Model of 91 Marked Barrels on DA Revolver Frames

[Boulder350]

I know of 3 Double Action (DA) guns that have Model of 91 marked barrels that are all matching serial numbers. One in the serial number range 320k, another in the 342k range, and another in the 345k range. Has anyone else seen numbers matching DA's with a Model of 91 barrel?

The Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson 4th Edition mentions there was "at least one factory-assembled combination set based on a .38 DA frame is know to exist" and it shows a picture of one with 2 single shot barrels. Are there others out there?

 

[rct269]

I don't know of any, but if I was on a mission like yours I'd be posting the inquiry in the Questions For Roy Jinks section of the SWCA Forum. And if I can predict the future with any degree of accuracy, there won't be much he can do for you as respects the authenticity of those you mention without the full serial numbers.

Ralph Tremaine

 

[Boulder350]

Thanks Ralph. I actually requested a letter for the one I own. It was a single gun shipment to E. K. Tryon Co. in Philadelphia, PA. It shipped in July of 1897. Roy did not say anything about the Model of 91 marked barrel at the time and there were no extra single shot barrels in the shipment.

Here is a display case that I put together for it since its a unique revolver. The single shot barrels are in 22 LR and 32 S&W. The 32 barrel is not complete and am looking for a competent gun smith to complete the work on it. I also have a number of other barrels that need to be completed too. I have most of the parts for them.

Just like to display these guns in settings with items from the period to show what could have been. It tells a better story in my opinion that just a gun sitting on a shelf.

 

[opoefc]

Mark, DA guns with Mod. of 1891 marked barrels exist out there as I've had several in 85 yrs of collecting. I think it's because S&W used up parts available, a common occurance . Ed

 

[Boulder350]

They ran out of longer revolver barrels marked Model of 91 towards the end of production on the 38 SA 3rd model. I had one with a 6" barrel that had matching serial numbers on the barrel and frame that was late production. The barrel was not marked Model of 91. I sold it a few years ago and regret it to this day. Saw it sell at RIA recently and it brought over double of what I sold it for.

My DA 38 and another I have seen have the 3.25" barrel with the Model of 91 markings. The 3rd one I saw on the internet a few years ago I think had the 3.25" barrel too. The 4th one I know of is owned by a fellow collector. Don't know the barrel length on that one but I asked him a few days ago. Waiting for his reply.

Makes sense that they were using up old barrels with the Model of 91 roll marks on the top of the barrels. They did that with the single shot barrels on the 2nd model target pistols.

 

[Boulder350]

Found another one. Was looking for parts for a Model of 91 on an auction site recently. Did a search for a Smith and Wesson Model of 91 and an ad showed a 3 1/4" barrel, latch, and cylinder assembly. The pictures also showed Model of 91 was stamped on the barrel.

The assembly arrived a few days ago and it has matching serial numbers on all parts; barrel, latch and cylinder. Its number is 342,779. I now have a complete gun and a barrel assembly in the 342k range and a complete gun marked Model of 91 in the 345k range.

All I have seen wear the 3 1/4" barrel. Has anyone seen a different length barrel marked Model of 91 on a double action?