Identify my pistol!

Status
Not open for further replies.
D

Dorian

Member
Joined
Jun 7, 2003
Messages
547
The pics below are NOT of my pistol, But I have one that looks VERY similar. I don't think it's a smith, but I cant tell. No serial number that I can see, But there's a crown on the cylinder with an E and a K, and maybe another E?

My father told me that this pistol belonged to HIS grandfather when his grandfather worked for the railroad.

Mine is very dirty, but still functional as far as I know... considering I've never cleaned it and only dry fired it around 3-4 times. Something odd about it, when I "cock" the hammer, it doesn't go into single action mode, but instead makes the double action weigh around 10-15 lbs more.

standard.jpg

standard.jpg
 
I don't have that proof mark at hand.
If it were (Crown) E L G it would be Belgian.
Still it is likely a foreign copy of a Smith & Wesson Double Action.

From your description of its action, it is broken. Parts are not likely available, and it is not very strong anyway. Even the Smith of that model is not a real sturdy gun, not much if any better than the delicate Colt Lightning. Clean it up and frame it as a memento of Great-Grandpa; it is NOT a shooter.
 
The revolver in your pictures is a Smith & Wesson "38 Double Action" manufactured sometime between 1884 to 1911. The serial number is stamped on the bottom of the butt and rear cylinder face. If you will post the serial number I can be more specific.
 
Didn't finish ....

Your other gun has what are probably European proofmarks, (most likely Belgium) and is either a S&W that was exported to Europe, or a European made copy of the S&W. If it is the latter it is a good family collectable (I see no reason to doubt the story behind it) but nothing more. Keep it, but don't try to shoot it.
 
Since you said your gun is not a S&W, but looks very similar to the one pictured, I would guesstimate you have what is commonly called a "Smith & Wesson Type" revolver copied from the S&W early pattern DA revolvers. These were made by several unknown (but some known) manufacturers around the turn of the century.

Pictures of your gun and it's caliber would help possibly ID it.

(Ooops, and Old Fluff types faster than me. Listen to him, he knows of what he speaks.) :) BTW, the pictured gun looks like a S&W original pattern or 2nd pattern from around 1880-84. Am I close, Old Fluff?)
 
just got home....

It IS a crown with ELG on the inside, no serial number anywhere I can find.

And quite frankly... I don't want it. I don't know what to do with it. I don't own any display guns and It's almost as heavy unloaded as my USPc(thats probably a lil dramatic, but you get the point)...

So what should I do with it? Like I said it's very dirty(read rust spots) and like someone said it's single action seems to be broken.... But it still functions(or seems too... like I said I've never shot it or cleaned it).
 
HKMP5SD:

The S&W .38 Double Action / First & Second Models had two sets of cylinder lock notches or grooves going around the cylinder – somewhat like the Webley. They were made from 1880 through 1884. In 1884 the company went to a more modern system with one set of notches similar to what we have now (and as seen in the posted pictures). The Third through Fifth Models followed this pattern from 1884 through 1911. If I knew the serial number of the gun pictured I could be more specific.

Dorian:

You could mount it in a picture frame against a green felt background or a picture of a vintage train engine and put it on display. I'd keep it because of the family history it represents. It may have been purchased at a time when we still had train robbers. Treasure it because of what it represents, not what it is now.
 
You and I have very different attitudes on our old guns, Dorian.

I have an Iver Johnson .32 that belonged to my Great Grandfather, who carried it while he was foreman of a track gang on the Pennsylvania Rail Road outside of Lewistown, Pennsylvania.

I'd NEVER part with that gun.
 
Guys, the crown could be a foreign proofmark and not an indication of foreign make. Without pulling any books off the shelf, it looks like one of those early S&W break top revolvers.

BTW, it could also be the Spanish Garate, Antitua Old Pattern pistol. Look @ the trigger guard. The Old Pattern was adopted by the Brits in WW I b/c of the arms shortage.
 
Could it be a Forehand and Wadsworth? My father-in-law has one that looks very similar to the picture you've posted. Check the grips and the left side of the barrel, that's where markings were on the one I looked at.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top