AndyUSMC1107
Member
I’ve been enamoured with 110 year old + top break revolvers for some time now. I have +/- 8 now. The latest is a Fred Biffar (Iver Johnson) 3 1/4.”
The other is a Fred Biffar (IJ). Serial #s 1887 apart.
I plan on stripping the nickel, bead blasting the frame, bbl. and cylinder then Nitre bluing all pieces (trigger/guard, hammer and screws/pins).
On the bead blasted surfaces, bluing will take on a frosted blue-grey. All other parts will come out flame blue.
Interesting aside RE: Fred Biffar contracted revolvers is that the 32/38 S&W handguns are roll-marked SECRET SERVICE SPECIAL and on the IJ contract were equipped w/a hammer block push to engage safety as patented by Prospero Donaldo May 22,1917.
The short barreled piece is marked PAT. PEND. The display boxed piece is marked with the patent date. Both are in 38 S&W. and over 110 years old. I’ll publish a pic after the re-finishing process.
The other is a Fred Biffar (IJ). Serial #s 1887 apart.
I plan on stripping the nickel, bead blasting the frame, bbl. and cylinder then Nitre bluing all pieces (trigger/guard, hammer and screws/pins).
On the bead blasted surfaces, bluing will take on a frosted blue-grey. All other parts will come out flame blue.
Interesting aside RE: Fred Biffar contracted revolvers is that the 32/38 S&W handguns are roll-marked SECRET SERVICE SPECIAL and on the IJ contract were equipped w/a hammer block push to engage safety as patented by Prospero Donaldo May 22,1917.
The short barreled piece is marked PAT. PEND. The display boxed piece is marked with the patent date. Both are in 38 S&W. and over 110 years old. I’ll publish a pic after the re-finishing process.