Identification of an old S&W in box

[Modelof1891]

COMBO SETS

Matching number combo sets:
8088, 18740, 18765, 19194, 14261
I don't have all my info with me but I do have this one example letter copy.
Serial number 18740 "shipped June 14 1899, and delivered to M.W. Robinson, New York, NY. The records indicate that this pistol was shipped with a 10 inch barrel, blue finish, and checkered black hard rubber extension target grips. The shipping records clear show that this was a standard .22 Single Shot and was not shipped as a combination set."
So check your copy of "The Book" and see if you also see it in there.
8088 has no box, 18740 in a bubble walnut case, 19194 in the oak case with the lining, tools and all.

 

[BMur]

Collection

Nice collection Terry,
If you get a chance I’d sure like to see the information you have on any combination set that has the serial number stamped on the bottom of the grip.
Here is my 38 Single shot 1st model. 1 of 160.

Yeah, I’ve documented letters that were researched years apart on the same gun and the information does not jive. One letter has a huge amount of information and the other letter contradicts that info and is much less informative.

You would think that once research is performed on a gun and a letter is issued that information would be filed for repeats in the future. But that makes too much sense.

Murph

 

[Modelof1891]

COMBO SETS AND SINGLE SHOTS

BMUR,

THAT .38 IS 100 NUMBERS LESS THAN ONE I HAVE, 15189.

 

[Boulder350]

Very interesting Murph. Here are my 2 single shot 38's. They must have assembled a batch of them. Why they don't follow chronological order is a mystery. The higher serial number went to H.M. Wood in August of 1894, not to a distributor.

I have a revolver that letters as a revolver with the target stocks and the serial number is on the front strap.

The more I learn about this model, the more I find out there are no rules on all guns, just guidelines. I think they followed rules for standard production guns, but there were so many special orders over a long period of time (10+ years), that there are no hard and fast rules. Its my favorite model to collect and research.

 

[BMur]

Great Stuff

It’s not that I disagree with anything posted on this thread. I’m reading with an open mind.
I’m only trying to prove it either way. The OP obviously got the information they wanted which seems to happen often. They post and then disappear.
Human error is a very common factor with research and is always applicable. It’s just my position to stay on the most informed side of the street. I don’t like guessing or speculating on the antique firearm subject without researched and documented information backing it up.

Murph

 

[mmaher94087]

Murph, post #22 shows your SN# 15989. The list shows SN 15089. Can you check that serial number please?

 

[BMur]

Serial number

It’s a 0 Mike. Poor photo. It also matches the barrel number etc.
I’ll see if I can take a photo of the barrel number tomorrow.
Murph

 

[BMur]

Serial numbers

Mike actually brings up an excellent point that is often the root cause of error with research. Serial numbers.

Antique Smith and Wesson revolvers are normally read from butt to muzzle.
However if you involve the numbers 6,9,8,0,1,&7 You can actually be reading the serial number upside down.

I saw a recent auction where they listed the serial number incorrectly. It was lettered too. So major mistakes made.

The number listed was 90069 but the actual serial number is 69006. See photos.

7’s and 1’s are included since they can sometimes be soft stamped and resemble either one.

Murph

 

[BMur]

Barrel number

Here is a photo of the matching barrel and latch numbers. It’s all matching with an excellent bore and is on the list.

Murph

 

[Gassali]

AnswerIdentification of an old S&W in box

Thank you all for the information provided.
The .22 barrel has the same serial number as the 38S$W cylinder, barrel and stock 11234, but not the receiver. It is a relic that has been in the family for decades, great-grandfather, grandfather, mother, according to the story (my story) great-grandfather won it in a shooting contest.
P.S. As soon as I can, I will upload photos.

 

[BMur]

Photos?

Waiting patiently for the photos of the serial numbers.

Murph