Question for New Yorkers and others

[Belfastman]

I received letter from Smith&Wesson on my 38 safety hammerless.The letter states gun was shipped to C.J. Godfrey co, New York New York.I've Goolged it and come up with bicycle co.The gun was shipped to them April 18,1902.Does anyone have any further info on them? Thanks in advance.

 

[Belfastman]

I received letter from Smith&Wesson on my 38 safety hammerless.The letter states gun was shipped to C.J. Godfrey co, New York New York.I've Goolged it and come up with bicycle co.The gun was shipped to them April 18,1902.Does anyone have any further info on them? Thanks in advance.

 

[lonewolf]

No info. on Godfrey firm, but small caliber revolvers and "bikes" went "hand in hand" at this time.

Remember-this was over a CENTURY ago- before anyone starts the "P.C." and PETA stuff( we have 2 Rotty's, a German Pinscher and 3 house cats-all are spoiled rotten!).

Cycling was becoming popular, and some still rode those "high wheeled" bikes, and bikes were far more "tippy", slower, and less user friendly than today.

Dogs, there were no leash laws then!, were a major hazard to bycyclists, and would chase, and usually "catch" the bikes. Bites and accidents were common, so revolvers were carried for protection.

The .22 "Velo Dog" cartridge was designed in France to fit cheap revolvers, just for this purpose. One of the S&W Safety Hammerless revolvers, with 2" bbl, IIRC, was called the "bicycle model". Hammerless guns were less apt to go off accidentally, than those with a hammer.

So, especially for rides in the 'rural areas', a small caliber pocket revolver was part of the bike riders "kit", as much as tire patches etc., a 100 years ago!

Totally unthinkable today, BOTH the shooting of a dog, and owners letting them run loose and "attacking" people on land that is not theirs.

Bud

 

[Belfastman]

Thanks Lonewolf that makes alot of sense

 

[Art Doc]

Back then, before the Gun Control Act of 1968 made it more difficult, many tire stores, hardware stores and auto parts stores sold guns.

It was also possible to simply buy a new gun from S&W and have it delivered directly to you. Maybe this gun was bought by the owner of the store for his own use and had sent to his place of business.

 

[OFT]

I was raised in a little town in the panhandle of Texas. Back in those dark ages the only places that sold guns were the Western Auto, White's Auto, a farm implement store and one drug store. You could also buy ammunition at one of the grocery stores and a couple of service stations.

Lordy, that was a long time ago.

 

[Belfastman]

I'am old enough (53) to remember my dad buying Smith and Wesson k22 with six inch barrel at Ben Williamson Hardware store in Ashland Kentucky.Paid the man walked out of store with bill of sale,thats all the paper work needed.God I miss those days,the world is different place now,and its not for the best.Thanks for your replys,as always a great bunch of guys.Funny how smith nuts seem to be the best.!