Model 1902 1st change info

[Mark4]

I just got this beauty (s/n 419xx) and was wondering if you guys would answer a few questions for me. I think the finish is original and wondered if anything looks out of order to you guys?
I'm also wondering if it can handle 158 grain factory loads due to it's early production and what is the value for one of these models in this condition?
Any help or advice is appreciated.

 

[murphydog]

It looks original - case-colored hammer and trigger, sharp edges and lettering. Is the bore/chamber/mechanical condition similarly nice, as in little to no use? It was made in the early smokeless powder era but before modern heat-treatment, so I would restrict this one to 148 WC target loads.

If original and clean mechanically, I would guess high three-figures ($700-800?) due to its exceptional condition. Interested to read what others think.

 

[Dragon88]

It is exceptionally clean for it's age. Where was this gun hiding out for all those decades to still be so pristine?

You have a very nice gun. Please keep it well and restrict your shooting to light loads if you do shoot it. Assuming the internals are as nice, I would not put a single round through it personally.

 

[mikepriwer]

I'd have to see this gun in person, to make a judgement about the
originality of the finish. It certainly looks very very good, but my
intuition is that it looks too good. There is something about the
appearance of the nickel finish ( I assume that is what it is ) that is
different from a couple of my nickel guns from that era. The nickel
on this gun doesn't have the clarity, or the depth, of the nickel, as
known earlier guns do. Also, nickel finish from 1899 - 1905 is
notorious for developing rust under the finish. This one looks brand
new !

I'm always suspicious of guns from the very early 1900's, that look
mint . How does that happen ? I mean - people were not buying
guns and putting them away with extraordinary care. That just wasn't
the way of the world, back then. Things happen - guns get used,
knocked around, etc.

Mike Priwer

 

[Mark4]

Thanks for the info and opinions, My photography leaves a lot to be desired and in this case does not show some of hickies that this has in the finish, it definately is not mint but overall very good for it's age. There is some flaking on the side plate above the trigger and some roughness underneath the finish on the latch side both above and below the latch. I will attempt to get better pictures of these areas tomorrow. The cylinder charge holes look very good and the bore has good rifling and is bright with exception of a small amount of fouling/ pitting. I haven't removed the side plate yet but the action is very smooth and the lockup is tighter than most of my other Smith H.E's.
Thanks again.

 

[DCWilson]

I understand why Mike is cautious, but good century-old nickel revolvers do exist, and this could be one of the lucky survivors. If it is a refinish, it is one of the most sensitive I have seen. There is no hint of dished sideplate screws or the dreaded sideplate/frame gully. I also see no softening of the sharp edges on the leading face of the frame, where you often see a larger corner radius on a double-polished revolver.

I love the 1902s, and I like the first change revolvers better than the original 1902s because the barrel swell where the barrel is threaded into the frame just looks right to me. I have a four inch 1902 1st in blue that I paid $400 for a couple of years ago. It's not as nice as yours, but is still a decent gun for a specimen collection. I shoot 148 gr. match wadcutters in it as Murphydog suggested. I'm also lagely in agreement with him on value, assuming an original finish. I'd say $600-700 because I think an $800 gun should probably have a box, even if it is worn and may have a broken corner or two.

Very attractive revolver. Congratulations.

 

[Muley Gil]

Is the extractor star blue or nickel?

 

[Elroy]

I just got this beauty (s/n 419xx)

And a beauty it is. Absolutely gorgeous. I like that a LOT

 

[Mark4]

Here are a few more photos that show the blemishes in the finish as promised yesterday.

The back strap is what I find to be the most suspicious, I don't see how it could survive all these years without showing a lot more wear.

Muley Gil, the extractor star is blue steel and numbered to the gun.

 

[Elroy]

The back strap is what I find to be the most suspicious, I don't see how it could survive all these years without showing a lot more wear.QUOTE]

You might find this of interest but the back strap on this example is the best part.

 

[CJS57]

It is original nickel.