Well, it's about time! (Triple Lock Revolver content within)

[mrcvs]

I did end up with a Triple Lock revolver today. THAT was a long time in coming! Those who know me know that I like to collect these, and usually with a bit more condition than this one, but it is all original, except for the distributor installed Mother of Pearl stocks, and you cannot hurt it by putting a round through it every now and again. The flaking nickel finish hurts it a bit, but, then again, nickel finish Triple Lock revolvers exist at a 1:3 ratio, approximately, relative to their blued counterparts, for the commercial production Triple Locks, at most.

My take on these lately, or, rephrasing this, current trends:

Triple Lock revolvers seem to be going up in value, or, this is my way of saying what worked to snag a Triple Lock revolver at a pre-set bid just isn't working anymore, as these have become more valuable.

In comparison, Registered Magnum revolvers over the last few years, IMHO are, at best, flat, if they haven't declined a small percentage.

ANTIQUE Smith & Wesson revolvers have declined over the last several years, even the higher quality stuff, but the slide has flattened or is not continuing.

But those are My observations. YMMV...

In any event, here she is, but not the beauty queen...

S&W 1st Model Hand Ejector (Triplelock) Revolver |




Firearms & Military Artifacts

Firearms

Pistols

Revolvers

| Auctions Online | Proxibid

 

[quinn]

Congrats. I think that should clean up nicely. Wonder if or where it was actually exported.

 

[lamarw]

Congrats~ It has a better nickel finish than my nickel triple lock. Like you, I am very happy to have it warts and all.

I bet you will be able to help it out some after receipt. In my opinion, you did well with the dollars spent.

 

[mrcvs]

How would one "help it out"? Any "before and after" photographs?

This would be new territory for me as I tend to leave purchases "as is" and not mess with them much, other than replacing after market stocks with period original stocks.

Edit: I did some searching as I recall this topic being addressed and never thought it would apply to me. And TBD if I just don't leave this one alone, but Flitz has been used on a nickel finish such as this one.

 

[SAFireman]

I have a worn and loved Triple Lock. I would not hesitate to shoot mine or yours. It may be a challenge to find the original stocks, or leave as-is and enjoy.

If that one could only talk....

Great find, and a good price.

 

[mrcvs]

Full disclosure as to price, just to spell it all out. $1400, of course, was the hammer price. I intend to pay by check and did a telephone bid, and so my commission fees will be 12%, or $168. Shipping and the FFL fees will put me at a bit over $1600. Still not a bad price in today's market. For whatever reason, Triple Lock revolvers seem to be gaining in value whereas other vintage Smith & Wesson revolvers are not.

 

[series guy]

Very nice buy. I personally think that is an excellent price for that gun. You could spend way more on a gun with way less history.

 

[lamarw]

Yours looks like a beauty queen, as is, compared to the before pictures of mine.

Hondo44 provided me with lot of tips on how to "help mine" as shown in the after picture.

Mine was deeply pitted and required a chemical agent to remove the aggressive cancer. The chemical agent was naval jelly for mine. Yours may not need it, but it is safe on nickel. To anyone reading this, do not use it on blued guns since it removes rust and bluing is rust. Any of the polishing compounds like Flitz, Simicrome, Wenol, Mothers Billet Polish and etc. will work with a gentle polishing application. Others may have better advice.

 

[delcrossv]

Yours looks like a beauty queen, as is, compared to the before pictures of mine.

Hondo44 provided me with lot of tips on how to "help mine" as shown in the after picture.

Mine was deeply pitted and required a chemical agent to remove the aggressive cancer. The chemical agent was naval jelly for mine. Yours may not need it, but it is safe on nickel. To anyone reading this, do not use it on blued guns since it removes rust and bluing is rust. Any of the polishing compounds like Flitz, Simicrome, Wenol, Mothers Billet Polish and etc. will work with a gentle polishing application. Others may have better advice.

WOW! That cleaned up nicely Lamar.

Regarding mrcvs's acquisition, I sure wouldn't throw that one back, Ian.

 

[mrcvs]

Mine was deeply pitted and required a chemical agent to remove the aggressive cancer.

Thank you for providing the "before and after" photographs.

A few things...

Since it was suggested I could "help" the finish of my new acquisition, it was worthy to explore this option. Lamarw's revolver looks great given the type of blemishes that existed. His post also suggested that the "cancer" needed to be removed, possibly because it may not have been inert.

With regards to mine, I believe the blemishes are stable and not actively expanding. Don't get me wrong, the "before" and "after" looks great, but I actually don't mind the wear patterns on mine and prefer the wear pattern to blemishes that are blended in to try and make the revolver more uniform. Now, that's just a personal preference. Besides, polishing with a chemical agent is removing a microscopic layer of finish, and this is not desirable. (Yes, I realize it's microscopic and Flitz claims nothing is removed, not even the thinnest of layers.)

Any ideas as to what would have caused a wear pattern such as that exhibited on my new acquisition?

