American Arms Co. Boston, MA

[Retired W4]

Yesterday I was looking at this, IMO strange revolver. It has a safety switch on the top of the frame, where an exposed hammer would be. There is another switch on the left side of the frame that I have no idea what it's function. This one is in very good condition. Not bad for a gun that is over 130 years old. The DA only trigger is a really heavy monster. Any one have an idea what the value would be.

 

[2152hq]

The left side switch allows you to select the revolver to function in either single stage or 2-stage trigger pull.

I'd guess around $300 in exc , near NIB condition (JMHO of course).
The folks who collect the 'Suicide Special' brand name revolvers usually don't expect to pay a lot for them.
They are kind of unique. Not often seen, but not a true rarity either.

 

[Retired W4]

Thank you for that information. I'm going back this afternoon to again look at it and a 25-2 they had. If I can make a deal I will of course post more pictures. These guns were relegated to the Saturday night special category of the turn of the century. It looks better than that to me.

 

[Retired W4]

Even Flayderman's says it constitutes a decidedly "firearm oddity" with it's "distinctive and unique features". The safety switch locks the trigger and the release latch/rear sight. As 2152hq mentioned above, the small switch on the left side lets you have a standard DA trigger or a 2 stage trigger. Note the position of the trigger in two of the photos. In the 2 stage position the trigger pull is much shorter. The button above the cylinder releases the cylinder for cleaning or loading. Bore and chambers were surprisingly clean and bright and timing is good. I believe it is an early production, as Pat's Pending is marked on the top strap. The only serial number I can find on it is 1004 scratched into the inside of one stock panel. Chambered for 38 S&W.