1899 First Model Target

[highpower3006]

I just picked up this First Model Target off of Armslist. Serial number 17480 should make it close to being one of the last ones made (1901?) before the change to the Model of 1902.

All the numbers match and while it doesn't have all that much of the original finish remaining, at least it hasn't been attacked with a wire brush or sandpaper like the M15-2 I picked up a couple of months ago. The bore is perfect and while the closeups show that I need to clean it up a bit more, I am really happy with it as there are no nicks or dings and the lock up is as tight as my newer guns

The only bummer is the original grips are gone and in their place was the ugliest set of homemade target grips I have ever personally seen. So now I am on the hunt for a set of correct originals, or at least something close.

I am pretty sure I did alright on this at $250 + the seller threw in a box of ammo in a FTF deal. Now I have my first pre five screw Smith.

Anyone have any idea of how many first model targets were made?

 

[murphydog]

Very nice find! Mike Priwer will be along shortly for more intelligent comments

You probably know the stocks you seek, flat top service stocks, checkered walnut.

 

[S&W ucla]

I'll give you your money back and you can keep the ammo! You did great in my opinion. Neat gun! I really like the 1899s. I picked up a set of original rubber grips for $75. Yours likely were hard rubber or walnut service grips. As to numbers, in my letter from Mr. Jinks he stated "the target models are a rare item in themselves". I had asked how many 5" targets were made. No estimate as to numbers.

 

[DWalt]

17480 would likely have shipped sometime in late 1901. Original grips were probably black hard rubber. Replicas of the originals are readily available. If you get on eBay you will find grips that will convert a K-frame round butt into a square butt form. While you are on eBay, you might be lucky enough to find an original pair. How many? No one knows. The usual estimate is less than 10% were the target version.

 

[red9]

You didn't do "alright." You did GREAT.

Bob

 

[H Richard]

The book shows 20975 were made between 1899 and 1902. Target models are a 25 to 3 times premium value increase. You have a fairly scarce gun. There are a few tricks for disassemble, and hopefully Mike Priwer will be along shortly.

 

[mikepriwer]

No doubt - the 1899 targets are scarce revolvers. This one is presentable, although it
has had a rough life. The cylinder shows fine pitting, and there seems to be something
on the rear face of the cylinder, that is perhaps covering up some kind of damage.

Grips are not a problem. The easiest ones to find are the black hard-rubber, and
they are not too expensive. Also, almost any pair of those will fit the frame. Most
likely, that is how the gun was shipped ; checkered concave non-medallion walnut
were special order.

While its probably correct that the factory "target" for adjustable-sighted revolver
production was around 10%, its not known if they met that goal. Furthermore, the
more important statistic is the estimated percentage of survivors. After all, we are
talking over 100 years. I think the survival rate on the 1899's is very low - perhaps
something less than 20%. There were about 20,000 1899 revolvers made in .38,
and 20% of that is 4000 guns. Based on what I observed offered for sale over the
years, that number seems way too high. Taking 10% of that for targets, that comes
to about 400 target 1899's .

400 seems high, but I suppose that many could exist today. Another thing about 1899's
is that very very few of them have any significant historical provenance. Ie, very very
few were presentation guns, very very few were engraved, etc. So, there would not
be much reason for an 1899 to stay with its original owner and his/her family for
100 years. Much more likely that almost all have been sold and resold several times.

Having said all of that, and making a case for target 1899's being scarce, they don't
command big money on resale - compared to a lot of other early revolvers. They are
not free, but the prices are still not all that high. This particular gun, given its surface
condition, was somewhat lower than I would have expected. Perhaps no one noticed
it !

Regards, Mike Priwer

 

[Mike McLellan]

That's a real beauty. The price was a steal!

 

[highpower3006]

Mike: Thanks for the info. What appears to be damage on the rear of the cylinder turned out to be some kind of oily crud when I cleaned it today.

I missed a set of original hard rubber grips on evilbay a couple of days ago as I was reluctant to buy stocks for a gun I didn't own yet. Since the walnut stocks were special order, I am not going to go out of my way to find a set. However, if some come up I am going to be all over them like a duck on a bug.

While it may not be highly collectable in it's current condition, I am still happy to have it. I am especially glad to have rescued it from the previous owner who had no use for it and had kept it in a holster for who knows how many years.

 

[Mike McLellan]

While it may not be highly collectable in it's current condition, I am still happy to have it.

I beg to differ high-power 3006. To some of us, that gun IS highly collectable. I paid almost twice that much for an 1899 with service sights, and still think I got a good deal. If you ever get tired of cleaning that thing, drop me a line.