Model 1? with Gutta Percha case

[cbjordan76]

Bought this from a local estate sale. I am not familiar with these models and would like to know what I bought... I was was just interested in the case not particularly the gun. Stocks are numbered to the gun (if they did stamp them back then). Case is in rough shape, but I guess for its age. I have never seen one before and know nothing about them. Is there a safe way to clean the case and not damage it? Any idea on value of items? I paid $400.00 for everything. Thanks again!

 

[krsmith58]

too cool , can hardley wait for the experts to answer your questions . i am like Sgt. Shultz , i know nothing , kenny

 

[gmborkovic]

$400, wow, I just fainted. Had these boxes before. Very fragile.
The hinge pins are old iron rods rubbing against soft brass hinges.
They rust and cause the hinge to stick. Open and close gently, or the hinge flat will crack the Gutta. Just keep the gun and box separate.
You did great.

 

[glowe]

The revolver is very nice, with original deep blue barrel and looks totally original. The box, on the other hand is rough and in sad condition. There are people who can restore them and it may be a candidate for restoration. I think you would get more than you money back from a good repair of the box. The gun is probably worth $400+ and the box is only a guess at $600.

Nice find and the box worth the cost of restoration, plus it will preserve it for future generations.

 

[cbjordan76]

Thanks for the info. Is the gun a model 1? I looked in catalog but can't identify. Thanks

 

[glowe]

Model 1, 2nd Issue. They were made from 1860 to 1868 and in serial number range from 11,672 to 126,361. It probably shipped late in the Civil War time, maybe 1864 or early 1865.

 

[mmaher94087]

To clean the case, start with warm soap & water and a tooth brush. Dawn is a good soap. Carefully brush the case making sure that the runoff water doesn't get back into the case as the dirty water will stain.

Personally, I would leave the case 'as-is' as I believe a restoration would show the repairs.

 

[cbjordan76]

Thanks for the replies. Does anyone know of whom might do repairs on such and their work?

 

[iby]

Don Furr has done these repairs.
[email protected]

 

[gmborkovic]

Some of you guys remind me of people that find a 1750s Philadelphia
highboy in an attic and immediately strip that beautiful dark, crusty finish off. Washing away centuries of its history away. Leave the box alone. If the next guy wants it restored, so be it.

 

[iby]

Some of you guys remind me of people that find a 1750s Philadelphia
highboy in an attic and immediately strip that beautiful dark, crusty finish off. Washing away centuries of its history away. Leave the box alone. If the next guy wants it restored, so be it.

He IS the next guy

P.S. I like it either way

 

[mrcvs]

Some of you guys remind me of people that find a 1750s Philadelphia
highboy in an attic and immediately strip that beautiful dark, crusty finish off. Washing away centuries of its history away. Leave the box alone. If the next guy wants it restored, so be it.

I was thinking the same thing, but it seems like I (we) are the minority.

 

[gmborkovic]

We may be the minority, but we are the smarter group. I have bought several of those boxes since the 70s. First thing I look for is a repair and ask. If I want to re-sell it, I now have to make excuses about a glue line or some type of restoration. Just leave it alone.

 

[cjwils]

I have a model 1, second issue with serial number 113xxx. My S&W history letter says it was shipped in July 1867. I paid $300 for mine several years ago, with no box. Yours is nicer.

By the way, I have shot mine successfully using very low pressure CB shorts. Never use regular .22 shorts in these.

 

[glowe]

We may be the minority, but we are the smarter group. Just leave it alone . . .

Let's not coerce the OP into any particular decision. He has most everyone's opinion and we should leave it at that. do not call yourself smart or infer others are not!!!

 

[gmborkovic]

OH Gary, but Im smarter than the average bear. Boo Boo has the pic a nic
basket from Ranger Bob and we are off to dine. Leave it alone?, no can do.

 

[BMur]

I honestly think it depends on the quality of the repair. If you can’t tell it’s been repaired, that to me represents a quality job. If it has glue lines? Or color mismatched? Sounds like a pass. Gutta Percha is a hard rubber of sorts. There are folks out there that repair antique hard rubber grips and you can’t tell. They use a cast. Not sure anyone has a cast for this rare case though? Plus Im absolutely sure they would have to completely strip it down, removing the original cloth insert etc. that’s spooky to me!

Nice case as is!

Murph

 

[Patbar]

Here in France, a restored, refurbished or re-blued antique gun or accessory immediately loses more than half of its value.

 

[glowe]

Patbar, I read your post and have to reply. I cannot believe that a beat up, falling apart case with interior in worse condition can lose half its value by professionally restoring it? I am not talking about Elmer’s glue and masking tape like we often see out there, but rather professional restoration. In my mind it is required for this particular item in order to preserve the integrity of the piece that may well be ultimately lost to history without stabilization and repair. My understanding is that Doug does excellent work and can remold the missing sections to make invisible repairs.

 

[BMur]

This is the absolutely perfect example of an antique collectable that often splits collectors opinions. I have to admit I'm having an argument with myself on this one...LOL.... To leave as original or repair the unsightly chunks missing from the gutta percha case?

However, it's been my experience that those collectors that collect cased guns? Absolutely maintain their disapproval when a case has been relined and that's the only part of the repair position I'm having a problem with. Original lining is like an original material on antique furniture. Leave it alone!! or lose significant value!!
On the other hand the huge chunks missing are very unsightly and can be professionally repaired so that "you can't tell" they were even there. So why not repair them? Still the purist collectors see those chunks as "proof" of original unaltered condition!
You also can't get past the fact that relining the case is a "sin" to case collectors and represents "real" value loss. I really like the original lining in this case. I believe that most collectors would agree.
You would have to heat up that hard rubber to make an invisible repair so the original lining would likely be either removed and replaced or damaged by the heat?
If the professional restoration "guaranties " that the original material will not be damaged? Why not fix the chunks? Especially if you "can't " tell it's been repaired? but I have my doubts. Some of those chunks missing look like very old damage also so I can certainly see why collectors are torn on this excellent and rare example.

The truth is that most collectors wouldn't even bother with repairing it. Once they see the price tag on the repair job!

Murph