Model 1-1/2 Old Model

[Wiregrassguy]

Prior to the symposium, I was able to acquire this 3-1/2" Model 1-1/2 in a presentation box with vintage black powder cartridges. The cartridges have a U head stamp. The gun is tight and the action is smooth. The bore is fairly clean. But only traces of the blue finish which I believe was original remain. The wood box has some scratches and one hinge needs repair, but is otherwise in good condition. I'm looking for a skeleton key for the box. Here she is:

 

[BMur]

Hey Guy,
I've got a few wood cased guns with the key and lock that actually works. The keys aren't very hard to find but finding one that works the lock? That's a different story.

 

[iby]

Very nice set!

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Thanks for the kind words, guys!



Anyone with a similar M. W. Robinson case that knows what type of key fits the lock? I saw a different style but period case at the Symposium with a short key but don't know if that would work.

 

[Jtown]

Nice looking gun. Will you shoot this one?
Walt

 

[BMur]

Which key is it?

Hey Guy,
So the different Distributor cases had slightly different keys based on early or late production? Or possibly based on which Distributor contracted the case from the case maker?
Anyway, first photo are my keys that came with my Cased Smiths and one Colt Thunderer.
•The top key is from an inscribed Model 1 1/2 dated 1875. So that’s an early key.
• The next one down is from a cased beautifully factory blued Baby Russian( one of my favorites). We know they were made one year. 1876.
• The next one down is an Mid 1880’s cased Colt Thunderer key. So that’s the later key.
• The last one is an 1880 cased 38 S&W 2nd Model SA in a rare coffin case with presentation engraving. ( See Photo) I like that one a lot also. You can see the key in the case.

These are the cased guns that I own that have keys that actually work the lock so they are likely original to the case.
Hope this helps.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Thanks! That helps a lot. They all look very similar to the key I saw at symposium. I've seen lots of these for sale on eBay so I may have to buy a lot to get the lock to match up with the key. My case looks like your baby Russians. I may have to find a key like that. Wheee!

Guy