family heirloom

[patrickd]

I need some of you expert S&W guys/gals to help me identify a revolver I have inherited. It has been in my family for at least 125 years or so. The markings are as follows.

Smith & Wesson Springfield Mass U.S.A. PAT. July 10. 60 JAN 17 FEB 17 . JULY 11. 65 & AUG 24. 69


Serial # on but of revolver reads 20936

I have pics, but can't figure out how to attach them from my computer to this post so if anyone can give me some guidance on how to do that I'd appreciate it greatly.

 

[murphydog]

Welcome! We would need to know more details, photos would be icing on the cake after this. Click on the Search function at the top of the home page, then put To identify your gun into the Search Site/Google function and give the information there.

After this, information on posting photos is under FAQ at the top of the page, click on reading and posting messages, then click on Attachments and Images.

 

[patrickd]

 

[murphydog]

It's a model 3, a contemporary of the Colt SAA. This is out of my area of knowledge but one of the antique collectors here will be along with more information. In the meantime, we like family stories here . Hope this is helpful.

 

[Skeetr57]

It is either a 2nd model American or a 1st model Russian, depending on the caliber and markings. If the chambers in the cylinder are straight cylindrical holes, it is the 2nd model American, if the chambers have a slight step in them toward the front, it is the Russian version. These were made from about 1870 to 1873 or so.

 

[S&W ucla]

Now that's an heirloom!!! The gun would be a treasure to anybody by itself, you got it with a period belt, holster and family history to boot!!!
WOW!!!

 

[DWalt]

Yours appears to be the S&W Model 3 American, Second Model. From the serial number, probably from 1873-74. Most were chambered in the .44 American caliber (centerfire), but a few were also chambered in .44 Henry rimfire. A good closeup picture of the cocked hammer would help resolve the caliber determination. That is a very nice revolver to have for an heirloom. Many famous Old West characters carried these and similar revolvers.

 

[quinn]

That is absolutely awesome! Gun with leather & history...

 

[Hoosier45]

Judging by the ammo in the belt, it looks to be a .44 American (centerfire). Very very cool.

 

[DWalt]

It could possibly be a shooter, but .44 American ammo (if that is what it takes) is long obsolete. Maybe some custom ammo loaders still offer it, catering to the Cowboy Action shooters, but I doubt it. Someone who knows what he is doing can form usable brass from .41 Magnum cases.

 

[opoefc]

If you intend to keep this gun in the family, you should obtain a S&W Factory Historical letter for the gun. There's a link on this Forum to the application form to obtain a factory letter, also a link on the S&W web page. Roy Jinks, S&W Factory Historian will send you a letter telling to whom, when and where the gun was originally shipped and the configuration of the gun when shipped. Cost is $50 but well with it to keep with the gun for future generations. Ed.

 

[mmaher94087]

Please do not store the revolver in its leather holster. The tannins in the leather will destroy the finish.

 

[raljr1]

Why didn't anyone in my family ever leave anything like this behind?? A wonderful heirloom......

 

[bbqncigars]

A beautiful piece. I think it's safe to say that the holster was made for a shorter gun.

 

[ersiii]

That gun , depending on condition, could be worth many thousands of dollars! You really need to get it out of that holster, get the S&W letter and get it appraised! What a great historical gun you have...

 

[rjb1]

I can't believe no one has directly asked this, so here goes:
Do you know anything specific about the history of that fantastic heirloom? Who owned it, when and where, and anything else?

 

[patrickd]

I can't believe no one has directly asked this, so here goes:
Do you know anything specific about the history of that fantastic heirloom? Who owned it, when and where, and anything else?

All I know is that it was one of my uncle's revolvers. How many Great Great's back?? Do not know. I really need to spend the money on doing some research. It has been in the family for generations.

 

[1891SingleShot]

Wow, what a family heirloom!!!! Congrats on a fine looking old Smith & Wesson.

 

[patrickd]

Heirloom update..
A few months ago I sent some pictures of my old heirloom S&W to Gary James of Guns and Ammo magazine. Imagine my surprise when I opened the July 2016 issue and there on page 17 was my revolver! He stated it was a S&W #3 2nd model. Holster was it's original Olive-pattern, Mexican loop holster with cartridge and money belt of the same time frame as the gun. Said the gun value was a "solid" $3,000.00 and here's the real kicker.. Holster added ANOTHER $2,000 to the total! $2,000 for the holster?!

 

[murphydog]

Thanks for the update. If you have not already requested a history letter it may shed some insight as to how/when your relative might have acquired it:

Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation - Letter Process - Insuring that the rich history of Smith & Wesson will continue for generations to come