Help ID my great-grandfather S&W revolver

[DWalt]

What you have is called (commonly) a S&W Triple Lock, but S&W called it the New Century model or First Model. The "Triple Lock" refers to three points at which the cylinder is retained in the frame. That feature was dropped rather early on, close to SN 15000. After that the third locking point was eliminated as unnecessary. Your SN indicates that it probably left the factory sometime in 1915. In the condition of yours, it would be highly desirable, but I can't make a good guess as to its value. It is the first hand ejector made by S&W using the large N-sized frame. The somewhat later Third Model is very close in appearance to the First Model, but lacks the third locking point on the yoke. Between those two is the Second Model, which has no shroud around the extractor rod. A relatively small number of Triple Locks saw service with the British during WWI, but in a different caliber. Someone will be along who can probably tell you more. It is probably worth the $100 cost of getting a historical letter which will tell you the exact shipping date and to where it was first shipped, most often a retailer or a S&W distributor, although there is a small possibility that it may letter as being shipped to an individual. It won't tell you any history beyond that.

This will illustrate the "Triple Lock" feature: Smith & Wesson Triple Lock aka 44 Hand Ejector 1st Model 'New Century' Model

 

[glowe]

That is a very special heirloom. It shipped in 1915 or 1916, so is over 100 years old. Very well kept and amazed that the holster did not do some damage to it?? The original stocks would have been walnut checkered diamond service style with a gold medallion in the top round like the photo below. Many people like horn, but I am a "as it left the factory" kind of guy.

 

[deyomatic]

I can't remember the last time I put so many likes in one thread. This is the Royal Flush of the S&W world. A guy inherits one of the most highly sought after models with barely a turn line on the cylinder, it's been in the family for 4 generations and he's going to keep it that way. Fantastic.

You didn't happen to also inherit a 1911 made by a certain sewing machine company, did you?

 

[Chukar60]

Very nice OP. You have the masses drooling and for good reason as many here have noted.
I tend to look at it a little differently. First owner history, the holster and those stocks are well complimented by that Triple lock.
Take good care of it and while others may counsel you against it, take it out once in a while in it's holster and shoot it. You can appreciate the entire set up that way.

 

[LATD]

I can't remember the last time I put so many likes in one thread. This is the Royal Flush of the S&W world. A guy inherits one of the most highly sought after models with barely a turn line on the cylinder, it's been in the family for 4 generations and he's going to keep it that way. Fantastic.

You didn't happen to also inherit a 1911 made by a certain sewing machine company, did you?

And you have my like! That's a really nice comment.

The response I've got here was completely unexpected. I'm glad I can learn from the commenters and we all can appreciate this gun.

 

[delcrossv]

Beautiful revolver! Keep her cleaned and oiled with high quality gun oil and she'll maintain that condition indefinitely.

Like everyone else on this thread, I urge you to get a good gun rug to keep her in that rather than the holster.

I shoot standard velocity lead bulleted 44 Specials in mine- you'll be amazed as to how accurate yours is. Like with all centenarians, a little light exercise now and again is not a bad thing.

Congratulations!

 

[Igiveup]

Beautiful, just simply beautiful. Is there any identification on the back of the holster, or just made by the charro? Jealous of the grips, also.

 

[bill-in-texas]

Welcome from Central Texas, LATD!

As you have already discovered, the knowledgeable folks here are happy to share what they know.
I encourage you to explore the site, use the search function, read the helpful "stickies" and yes, ask questions.
It's understandable that not all who wander in are diehard collector-enthusiasts, but there is so much accumulated (& shared) knowledge here, it's my belief there's something for everyone who asks and/or shares.

I'll share a personal observation:
The culture that has been promoted and developed here is head-and-shoulders above most firearms-related forums, in terms of friendliness, scholarship, and experience. I have benefited greatly from my visits.

I truly hope you stick around to experience this for yourself!

Thank you for sharing your family heirloom...
You've made one heck of an entrance!

-Bill

 

[dcopper]

Will a sponge clean up the DROOL on a laptop keyboard? I certainly hope so! That S&W is absolutely gorgeous. Be Proud, Very Proud. What a piece of Smith & Wesson History.

 

[rocknroad]

Hi Paul

The gun has been in the family for 4 generations and it is going to stay that way. It is amazing to know you own a piece of history specially in such great condition.

Good man.

I was given my Grandfather's LEO 38-44 Outdoorsman a few years back, by my Dad. I cherish that old gun and have it displayed next to my desk.

Although having the period correct stocks is nice (My Grandfather lost the original pre-war Magnas), I have a similar pair in the display case. The custom target stocks are what he used during his patrol days so, I keep them protected, with the gun.

A wise member here once told me, "Every time you shoot the gun (with his custom stocks), it is like you are shaking hands with your Grandfather." It is.

Your kids and their kids will, hopefully, appreciate that you were a good guardian of a priceless family heirloom. I'm glad you won't be caving to the temptation of a quick buck.

 

[LATD]

Welcome from Central Texas, LATD!

As you have already discovered, the knowledgeable folks here are happy to share what they know.
I encourage you to explore the site, use the search function, read the helpful "stickies" and yes, ask questions.
It's understandable that not all who wander in are diehard collector-enthusiasts, but there is so much accumulated (& shared) knowledge here, it's my belief there's something for everyone who asks and/or shares.

I'll share a personal observation:
The culture that has been promoted and developed here is head-and-shoulders above most firearms-related forums, in terms of friendliness, scholarship, and experience. I have benefited greatly from my visits.

