 07:13 AM

Can't forget the first one -

and it's still mine 20 odd yrs later

helilogger · #40 10-11-2010, 09:14 PM

Here is my only top break. 38 DA 4th Model. I believe original pearlite grips. Sorry for the poor pic!

tusong200 · #41 10-20-2010, 10:06 AM

Just picked this up last week. Interesting S & W grips. SN 434013.

tjpopkin · #42 11-19-2009, 02:25 AM

Terry

twaits · #43 11-19-2009, 01:31 PM

I'm thinking this thread needs to be retitled "break open" instead of "top breaks"

Modelof1891 · #44 11-19-2009, 06:48 PM

This Top Break is one of less than 1,000 made.

LOBO · #45 11-20-2009, 02:04 PM

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

cflier · #46 11-20-2009, 02:09 PM

I've been looking at and enjoying these pictures for months now. I decided to show pics of my favorite top break. It is a 32 Safety Hammerless with factory lanyard ring. Some of you have seen it before. It is one of two known to exist today. But I now have a new holy grail gun because I have reputable information about a 2 inch 32 with factory butt swivel trading hands about 30 years ago in California. I wrote an artical about the one pictured here in the S&WCA Journal a couple of years ago. If anyone knows about the 2 incher please send me an email even if it is not for sale.

Mark

jsmith · #47 12-13-2009, 04:27 PM

.38 Single Action 2nd Model; 3-1/4" barrel - S/N 1463
S&W 38 Single Action 2nd Model S/N 1463
It's in rough shape but it still shoots!

.38 Double Action 5th Model; 4" barrel; w/factory pearl medallion grips - S/N 540809
S&W 38 Double Action 5th Model
Appears to have been used very little.

.38 Safety Hammerless 5th Model; 4" barrel - S/N 242671
LEMON SQUEEZER - .38 Safety Hammerless 5th Model
This gun appears to have not been used much.

jsmith

Richard C · #48 12-13-2009, 07:51 PM

Does my heart good to see all theoes beautiful well kept mechines.

bobsdad · #49 12-13-2009, 08:08 PM

This thread has inspired me and the wife to think about trying to obtain some of these top breaks. Especially the lemon squeezers. She saw a .32 at the gun show today that she really liked. She's a small person and it seems like these just about "fit" her. We are now retired and maybe that's something she and I can do together relative to S&W handguns! She never showed much interest in this kind of thing before.

I have an idle question: I realize that most/many of these were carried in the pocket (coat or pants, etc.), but were there any holsters made for these during their heyday? Anyone have anything in leather that was specifically made for them? Or would that have been a kind of no win idea at the time? Just curious.

cflier · #50 12-13-2009, 08:23 PM

Yes there were many thousands of holsters made for them. Most were sold by the big catalog stores like Sears and Montgomery Wards. For the most part they were not maker marked. They were usually plain and simple leather with a caliber and barrel length stamped on the back. I have picked up a half dozen of them over the last few years at gun shows. I also have a rubber covered canvas holster with a belt clip that was designed especially for the small pocket revolvers. They are out there, you just have to be vigilant.
cflier