This gun seems to be talking to me and pushing me to learn more about it's long, interesting history. I have posted this gun in the past but my obsession drives me to show it again. What I do know: It shipped to Pacific Hardware and Steel Co. on February 27, 1907, just 10 months after the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and fire with a 6" barrel, blue finish and checkered walnut round butt grips. PH&S is interesting in that the building somehow survived the carnage as the fire destroyed the warehouse district, to become the largest hardware and steel supplier on the West coast.
Sometime after 1927, as indicated by the barrel ejector rod knob and barrel flat cut, the barrel was replaced. The last patent date on the barrel is Dec 29, 1914. The barrel replacement was professionally done, as there are no scratches or dents around the barrel pin and the front sight is perfectly clocked. Strangely, to me anyway, the barrel is serial numbered to the gun with no re-work marks on the barrel, or anywhere else for that matter. The number also appears on the butt, rear face of the cylinder and yoke. Only two letters, which I have not identified are under the extractor star. The custom stocks are un-numbered, but the medallions appear to be curved to the profile of the wood and made of chrome plated brass (I think). More on the stocks below.
These beautiful custom stocks are marked on the inside of both panels with what looks like HB Jarvis. Of course Harry Jarvis is well known for his long service as a Smith&Wesson factory engraver and was not known, by the people I have talked with as a wood carver. The marks are difficult to read in the wood and don't have the rectangle box around the letters like his metal mark he used on his engraving.
As I mentioned above, there are NO marks on the gun to indicate it had been back to S&W although it has obviously been professionally modified. It's condition shows extensive use but it was very well cared for. One of these days I hope to learn more about the gun and how, and by whom it was modified.
Old and newer photos offered. More in next post.
Sometime after 1927, as indicated by the barrel ejector rod knob and barrel flat cut, the barrel was replaced. The last patent date on the barrel is Dec 29, 1914. The barrel replacement was professionally done, as there are no scratches or dents around the barrel pin and the front sight is perfectly clocked. Strangely, to me anyway, the barrel is serial numbered to the gun with no re-work marks on the barrel, or anywhere else for that matter. The number also appears on the butt, rear face of the cylinder and yoke. Only two letters, which I have not identified are under the extractor star. The custom stocks are un-numbered, but the medallions appear to be curved to the profile of the wood and made of chrome plated brass (I think). More on the stocks below.
These beautiful custom stocks are marked on the inside of both panels with what looks like HB Jarvis. Of course Harry Jarvis is well known for his long service as a Smith&Wesson factory engraver and was not known, by the people I have talked with as a wood carver. The marks are difficult to read in the wood and don't have the rectangle box around the letters like his metal mark he used on his engraving.
As I mentioned above, there are NO marks on the gun to indicate it had been back to S&W although it has obviously been professionally modified. It's condition shows extensive use but it was very well cared for. One of these days I hope to learn more about the gun and how, and by whom it was modified.
Old and newer photos offered. More in next post.
