S & W tip up

[Retired297]

Need assistance with identifying this tip up. Number on butt 24979. Possible number on cylinder LL9?. 3" barrel. Everything is tight and can dry fire. Would like to know if it has any value and history. New to gun world. Found in the back of my husband's dresser draw. Unfortunately he can no longer help me.

 

[H Richard]

That looks to be a Model #1, 3rd Issue. I'd estimate the origination date about 1870. S&W made 131163 of the 3rd model. Yours looks pretty for a gun 150 years old. I wouldn't dry fire it as the age of the springs make them brittle and replacements are about impossible to find.

Value would be in the $300 to $400 range if it is fully operational and no rust. But in these crazy times value may be whatever someone is willing to pay, and most firearms have gone way up.

Welcome to the S&W Forum, there are a lot of guys with ton's of knowledge waiting to answer your questions. Visit often.

 

[Modelof1891]

Hello,

Welcome to the forum!

You have a 1st mod. 3rd issue .22 seven shot tip up.

Terry

 

[mmaher94087]

Welcome aboard! You have a Model 1, 3rd type or variant. The serial number is 24979. The LL9 is an assembly number used to keep all the major parts together. That number is found on the cylinder (photo one and two), on the barrel (upside down in photo four) and on the toe of the grip frame under the wood stocks. This example is collectable.

 

[Retired297]

Thank you so much for the info

 

[Retired297]

Thank you so much

 

[Fullauto 45]

I picked up one just like that a few days ago. #15368. Neat little gun. Pretty clean and functions fine.

 

[The Mighty S&W]

That's a cool old gun. For a lot of the folks around here who have been collecting for a while, it's old hat. But, as a relative newcomer to Smith & Wesson, just think about it for a second. Smith & Wesson is one of the most well respected, and recognized names in firearms, and that is a model 1. Think about what technology was like outside of firearms back when that little revolver was made. Kinda puts things into perspective for someone like me when I think about it. That is a piece of firearms history, and a piece of American history. Not exactly what I'd choose for a defensive weapon today, but that's not why we own these old guns anyway. Smith & Wesson will sell you a dandy new model for that purpose as well.

 

[murphydog]

Welcome, also! Good information above.

Another reason not to dry fire is the tip of the firing pin on the hammer may contact the rear cylinder face and break.

Also, it was originally made to fire the .22 Short round but loaded with black powder. If you ever decide to try to shoot it (personally I wouldn't), there is an extra low-powered round called a .22 BB Cap that would fit and be safe in a mechanically sound model 1 example. Using a standard modern .22 Short round may damage the gun.

 

[gmborkovic]

Hello Mr. Mighty, I agree. Im a retired M.E. and machine shop owner.
I have a few Mod-1 and -2s. They really exhibit the art of manufacturing
from the era of steam and water power. No flipping of a switch and ka-boom you have a running piece of machinery. Can you imagine the noise of all those overhead shafts and pulleys driving leather belts. No OSHA back then.

 

[The Mighty S&W]

Hello Mr. Mighty, I agree. Im a retired M.E. and machine shop owner.
I have a few Mod-1 and -2s. They really exhibit the art of manufacturing
from the era of steam and water power. No flipping of a switch and ka-boom you have a running piece of machinery. Can you imagine the noise of all those overhead shafts and pulleys driving leather belts. No OSHA back then.

That's precisely what I find so interesting about these older guns. They come from a time when the production of such things was far different than what has become normal today. When you consider how many things we take for granted now (automobiles, modern medicine, computers, etc) that didn't even exist back when these guns were manufactured, it amazes me.

Of course, I am a "common" kinda guy, of very modest means, and realize that there are those collectors whose resources allow them access to truly rare, unique, and valuable items from much longer ago. Still, I see these early Smith & Wesson firearms as representing a great value for those who wish to own something of historical significance.

 

[copfish]

Nice example! They are fun to shoot with CB Caps.

 

[McShooty]

I would recall this post I made a while back. It may be of interest to the OP. I agree with those who say "Don't shoot your No. 1s", but I did it anyway. Not a recommendation.

Shooting a Model 1

 

[gmborkovic]

Again, pls. dont shoot it.