1891 Target w/ Extra Barrel

[BenTolson]

I've been asked by a friend to gather information on this pistol. Would like to pursue a factory letter if possible. He does intend to sell it along with some other quality antique Colt pistols. I'm going to take them to the Texas Gun Collector Show next month as well as Tulsa in November. I'm open to constructive input. Thanks.

 

[glowe]

First thing is to determine if the barrel is serial numbered to the gun? Look up between the top latch on the rear face of the top-strap with a magnifying glass. The bottom of the latch should also have a serial number. If matching, it brings the value up considerably. These combination sets are very scarce and important to collectors. There were around 28,000 38 SA, 3rd Model revolvers as well. They originally came with a case and accessories. There is a list of combination sets in a book on S&W so if you share the serial number on the butt of the gun, we can check. These barrels could be ordered from the factory as well, and 38 SA owners could simply change out the barrels for target shooting.

They might not match since combination sets almost always have the case and accessories.

 

[Boulder350]

Some neat guns you have there.

I really like the model of 91 revolver and extra barrel. Do you mind posting the serial number or sharing it in a PM? I track the features of these guns to learn more about them. As Gary asked above, is there a serial number on the latch on on the extra single shot barrel? Do the serial numbers match on the revolver itself in the 4 main places, the frame, barrel, latch, and cylinder? The complete gun is a revolver with target stocks/grips on it. The front sight and rear latch on the revolver are the standard service sights that typically came with a revolver.

The serial number on the gun appears to have the number on the but. The stocks would need to be removed very carefully to see the number. Most of the factory assembled revolvers had the serial number on the bottom of the gun butt and most of the single shots had the serial number on the inside of the grip frame so you could read it while the target stocks were on. Is the extra barrel chambered in 22 long rifle?

Lets start with those questions. These guns were not a very strong seller so there are many options and configurations that the factory put together over the years. They were also prone to customization's by shooters through the years.

 

[BenTolson]

I located matching serial numbers on the butt & cylinder. Both are 9700. I don't see a serial number on the barrel or latch. I also haven't located a serial number anywhere on the .22 barrel. The only mark found is a "K" on the side of the .22 frame by the mounting screw.

 

[Boulder350]

The serial number on the barrel is located on a flat on the rear of the barrel where the latch is attached and pivots. Its easier to see the serial number if you lift the latch. The barrel serial numbers are the same size as the numbers on the bottom of the latch, so they are pretty small.

Its interesting that there are no numbers on the bottom of the revolver latch/rear sight.

I lettered almost all of my Model of 91 revolvers. Here is a link to order the letter.

Letters – Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation

swhistoricalfoundation.com

 

[glowe]

I located matching serial numbers on the butt & cylinder. Both are 9700. I don't see a serial number on the barrel or latch. I also haven't located a serial number anywhere on the .22 barrel. The only mark found is a "K" on the side of the .22 frame by the mounting screw.

I checked the book to find no combination set or numbered single shot pistol with that serial number. Only one close was 9200. Likely that the barrel was purchased later in life. It has been reported that the factory made some 3,200 barrels made, but less than half those went out with a factory ordered gun. Almost 2,000 were either sold or carried off by Bill Orr back in the 1950s or 1960s when he bought a truck load of parts cleaned out by the factory. The cleanout may have happened before the old factory was demolished?

 

[ol777gunnerz]

Photo of the serial numbers on a single shot, the one in the middle is the latch number, the one on the right is the barrel serial number, often requires cleaning with a Q-Tip, as well as magnification.