S&W model of 1891 mismatch set

[Docneeley]

Hi All,

Great site. I collect lemon squeezers and occasionally somene brings me something to look at that completely flummoxes me.
A lady brought this to me to look at, and it's been in her family for 90 years Ioriginally belonged to her grandfather). It's a cased set of a single shot and cylinder model 91. None of the serial numbers match and she has no memory of it ever going back to the factory. 2 barrels have no serial numbers but say midel of 91 like all the other ones. There are 2 22 barrels, 2 32 barrels, and one (the revolver/cylinder) in 38. Some barrels show wear, other are like new. Here are some pictures. It is in a Smith and Wesson leather case.
I'm including some photos and I am sending off for a factory letter, but I'm certain there are people here who may have some insight into a set like this and maybe even a value. I love mysterys like this.

 

[glowe]

You do have a Model of 1891, .38 Single Action Third Model revolver. The single shot barrels were also stamped as Model of 91. Can you determine if the cylinder/barrel is marked with the same serial number as the frame? It will be interesting to see what people say about the set. I have been trying to research these revolvers as well. Complicated model that will probably never be fully understood.

A few comments to consider. First, I know that over half of the single shot barrels did not leave the factory as a firearm or in a set, so many were never numbered. They were later sold as surplus and found their way back to the consumer market. They are still available in new condition, unfinished in the white. Second, so far I have only seen original S&W cases for these combination sets with chamois lining. All references made to these combination sets in S&W books refer only to chamois lined cases. There might be factory cases like yours, but I would rather guess that this may have been a distributor set, or a store who put the set together to sell, especially since the serial numbers do not match. Lastly, there were very few combination sets sent directly from the factory, so they are quite rare. I have heard it said there are more put together sets around than originals.

Great set at any rate.

 

[rct269]

I believe you have correctly identified your set when you said mismatch. I also believe those who caution against never saying never nor always when it comes to what the factory never did or always did. That said, if the lettering on the inside lid says Smith & Wesson, my knee-jerk reaction says salesman's sample. I should also tell you I have never seen a documented salesman's sample. The significant wear and tear is at least puzzling, but who knows what its life has been like after its days as a sample-----------if it ever was a sample. Make sure you send photos along with your letter request----and make sure one of them clearly shows the lettering on the inside of the case.

Once that's done, sit and wait for the letter. Then we'll see what's what---------or not.

Ralph Tremaine

And include all the different serial numbers in your letter request!

While you're waiting, you may wish to check the serial numbers you have (if any) on the single shot barrels in Neal & Jinks. Not all the numbers are there, but most of them are.

 

[Docneeley]

Thanks guys. Great info and I appreciate it. I am sending photos. The inside of the case is marked Smith and Wesson. I added a photo.

 

[rct269]

Is the serial number on the frame stamped on the butt, or on the front strap? I ask because the case appears to have been made for a single shot pistol, rather than for a revolver----with the second single shot barrel and the cylinder/barrel assembly added as accessory items.

Ralph Tremaine

 

[Docneeley]

SN is on the front strap. Don't have any idea what the case originally was for but it was fitted for the items shown at some time. Thanks.

 

[rct269]

Serial number on the front strap means the frame was originally built up as a single shot---which was as I suspected----given the configuration of the case. That being the case, the odds are you will find the serial number in N&J (starting on page 33--Revised Edition)---------------unless it's higher than 18873 (which, coincidentally, was a cased set).

Ralph Tremaine

 

[red9]

Original or not, that is a beautiful set. I believe that the case is correct for the set. Normally, the case is designed to accomodate the revolver plus a barrel, but it logistically works better with two 10" pistol barrels to have one mounted and the shorter revolver barrel/cylinder fit in between.

Bob

 

[Docneeley]

Thanks guys. Great info. The set is certainly an interesting package and I appreciate your posts.

 

[Docneeley]

Serial number on the front strap means the frame was originally built up as a single shot---which was as I suspected----given the configuration of the case. That being the case, the odds are you will find the serial number in N&J (starting on page 33--Revised Edition)---------------unless it's higher than 18873 (which, coincidentally, was a cased set).

Ralph Tremaine

Ralph, the serial number is 19479 so not in N&J?

 

[rct269]

No, not in N&J. I don't know the why of it. N&J notes the serial number list is incomplete-----and those missing seem to be in the higher numbers. I have several higher number examples. None are shown in N&J, but all letter. I imagine it's just a matter of unavailable data at the time N&J was being put together------30+ years ago.

Ralph Tremaine

 

[Docneeley]

Thank you sir. I just bought a copy of N&J for my library. I have a variety of lemon squeezers and see them almost daily so it will be a fun reference.
The letter request to Mr. Jinks is on it's way with pictures so I'll advise the results here when I get the letter.
Thanks everyone.

 

[Modelof1891]

Factory Letter??

Docneeley,

How did you come out on the Letter for your set?

Terry