Had an early SW revolver given to me the other day...

[W Turner]

I walked into my Dad's house the other day and he hands me a tiny revolver that appears to be a slightly larger and much older version of a NAA mini .22.

I start looking over it and realize that Smith and Wesson is stamped on top of the barrel and the patent dates only say a given month and '65, '67, etc. My Dad asks if I think it's worth anything and we start looking it up on the 'net.

We ended up identifiying it as a S&W model 1 third variation. It has bird's-head style grips which look to be original, is a bottom break design, and is blued with about 60-70% of the bluing left. What marks it as a third variation is the 3 1/4" barrel. It is also chambered in .22 blackpowder short, so I don't believe it will be shot anytime soon unless they get that whole time travel thing worked out. Just the same I am really happy about, especially because it was my dad that gave it to me. It appears to be in working condition, but there is noticeable play in the cylinder.

I would post pics, but I don't have access to a digital camera, just wanted to share in my excitement.

Mino

 

[BigG]

Soundsl like a real treasure. Don't let Tamara see it or you might lose it.

Somebody with the Std Catalog of $&W will wander by and give you the details I'm sure. Good luck!

 

[Old Fuff]

You have a neat little revolver, but don't try and shoot it. It will chamber .22 Shorts and CB Caps, but either could split the cylinder if there was a weak spot. A total of 131,163 guns were made between 1868 and 1881 - it was obviously popular. There are two standard barrel lengths; 3 3/16 and 2 11/16 inches (give or take) and the shorter length is both more scarce and valuable. Full-blue finish is less common then nickel plate. Grips were usually made of rosewood.

The #1 series of revolvers were S&W's first, and the first revolver to use a self-contained metalic cartridge. You are holding a piece of American history.

 

[pauli]

pics!

 

[Josey]

I would obtain a S&W factory letter. It will give your pistols build and shipping information.

 

[MLH]

Why?

Doesn't anybody ever give Me guns?:banghead: :banghead: :banghead:

 

[goon]

Sort of off the mark here and I apologize for that, but could you shoot colibris out of one of those?
It just seems a shame to have a gun and never be able to ever send lead downrange with it, that is all.

 

[4v50 Gary]

Dad did indeed give you a piece of Americana.

 

[W Turner]

Thanks to everybody for all of the replies, and yes I do realize that I am holding a piece of American firearms history. Like I said before, it is even more special that my father gave it to me.

I don't think I will ever be able to shoot it due to ammo availability. The colibri rounds are too long to fit in the cylinder and I don't know that it can safely fire any modern ammunition. I have also never heard of any company that makes rimfire blackpowder ammo.

This one doesn't have a serial number (IIRC serial numbers weren't required until the early 20th century) , so I don't know how much help S&W can give me on the history of this piece.

Mino

 

[pauli]

(i still want pictures)

 

[Old Fuff]

The serial number - shound be stamped on the side of the frame under the grips. Also on the inside of the right grip. There are other numbers on the gun but they are assembly numbers.

All of these revolvers were supposed to be serial numbered. If your's really isn't the value would increase considerably.

 

[Josey]

I am the original "SHOOT IT!" monkey but, don't. You truly have a keepsake and a rare piece of history. Check the spots Old Fuff mentioned and send a note to S&W. The factory letter will add value to your S&W. The family connection is the most valuable thing though.

 

[Dr.Who]

Cool Sounding GUN.... Congrats

 

[tex_n_cal]

<------has considered learning to reload rimfire ammo.

I haven't actually DONE it yet, but I have thought about it