Help! I'm Stumped!

[Powderman]

Hopefully, you can help me on this.

A gentleman I know is asking about information concerning two revolvers.

Both have Spanish markings, indicating their country of origin, and both bear strong resemblances to Smith and Wesson Revolvers.

The first one looks like the old Military and Police, and the caliber is uncertain.

It is marked "38 Special and US Service ctgs." on the left side of the barrel.
The top bears the rollmark, "Best American Cartridge"
"Those that Fit Best the AE Revolver"
On the side plate, there is an inscription that says: "Trade Mark", surrounding a circle with a stamped"A" with a stamped "E" superimposed. Serial Number is 9466.

This revolver has 5 screws, with a pinned barrel.

The3 second revolver resembles the old Hand Ejector, and is chambered in .32 SW Long; however, there are no caliber markings.

There is a roll mark on the barrel (top) that says, "trocaola aramzaral y cia eibar". Serial Number is: 83099.

Any and all information would be helpful. Thanks!

 

[SemiAutoMan]

near as I can figure may want to look up some info on Hermanos Orbea revolvers

Any of them listed here?
http://republicanos.bravehost.com/2english.html

most of the guns made by Hermanos Orbea were copies of smith&wesson

just a guess I searched google

 

[SDC]

"AE" should be Antonio Errasti, a manufacturer based in Eibar; I can't find a "trocaola aramzaral y cia", but there IS a "Trocaola Aranzabal y Cia" (sometimes seen with an overlapping "TAC" crest or grip logo) that was also active in Eibar.

 

[Jim K]

At least one of those makers put their name on the gun, which indicates a bit higher quality than usual for Spanish revolvers. Those were sold in the U.S. in the 1920's, usually with the implication, or even the flat statement, that they were genuine S&W products. They were made of cast iron "pot metal" and are of questionable safety with even low power loads. The .32 might be OK, as it is about as low pressure as you can get, but the .38 should not be fired at all, and especially with any of the higher pressure .38 Special loads. I have seen one blow up with a blank cartridge.

Value is nil, and no gun shop will take them in trade for fear of lawsuits if they are sold by mistake.

The Orbea Hermanos revolvers mentioned were, as Spanish revolvers of the time went, relatively well made, but they are the exception.

Jim

 

[Rogmatt]

An old friend gave me a pistol he has had for years. He never fired it.
Barrel says 38 Special CTG.
Side says Made by Orbea Bros Spain.
Top of barrel "Best American Cartridge are those that fit best fit the CH"
Grip handle says "Made by Orbea Hnos Eibar - Spain
Bottom of grip has serial # E 423xx.

I might want to replace the grips. Any source? Which S&W is it copied from?
Previous owner felt it would not hold up to shooting so he did not. Any opinions?