 

[6518John]

Any ideas as to what would have caused a wear pattern such as that exhibited on my new acquisition?

With it centered/focused on the cylinder area I can't help but believe it is from being stored in a holster. Perhaps not a wet one, but maybe from the chemicals in the leather?

 

[mrcvs]

That's my guess as well. Stored in a holster for an extended period of time.

Since I have original pre war N frame stocks with medallions, what's the verdict with regards to the stocks? Leave the mother of pearl stocks as likely affixed by the distributor or replace with the stocks? Although not original to this revolver, I think a nickel finish with mother of pearl stocks is aesthetically pleasing.

 

[6518John]

I like the stocks. But I like Osage Orange or Ivory with stainless (see Mountain Gun on far right).

Congratulations on a such a magnificent revolver .

 

[lamarw]

Thank you for providing the "before and after" photographs.

A few things...

Since it was suggested I could "help" the finish of my new acquisition, it was worthy to explore this option. Lamarw's revolver looks great given the type of blemishes that existed. His post also suggested that the "cancer" needed to be removed, possibly because it may not have been inert.

With regards to mine, I believe the blemishes are stable and not actively expanding. Don't get me wrong, the "before" and "after" looks great, but I actually don't mind the wear patterns on mine and prefer the wear pattern to blemishes that are blended in to try and make the revolver more uniform. Now, that's just a personal preference. Besides, polishing with a chemical agent is removing a microscopic layer of finish, and this is not desirable. (Yes, I realize it's microscopic and Flitz claims nothing is removed, not even the thinnest of layers.)

Any ideas as to what would have caused a wear pattern such as that exhibited on my new acquisition?

Exactly! I too, would not choose to use naval jelly on your example unless you discover some deep pitting (which does not appear to be the case).

For both of our revolvers, the culprit would be the manner in which they were stored for years upon years. When I received mine, I was afraid to see the condition of the innards under the side plate. The underside of the plate and on the inside, things looked to be like a new gun. I was very relieved.

The years of storage of older guns, clocks, tools and etc, were in buildings with out much in the way of temperature or humidity control. It did not have to be a wet holster but rather simply a holster or other materials it touched or rested upon that absorbed moisture from the environment.

I have collected antique clocks for over 25 years. It is interesting to note the differences of the condition of a 100 plus year old more expensive time piece coming from a nicer home to a more common mans clock coming from lower standard farm cabins/homes.

The above is just a couple of speculations on my part. Who knows what our two revolvers endured over the generations and possibly numerous owners.

 

[delcrossv]

Since I have original pre war N frame stocks with medallions, what's the verdict with regards to the stocks? Leave the mother of pearl stocks as likely affixed by the distributor or replace with the stocks? Although not original to this revolver, I think a nickel finish with mother of pearl stocks is aesthetically pleasing.

Leave the MOP. Seems it was often done by distributors looking to add a bit of bling. YMMV, but Nickel + MOP is one of my favorite combos.

 

[Flattop5]

I did end up with a Triple Lock revolver today. THAT was a long time in coming! Those who know me know that I like to collect these, and usually with a bit more condition than this one, but it is all original, except for the distributor installed Mother of Pearl stocks, and you cannot hurt it by putting a round through it every now and again. The flaking nickel finish hurts it a bit, but, then again, nickel finish Triple Lock revolvers exist at a 1:3 ratio, approximately, relative to their blued counterparts, for the commercial production Triple Locks, at most.

My take on these lately, or, rephrasing this, current trends:

Triple Lock revolvers seem to be going up in value, or, this is my way of saying what worked to snag a Triple Lock revolver at a pre-set bid just isn't working anymore, as these have become more valuable.

In comparison, Registered Magnum revolvers over the last few years, IMHO are, at best, flat, if they haven't declined a small percentage.

ANTIQUE Smith & Wesson revolvers have declined over the last several years, even the higher quality stuff, but the slide has flattened or is not continuing.

But those are My observations. YMMV...

In any event, here she is, but not the beauty queen...

S&W 1st Model Hand Ejector (Triplelock) Revolver |




Firearms & Military Artifacts

Firearms

Pistols

Revolvers

| Auctions Online | Proxibid

I love Triple Locks, but they are so expensive -- the only way I could get one is by stealing one. Saaaaaaay...where do you live?


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[raljr1]

I love Triple Locks, but they are so expensive -- the only way I could get one is by stealing one. Saaaaaaay...where do you live?





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Dont give up the chase...here is one i got not too long ago for $1000

Robert

 

[bruce5781]

Dang !
I had to go and make sure mine was still in the closet.

Sent from my SM-S506DL using Tapatalk

 

[iskra]

Here's mine from purchase in eighties, SN 137xx Actually don't recall the price now. But I was never the 'big bucks' contender. From prior Threads, though I was good on the grips. Now, sounds like they should have a gold medallion??? Kindly... KMA!
Best & Stay Safe!
John

 

[delcrossv]

Since we're posting them...