newbie seeking info on Great GrandMa's revolver

[abby156]

TRYING to help my dad inventory my grandfathers gun collection, I need help with a cpl of Smith and Wesson revolvers labeled with following ...
patent july 5 1859 and December 18 1860
serial number 43436

silver in color
"weird" trigger, not obvious like modern revolver, almost flush on a small metal tab
octagon barrel
i believe it to be a .22

.. and then... a similar shape/style/model (although i found no obvious model number or name??) .. but looks to be a .38 maybe
serial number 38392
Thoroughly appreciate any help!
if a photo would help , ILL NEED HELP BUT I HAVE ONE TO SHARE

 

[DWalt]

The .22 would very probably be a Model 1, second issue. IF it is truly a .38, and has a spur trigger, the second revolver is likely to be a .38 Single Action Second Model, ca. 1879. A picture would substantiate those assumptions.

 

[handejector]

See this so you can tell us if the "38" is a Tip Up or Top Break.
Sticky: To IDENTIFY your Gun >

 

[Marine24]

Picture:

 

[H Richard]

The firearm pictured is a Model 1, 2nd Issue, and will date to aprox. 1863-64, the picture shows it to be in pretty fair condition. I would est the value somewhere in the $350 range, provided the internal bore & chamber's are decent, and the firearm functions as it is supposed to.

 

[handejector]

Nice old gun.

QUIT cleaning the silver. Just let it turn to gray/black.
If selling, a new owner can clean it if he wants to- MOST don't want it cleaned.
If keeping, let it tarnish and either wipe it lightly with a preservative oil or wax it.
Of course it is your gun and you might want it shiny, so just wax it while it is so.

 

[abby156]

I'll get a GOOD pic on Sunday, the one I took yesterday was poor, blurry, the pic above looks exactly like one of ours, but is not actually our gun. The ones we have have been in storage untouched since about 1987... no polishing of the silver LOL
Thank you for help thus far ... Will post ours Sunday night hopefully and look forward to more insight ..