Stembridge Model 1 1/2 2nd Issue
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Very cool. Was it deactivated? I understand that some of those movie prop guns are.
Mike
Mike
Jim Watson
Member
Deactivated or just obsolete ammo therefore only to be brandished, or set up for a common blank?
John in AK
Member
One example of when this gun just MIGHT have been used is in the film 'Stagecoach' from 1939.
Towards the end, when John Carradine's character, gambler Hatfield, is about to dispatch Mrs. Mallory to prevent her being ravished by Native Americans, he displays the cylinder of a five-shot tip-up revolver to show one cartridge. Shortly thereafter, he points the gun at Mrs. Mallory's head, but is interrupted by being shot himself and dies horribly as expected.
The gun is identified in one database as a Marlin 1875, but I do believe that it is a 1 1/2 2nd Model because, just barely visible in one still photo, is the rear 'ear' of the split spring for the upper-strap-mounted cylinder stop, and its hammer is extended upward in the 'wedge' necessary to operate the stop; Marlins, on the other hand, have their stop mounted in the bottom strap.
Whatever Carradine's gun actually IS, it appears to have been painted, over nickel plating, perhaps.
Imagine. . . you just MIGHT be holding Carradine's revolver from 'Stagecoach' in your hands!
That'd be FAR more interesting than having one owned by the Nabob of Durkadurkastan.
Towards the end, when John Carradine's character, gambler Hatfield, is about to dispatch Mrs. Mallory to prevent her being ravished by Native Americans, he displays the cylinder of a five-shot tip-up revolver to show one cartridge. Shortly thereafter, he points the gun at Mrs. Mallory's head, but is interrupted by being shot himself and dies horribly as expected.
The gun is identified in one database as a Marlin 1875, but I do believe that it is a 1 1/2 2nd Model because, just barely visible in one still photo, is the rear 'ear' of the split spring for the upper-strap-mounted cylinder stop, and its hammer is extended upward in the 'wedge' necessary to operate the stop; Marlins, on the other hand, have their stop mounted in the bottom strap.
Whatever Carradine's gun actually IS, it appears to have been painted, over nickel plating, perhaps.
Imagine. . . you just MIGHT be holding Carradine's revolver from 'Stagecoach' in your hands!
That'd be FAR more interesting than having one owned by the Nabob of Durkadurkastan.
Last edited:
opoefc
US Veteran
John, I was about to post the same info regarding John Caradine, as you, but you beat me to it. I agree with your analysis. The Stembridge arsenal was sold at auction some yrs ago, most of it by Little John's Auction Service. A research of that auction might uncover more info. Ed
OP
Thanks John and Ed.
I just bought a Stembridge Auction catalo for 2007. I'll check it out when it arrives.
I just bought a Stembridge Auction catalo for 2007. I'll check it out when it arrives.
I used to call on Sid Stembridge occasionally when I worked for S&W. He had some unbelievably historical firearms, most of which dated back to his Father's days in the movie business. He let me handle the rig and Winchester 92 short rifle that the Duke used in most of his movies. It was my understanding that Michael Papac took over much of the movie gun collection when Sid decided to get out of the business. I know Papac casually, but never knew any of those details. We always stopped for a few minutes when our paths crossed at Shot Show.
