S&W Model of 91 target 22LR questions

[Kevoomzz]

Hello! This is my 2nd of many posts that I will be putting up on this forum. My Father, who passed away a few years back, was a collector of firearms and he had a few S&W's. I have been looking up information on some of these and I am honestly hoping to obtain additional information on some of these for the sake of knowledge, as I am curious and want to keep them around as well as for some... selling!

I believe that this is a Model of 91. This has a 10" barrel and is marked 22 Long Rifle. The serial numbers are conflicting on this. According to what I have read thus far, there should be a serial number on the front grip frame, back of extractor, and the bottom of the barrel latch. Here is what I have found:
Front grip frame: 82X
On back of the extractor: Can't find anything
On bottom of the barrel latch: 233 and possibly an 8 after?

Question 1: Any other places that I should be looking?

Question 2: Could this possibly have later parts on it? or maybe it isn't an 8 after and the serial number is just 233?

Question 3: Part of the grip is missing, how much does that affect the value of this?

Question 4: Finish wise for a gun this old, how would you grade this?

Any other info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks again for sharing all of your helpful knowledge!

 

[red9]

Welcome. You have an early second model single shot, which quite possibly left the factory with a first model barrel. The serial number should also be on the rear face of the barrel, just ahead of the latch. Cleaning with a q-tip is often required to find it. If the barrel and latch match each other but not the frame, they were made up after leaving S&W. The serial number would also be scratched into the inside of the right grip.

Finish is hard to judge from photographs. The grip damage does affect value. My guess as to value without seeing it in person would be in the $600-800 range.

Bob

 

[rct269]

I guess this would qualify as a goood news/bad news situation. Bob (red9) is correct when he says you have a 2nd Model Single Shot (by virtue of the serial number on the frame). The (very) good news is your 2nd Model is built on a 1st Model frame (two pins) -----quite rare! (I've heard of them---this is the first I've seen.) That, unfortunately, is the end of the good news-----------in my opinion.

The bad news starts with the mismatched serial numbers (on frame/barrel/latch). Next, the finish appears to be virtually gone. Finally, the damaged grips.

I have no idea of the value. To me, it has no value. The rebuilders/restorers may very well find value in the several parts. Case in point: I was in need of a rear sight blade perhaps 15-20 years ago. I have a machinist's drawing of the sight blade. I gave the drawing to my gunsmith. He gave me a brand new, custom built to order sight blade------which fit perfectly! I then gave him $50 (15-20 years ago). Crunch the numbers and you will no doubt agree that sight blade would cost substantially more today.

Ralph Tremaine

 

[Kevoomzz]

Well....this would explain my confusion with this. I was scratching my head on this one. Thanks for the input!

 

[Modelof1891]

2nd Model Single on 1st 2 pin Frame

This early serial number 480 second model single shot was made on the first model two pin frame. It also has the first model markings on the top of the barrel, Modelof91. I have seen these barrels on second models , with matching numbers, as late as serial number 3225. Mostly up to serial number range 2400.

 

[glowe]

Front grip frame: 82X
On back of the extractor: Can't find anything
On bottom of the barrel latch: 233 and possibly an 8 after?

Question 1: Any other places that I should be looking?

Question 2: Could this possibly have later parts on it? or maybe it isn't an 8 after and the serial number is just 233?

Question 3: Part of the grip is missing, how much does that affect the value of this?

Question 4: Finish wise for a gun this old, how would you grade this?

Any other info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks again for sharing all of your helpful knowledge!

Question 1 - Mostly covered by others above, but it is hard to see the barrel sn. It is located where the latch is, but you have to look under the latch at the flats of the barrel frame to see a sn. If it matches, the only thing you have that is not original is the latch.

Question 2 - Many S&Ws were stamped with the type of finish on the gun as it left the factory. Could this be a "B"? If not, the latch is numbered 2338.

Question 3 - I can not see any chips in your pictures, but these old hard rubber grips can be repaired so as to not affect the value very much unless a large piece is missing.

Question 4 - From the pictures, there appears to be little original finish on the gun, so it would probably grade as Good.

I am curious it there is a cylinder stop cut in the frame below the barrel. Some early SS pistols used left over First Model frames that were modified.

All in all, all these SS pistols are quite unique and of interest to many people, so there is still value in the gun. Afterall, there were only 4600 2nd Models made.

 

[glowe]

Just looked at your pictures again and the frame is definately a First Model or perhaps a left-over Model 1891 SA Third Model frame, since there is a cross pin that would have held the cylinder stop in place visible in your first photo.

 

[Docneeley]

Love the 1891's. Mismatched and all, it's still a very cool old gun. Enjoy it.