Any help identifying this old "Liberty" pocket gun?

[DDGator]

I recently came into possession of a very old pocket gun. This is a single action.22 LR pocket revolver -- very similar to an NAA mini (see comparison photo with my .22 Mag NAA). There are black grips with a little logo that looks like a bust of George Washington, and a small shield with a star on top and stripes in the bottom.

The only visible markings are the word "Liberty" on the top of the barrel. No caliber designation, but I assume it is .22 short? Could be long rifle. I don't have any ammo on hand to insert into the cylinder and see.

One distinctive feature of this gun is that it loads through a "loading gate" looking opening (like on the modern single action guns), but there is no gate. When the gun is carried, one round could conceivably fall out of the cylinder...

A few casual opinions at the gun show this weekend estimted it to be made in the late 1800s...

Trying to figure out a bit of the history of this gun, how old it might be, and what it might be worth. The condition is reasonable -- there is some surface rust that I am going to try and clean up.

Thanks for any info!

 

[jacobtowne]

It's of a type called a suicide special, probably made by Hood Firearms, Norwich, Conn., 1873 to 1882.
Usually, Hood revolvers have rifling only in the last half inch of bore at the muzzle, while the rest is smooth.
JT

 

[BluesBear]

One distinctive feature of this gun is that it loads through a "loading gate" looking opening (like on the modern single action guns), but there is no gate. When the gun is carried, one round could conceivably fall out of the cylinder...

Typical of pocket revolvers of this period.
When carried hammer down on an empty chamber the loaded chambers should "straddle" the loading port. Just like a SAA.