Bicycle Revolvers
- Thread starter Leroy Thompson
- Start date
opoefc
US Veteran
Ian, To have any value, a 2 incher must letter and have the barrel number matching the rest of the gun's numbers and no "rework/repair " dates stamped on the left grip frame. Having said that there's probably 10, or more, cut barrel guns out there for each original 2 incher. Auction sales of nice original 90% or better, 2 inchers, with the creds I stated, seem to run from $1500 up to $3000 range if they have their original box. If you find a factory engraved one, the sky's the limit. Ed
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High Wheelers are not for the faint of heart. My uncle had a few and tried to teach me how to ride, I did finally get the hang of it but it is tricky. The only suspension is the springs in the seat, hard rubber tires. If you remember back to your days of riding a tricycle, remember you could go much faster by standing on the step between the wheels and pushing with you foot, not unlike riding a skateboard. Like a tricycle there is no brake if you override the pedals which is a highly dangerous technique. On downhill sections where your speed overrides the pedals you can put your legs over the handlebars in case you get in a rut, hit a rock or anything that inhibits the large front wheel from turning, this is where "doing a header" comes from because you will be launched over the handlebars head first, with your legs over the handlebars you can at least hit the ground feet first.
This is why I have generally steered clear of these.
However, I think a good indication of originality are barrel markings on both sides of the barrel, as opposed to on the rib. I suppose, like anything, this too can be faked.
I have this homely one. Haven't lettered it, but pretty sure it's legit.
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It was all about 'Safety Bicycles' by then though! ( Which we may be sure, everyone was quite happy about! )...1890s through 'teens...
I used to see lovely original garage-kept 1890s through 19-ohs Bicycles for sale cheap at the old Pomona Swap Meet back in the late 1980s though mid 1990s, and oddly enough I remember buying one for 80 bucks, but I can not remember for sure what happened with it..!
I remember buying it, inspecting it closely, being SO happy...they had such lovely details and engineering...wacky Brakes usually...but who cares?
I t-h-i-n-k I gave it to a girlfriend at the time, darn it...
Ohhhh, eeeeesh!
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I like it! I'll even come pick it up and give it a good home.
Looks legit to me...I'd have no doubts about this one.
It is an early one too..!
Nice!!
Homely, not homeless.. so far I'm keeping her...if that changes I'll let you know...
Robert
OP
Leroy Thompson
Member
1.5" Bicycle revolvers
Even rarer are the 1.5" Bicycle Revolvers, which letter. I show two of those I own in the article. I always have trouble posting photos on this site so if someone wants to PM me an email I'll send a photo and you can post it.
Even rarer are the 1.5" Bicycle Revolvers, which letter. I show two of those I own in the article. I always have trouble posting photos on this site so if someone wants to PM me an email I'll send a photo and you can post it.
That's why I showed the pic with the barrel lettering on the side and not on the top of the barrel. A sure sign of original configuration for a short barrel.
I'll also mention that with .32 Safety's short barrels seem to be more common and the .38 Safety's extra long barrel are more often seen.
The 'squeezers' are the only antique S&W's I've kept. The are not very valuable, they are fit and finished like Swiss watches, with pins the size of sewing needles and I find them delightful!
I'll also mention that with .32 Safety's short barrels seem to be more common and the .38 Safety's extra long barrel are more often seen.
The 'squeezers' are the only antique S&W's I've kept. The are not very valuable, they are fit and finished like Swiss watches, with pins the size of sewing needles and I find them delightful!
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OP
Leroy Thompson
Member
I got permission to post a link to the article
S&W Snub-Nose Bicycle Revolvers — Elegant and Vintage
S&W Snub-Nose Bicycle Revolvers — Elegant and Vintage
Bicycle revolver .38 S&W Safety Hammerless 1-1/2"
Just sent for a factory letter on a 1-1/2" .38 S&W Safety Hammerless SN 259XXX. No writing on barrel, pinned front sight. Thanks for making your article available.
Just sent for a factory letter on a 1-1/2" .38 S&W Safety Hammerless SN 259XXX. No writing on barrel, pinned front sight. Thanks for making your article available.
Thank you, Leroy
MrOverlay
Member
I am fortunate enough to have one of these. It is a 38 safety hammerless 4th model. Very cool little gun.
I got so inspired by the original postings that I picked up a fairly nice .38 safety hammer-less, took it to my favorite local gun wizard and am in the process of having it turned into a re-make of the bike revolver and will keep a weather eye peeled for an original. He called me to report that he purchased the proper cutter to re-install the front sight in its new shortened barrel, that has been cut and properly crowned. The markings on the top of the barrel are going to not match up as the original but it will still be a neat little piece, his work is usually very good.
max503
Member
Wow. Thanks for the article. I remember reading your stuff a LONG time ago. In particular, I remember an article about crossdraw, and how you could have your hand on the gun's grip while crossing your arms. Don't ask me how I remember that.
I still ride a bike and carry a 38 snubbie so this is pertinent stuff. Keep up the good work!
