2nd model Single Shot

[AL9478]

Sorry for the translation, but I don't know English very well.
I found this S&W pistol that should be a 2nd model Single Shot.
I'm not an expert on S&W, and here in Italy it's not easy to find reliable information on American products from the late 1800s and early 1900s. I bought it because it reminds me a lot of the Colt Camp Perry, which I bought several years ago.
It has serial number 2803; caliber 22LR, 10" barrel.
I ask you if it's possible to have confirmation of the model, and if you can also tell me what year it is. And if in your opinion the conditions are original (grips, sight, hammer)
I don't know if it's a model that has historical importance or if it's some special version. However, if you have some reliable reference, and you can tell me, I thank you in advance.
have a good day

 

[Modelof1891]

Hello AL9478,

The second model single shots were made from 1905 to 1909 and serial numbered from 1-4617.

Number 1949 was shipped on 7-17-1908 to Joe Wesson,

2769 shipped 11-28-1908.

Number 3643 was shipped 2-1-1910

 

[Retired W4]

Welcome to the forum. The 2nd model, at lease for me, has been the most elusive to find. With a mix of 1st model features (recoil shield and cuts for hand and cylinder stop) some could be considered transitional. I believe those were made by using up existing parts of 1st model frames, etc. The 3rd model is much easier to identify, as it is single action/double action. The 4th model Straight Line was a total departure from the earlier designs with fewer total production numbers.

 

[AL9478]

in the meantime thanks for the clarifications.
Do you think it is original enough or has it been modified?
thanks again

 

[Retired W4]

It all looks original to me, less the short front sight. I am not familiar with that one but I am no expert, just an interested student. Those who know more of these things should be around shortly.

 

[glowe]

I believe it is a gunsmith or owner made front sight, but not from original factory sights known to me?? Wonder if the rear sight has a wide slot?

 

[Modelof1891]

2nd Model Single Shot

It looks correct except for the front sight. The frame has one pin above the trigger which is correct for being over serial number 1500. The cuts in the frame appear normal and the grips are right.

 

[rct269]

More ship dates---and I'll throw in barrel lengths and the amounts received during the recent liquidation of my collection.

#3327, November 2, 1909, 6", $1750

#3944, February 17, 1910, 10", $800

#3666, May 8, 1910, 8", $1200

The variation in values tracks with the barrel lengths---the 10" were as common as dirt (to be expected), the 8" less so, and the 6" were not hardly----this one was a special order for a single unit.

The single shots were my favorites. I ended up with one each of every model, every barrel length, and every variation--at least every variation I know of.

Ralph Tremaine

I take that "every variation" back. I believe it was what I'll call in between the 1st and 2nd Models that some so called transitional models appeared. They looked like 2nd Models, but they lettered in accord with their serial number. Those with four digit numbers lettered as 2nd models. Those with high five digit numbers lettered as 1st Models. I never came across any of those. I believe all this was in an effort to confuse all of us who came along later.

 

[AL9478]

I believe it is a gunsmith or owner made front sight, but not from original factory sights known to me?? Wonder if the rear sight has a wide slot?

the rear sight

 

[Retired W4]

the rear sight

Looks like a normal U-notch. glowe asked the question (I think) because the front sight is so wide.

 

[mmaher94087]

The photo of the front sight does look larger than normal, but I wonder if it is an original sight that has been cut down/modified by a previous owner? The photo makes it appear bigger than normal. Nice 2nd Model Single Shot.

 

[glowe]

There was nothing with a bead that large coming out of the factory back then. It also appears to be tilted not in line with the barrel rib. The rear sight has been widened as well.