Request info on these two oldies

[vincec44]

I am new to the site and noticed a posting of two oldies and thought I would add mine and seek any information that might be available on them. The one on top is engraved with "Smith & Wesson Springfield Mass USA, Pat'd Jan 17 & 24 65 July 11 65 Aug 24 69 Jan 19 1875 Reissue July 25 1871 and has a serial number of 18456. It is a .38 breaktop. The one on the bottom is from an earlier effort by Mr. Wesson in cooperation with a Mr. Leavitt. It is black powder and cap, caliber unknown to me. The body of the pistol has a serial number of 135 and is marked with "Wessons Patent Aug 29 1849" while the cylinder is marked " Leavitts Patent Apr 29 1837". It opens by means of a swing arm where the barrel meets the body. The swing arm lifts up and the cylinder slides off the center for loading and cleaning. Any information of the strange marriage between these folks, I would appreciate hearing about. Thanks Vince

 

[opoefc]

Welcome to the Forum! The S&W is a .38 Single Action, 2nd model. You gun was made around 1880. They are commonly found guns and do not command high prices. The Wesson & Levett was made in several different configurations. The Wesson involved was Edwin Wessen, an older brother of Daniel B. Wesson. They are interesting pistols and were popular in their day. It appears someone has added target sights to it which is somewhat ambitious! Ed.