I truly hope you stick around to experience this for yourself!

Thank you for sharing your family heirloom...
You've made one heck of an entrance!

-Bill

Thanks, this looks like a great community. You never know what to expect when posting in expert forums but everyone here has been really nice and willing to share their knowledge.

 

[LATD]

Beautiful, just simply beautiful. Is there any identification on the back of the holster, or just made by the charro? Jealous of the grips, also.

Nothing, probably custom made by a local shop.

 

[LATD]

Beautiful revolver! Keep her cleaned and oiled with high quality gun oil and she'll maintain that condition indefinitely.

Like everyone else on this thread, I urge you to get a good gun rug to keep her in that rather than the holster.

I shoot standard velocity lead bulleted 44 Specials in mine- you'll be amazed as to how accurate yours is. Like with all centenarians, a little light exercise now and again is not a bad thing.

Congratulations!

Thanks for the info.

 

[LATD]

Good man.

I was given my Grandfather's LEO 38-44 Outdoorsman a few years back, by my Dad. I cherish that old gun and have it displayed next to my desk.

Although having the period correct stocks is nice (My Grandfather lost the original pre-war Magnas), I have a similar pair in the display case. The custom target stocks are what he used during his patrol days so, I keep them protected, with the gun.

A wise member here once told me, "Every time you shoot the gun (with his custom stocks), it is like you are shaking hands with your Grandfather." It is.

Your kids and their kids will, hopefully, appreciate that you were a good guardian of a priceless family heirloom. I'm glad you won't be caving to the temptation of a quick buck.

That is a really nice gun!

 

[quinn]

As resident of a town where we still have charreadas, a 5th generation south Texan Texan, and the son of Texas rodeo people, I have two requests for your: (1) please don't continue to store it in a leather holster, and (2) most important in my book, don't you dare replace those gorgeous stag grips with anything else! Your great grandfather put them there because they belonged in his book. I have a number of old Texas 44's, and virtually none of them found me wearing factory wood. Yes, I do care about factory wood but in my book, sometimes it is simply not appropriate to the gun or its use. This is my opinion and and is not meant to reflect the opinions of others. Some of us refer to your Triple Lock/ carved holster rig as a "BBQ" gun. You have a great piece of border area history and a family treasure.

PS. I would love to know if that holster is marked with any maker's named.

 

[LATD]

As resident of a town where we still have charreadas, a 5th generation south Texan Texan, and the son of Texas rodeo people, I have two requests for your: (1) please don't continue to store it in a leather holster, and (2) most important in my book, don't you dare replace those gorgeous stag grips with anything else! Your great grandfather put them there because they belonged in his book. I have a number of old Texas 44's, and virtually none of them found me wearing factory wood. Yes, I do care about factory wood but in my book, sometimes it is simply not appropriate to the gun or its use. This is my opinion and and is not meant to reflect the opinions of others. Some of us refer to your Triple Lock/ carved holster rig as a "BBQ" gun. You have a great piece of border area history and a family treasure.

PS. I would love to know if that holster is marked with any maker's named.

Thanks for the comment. There are no plans on doing any modifications to the gun, it will stay the way it is.

I looked at the holster and there is nothing on it. It was probably custom made in norther Mexico. I will try to dig into this, may be find some pictures.

 

[jcs266]

How exciting to see a thread like this - such a spectacular specimen of one of the All-Time great S&W's.

Get that historical letter from S&W historian, it will be the icing on the cake for such a special heirloom.

Was the original owner your Great-Grandfather? He sure did have good taste!

Thanks so much for sharing. And there's no penalty for posting all the pics you like, we'll never get tired of this one.

I'm interested in hearing more about that holster from our resident gun-leather experts here.

 

[andy52]

That is one very nice TL, you really don't see many in that good of condition. I would definitely get that one lettered.
When I got mine a few years ago I wasn't sure if I wanted to letter it or not. Well I did and the information in the letter led to a lot of additional info. The gun shipped to the shelton-payne arms company El Paso TX in 1915 during the height of the Mexican revolution and found it's way into Mexico and was re-imported back to the US in the 1970s.
I've enjoyed the thought of one of Pancho Villa revolutionaries
walking into the gun shop buying this TL and riding back across the border.

 

[LATD]

That is one very nice TL, you really don't see many in that good of condition. I would definitely get that one lettered.
When I got mine a few years ago I wasn't sure if I wanted to letter it or not. Well I did and the information in the letter led to a lot of additional info. The gun shipped to the shelton-payne arms company El Paso TX in 1915 during the height of the Mexican revolution and found it's way into Mexico and was re-imported back to the US in the 1970s.
I've enjoyed the thought of one of Pancho Villa revolutionaries
walking into the gun shop buying this TL and riding back across the border.

That is a cool story. Our guns may share some history, the original owner (great-grandfather) lived most of his life in the state of Chihuahua and his ranch was actually 150 miles south of El Paso Tx.

I'm not sure if these were exported into Mexico at the time, I'm guessing he probably bought the gun in El Paso Tx. and took it to Mexico with him.

 

[andy52]

That is a cool story. Our guns may share some history, the original owner (great-grandfather) lived most of his life in the state of Chihuahua and his ranch was actually 150 miles south of El Paso Tx.

I'm not sure if these were exported into Mexico at the time, I'm guessing he probably bought the gun in El Paso Tx. and took it to Mexico with him.

The Shelton-Payne company was notorious for selling gun and ammo to both sides of the conflict and were by far the biggest gun dealer in El Paso. There net sales were in the millions during the early 1900s.