Triple Lock Target Model revolver with interesting sights

[mrcvs]

This Target Model Triple Lock revolver is interesting as it letters with a Lyman ivory bead front sight and a “U” notch adjustable rear sight. Shipped 21 April 1909 to an individual, N A Wolcott. Any idea whom this might be?

The stocks cannot be original as medallion stocks originated mid 1910 and this revolver dates from more than a year earlier.

 

[mrcvs]

And the sights…

 

[Muley Gil]

Very nice. Are the grips numbered on the back?

 

[Summersteel]

Might try reading this. May lead to more of who Mr. Wolcott is.

Standard Transformer Company – TCHS

Also, this:https://cdnc.ucr.edu/?a=d&d=SPNP19280906.2.26&e=-------en--20--1--txt-txIN--------1

 

[mrcvs]

Very nice. Are the grips numbered on the back?

Yes, but not to this revolver.

 

[mrcvs]

Might try reading this. May lead to more of who Mr. Wolcott is.

Standard Transformer Company – TCHS

Also, this:San Pedro News Pilot 6 September 1928 — California Digital Newspaper Collection

I cannot thank you enough.

And so it’s Newton Amos Wolcott of Warren, Ohio. Here’s more about him including a photograph:

1915 - 1928 Finishing Strong | Closing an Era with Record Success

 

[mrcvs]

And the photograph:

http://packardtimeline.com//docstation/com_content.article/22/newton_a_wolcott.jpg

 

[cgt4570]

Wow! That puts my 7.5" TL target to shame.

 

[mrcvs]

Question.

Would the sights on this revolver have been specifically ordered by Mr Wolcott, or would this have been an interesting variation provided by Smith & Wesson for variety?

It seems like Mr Wolcott would have specified these sights, but I’m wondering why a businessman would have wanted these specific sights. He didn’t own Packard Electric Company until 1928, 19 years after purchasing this revolver at the age of 33 in 1909.

Seems odd that a non competitive shooter would have specified such sights not knowing much about sights in general, one would think. Or maybe he did shoot competitively from time to time?

 

[Summersteel]

Question.

Would the sights on this revolver have been specifically ordered by Mr Wolcott, or would this have been an interesting variation provided by Smith & Wesson for variety?

It seems like Mr Wolcott would have specified these sights, but I’m wondering why a businessman would have wanted these specific sights. He didn’t own Packard Electric Company until 1928, 19 years after purchasing this revolver at the age of 33 in 1909.

Seems odd that a non competitive shooter would have specified such sights not knowing much about sights in general, one would think. Or maybe he did shoot competitively from time to time?

I can’t answer your question about S&W offering these sights, but I’ve been thinking about the same question as you of why a businessman would have bought a gun in this configuration. I wonder if he DID try shooting competitively, even if only for a while. I wonder if a search for local ranges or shooting clubs in his area of Ohio might reveal something. Perhaps he was a member there……I dunno. Do we yet know where he was living/working when he took delivery of the gun? Might not have been Ohio.

 

[Green Frog]

mrcvs, I would think the information contained in a factory letter might shed some light on the origin of those sights. Obviously the the front sight blade was madeby Lyman, but did Smith install it, or was it added later? I’m having trouble identifying that rear sight… it looks almost like a King’s sight from a later era. I wonder whether it could have been added later by Mr Walcott as he gained financial status and perhaps engaged in some casual target shooting competition? Do you have any information on its chain of ownership between him and yourself? How long do you think he retained ownership?
Regardless, it’s an extremely interesting and desirable gun that would be fun to own and shoot. Congratulations!
Froggie

 

[mrcvs]

mrcvs, I would think the information contained in a factory letter might shed some light on the origin of those sights. Obviously the the front sight blade was madeby Lyman, but did Smith install it, or was it added later? I’m having trouble identifying that rear sight… it looks almost like a King’s sight from a later era. I wonder whether it could have been added later by Mr Walcott as he gained financial status and perhaps engaged in some casual target shooting competition?

This Triple Lock revolver letters with the sights currently in place.

 

[SS336]

Beautiful TL, with provenience. Great find. More than a little envious here. Would love to hold and shoot it.
As to the sights, maybe he was a aficionado who knew what he wanted. He shot with friends and learned some things like we all do now and ordered it in that configuration.
I like to think that’s what I would of done back in the day.

 

[mrcvs]

As to the sights, maybe he was a aficionado who knew what he wanted. He shot with friends and learned some things like we all do now and ordered it in that configuration.

I didn’t want to sway the conversation and give my thoughts first and have others simply agree with me but, as you worded your post, your response reflects my thoughts or, at least, my best “guess”.