S & W Model II Single Shot

[twines]

Hi,

I've been researching a S & W Model II single shot serial number 4302. My factory letter tells me it was shipped to the Dupont Powder Co Wilmington DE. April 28 1910. It was shipped with a 10 inch target barrel and target grips. I know that this model was used in the 1912 Stockholm Olympics. The barrel is the 10 inch Olympic barrel. It appears to be a replacement because the finish on the barrel is much cleaner than the finish on the frame. The barrel is serial numbered to the gun so my assumption it was done by S & W if it is a replacement. The Historic Society has no further information on this gun.
I've written the Dupont archives and I am awaiting a response. I am looking for other place to go to find information. You can see in the pictures that the grips have been changed.
Suggestion and information will be appreciated.

More pictures are available via email
Tom

 

[Protocall_Design]

What caliber is it chambered for?

 

[twines]

Cambered for .22

 

[rct269]

You may wish to check the left side grip frame for any service symbols and date codes--------and report your findings.

Ralph Tremaine

 

[6string]

Nice pistol, with an intriguing historical background.
Many people will assume it was used in some sort of official capacity, perhaps for ammunition testing.
While that is certainly a possibility, there is another use it may have fulfilled.
There is a DuPont Country Club in Wilmington. They used to have a nice shooting range facility.
That's where I first learned to shoot. My Dad worked for DuPont, and when I was 9, I started out in their junior smallbore program. Of course, we were equipped with Remington (then owned by DuPont) stuff: Targetmaster rifles, Remington ammo.
There was a pistol range adjacent to the smallbore range.

It wouldn't surprise me to find out your S&W single shot was used there. Perhaps it was kept at the clubhouse?
The country club is still there. You may want to inquire directly with them and find out if anyone might know more.

Jim