1891 Combo Set

[Modelof1891]

I came across this set by showing a single shot at a local gun show with a "Wanted" sign for this type S&W. A super nice fellow, John Allison, stated he had one like that. Many times I have heard that to find out it was really another brand. This one was the real thing. It did take him five months to decide to let it go out of his family.

This combo set had been in his family for 119 years. Purchased new by William L Allison in 1900. Included with the set is a picture of "The Major" , as he called him.

 

[Boulder350]

You find the most amazing Model of 91's. Thanks for sharing!

 

[Jtown]

Wonderful set.
Walt

 

[kraynky]

I am seriously lacking in knowledge of this model, and my S&W bible is miles away at the moment. I'm certainly missing something here.

Such as, how does one use a .22 barrel with the .38 cylinder? It's a fantastic looking set, kept in great condition, with very good documentation. I appreciate the education I receive here daily. And the pictures!

 

[Modelof1891]

Krayky,

You would remove the pivot screw and sleeve. Pull open the top latch and the revolver barrel and cylinder are removed together. Place the single shot barrel into the single action frame and add the sleeve and screw to the pivot point.
You are then ready to use in single shot mode.

Terry

 

[glowe]

All Model 1891, or 38 Single Action, 3rd Models were manufactured as if they were all centerfire revolvers. The frame is set up to align the firing pin with a 38 S&W central-fire cartridge if the cylinder & barrel are installed. When you put on a 22 single shot barrel, they are designed and bored so the firing pin lines up with the rim of the 22 cartridge. If you take an original 1891 single shot pistol frame, and attach a 38 Double Action barrel, they will function as a single action revolver.

 

[22/32 JDF]

WOW what a wonderful set. You are a lucky man indead. JIM

 

[huthike]

Just when I start to think I know a little about Smith & Wesson, I see something I've never seen before - usually on this forum.

What an outstanding set - thanks for sharing.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[rct269]

I see the front sight is Lyman. Is the rear also---the Ivory Slide sight?

Ralph Tremaine

 

[Modelof1891]

1891 combo set

I see the front sight is Lyman. Is the rear also---the Ivory Slide sight?

Ralph Tremaine

Yes Ralph... The same as your old 22530 revolver has!




Did you notice it letters and the single shot barrel is un-numbered?

I also have a letter for number 18740 that is listed in the "BOOK" as a combo set.... letter does not state so?!??
It has a case, extra barrels, screw driver set, extra standard grips.

Terry

 

[rct269]

Yes Ralph... The same as your old 22530 revolver has!




Did you notice it letters and the single shot barrel is un-numbered?

I also have a letter for number 18740 that is listed in the "BOOK" as a combo set.... letter does not state so?!??
It has a case, extra barrels, screw driver set, extra standard grips.

Terry

The unnumbered barrel would have bothered me back when----just as the unnumbered latch on 22530 did. I came close to not buying it because of that. Once 22530 lettered (and Jinks offered a plausible explanation for no number), I was very happy my lust had overcome my good sense. (And I've come across several more unnumbered latch guns since then, and snapped those suckers up-----right now!! Every single one lettered.)

Ralph Tremaine

 

[smitholdtimer]

Very interesting Terry

It's tough to maintain interest in the era that the major portion of your focas is directed during the local gun shows. I admire your bull dog stubborness and perseverance enduring so many shows with marginal success, then "the one" show presents an opportunity of a lifetime. Congratulations for a NICE FIND and knowing what you found!

 

[45Wheelgun]

I don't think a thread in the section has ever beat a Registered Magnum thread for "Thread of the Week" in the Ampersand.

Well done Sir.

 

[Modelof1891]

Ralph,
I have and have seen a great number of unnumbered latches and barrels. Most have been beyond serial number 15,000 and a greater number past 18,000. One is a Factory engraved frame and barrel with no number latch or barrel. Guess it would be hard to assemble the wrong barrel on that one during production.

Sam,
Thank you for the kind words!
I do enjoy the hunt!!

Terry

 

[singleshot1891]

A lot of Smith & Wesson collectors consider the Registered Magnums to be the "holy grail" of S&W collecting.
You, sir, have the holy grail right here.
Outstanding.....

WB

 

[Club Gun Fan]

Terry
Never thought I'd say this to another man, Nice Set!
Congratulations. I know what it's like to sit thru endless gun shows where no one knows what the hell they are looking at and you suddenly have someone like you had, come along. I had a Club Gun on display at a show a few years age and a guy came along and said he had one. Turns out he did.
Three years later I bought it from him. Turns out it was a .32/20 HE that lettered to Douglas Wesson.

 

[model3sw]

Terry, VERY nice catch there. Just amazing ! Sal Raimondi

 

[tyndalltb]

Wow, that's impressive. Did you get any of MAJ Allison's military accoutrements to go with it, medals, etc.? Beautiful piece of preserved S&W history.

 

[H Richard]

You cant get much better than that.

 

[m4user]

Truly a magnificent find. Well bought!!