thesomnambulist
Member
- Joined
- Dec 30, 2013
- Messages
- 4
I posted this in another forum, but I thought maybe I could get a little more visibility here and find someone who knows something about it.
I'm trying to get any information I can about a revolver I inherited. If anyone can point me to an informative book, website, or other resource, It would be much appreciated; as well as any information you may be able to offer. The gun has "OFFICERS' MODEL .38" roll marks along the left side of the 7.5 inch barrel. The markings on the top are very faded, but it looks like the last patent date is July 4, 1905. Based on the serial number(313XXX) I believe it to be a "Second Issue" manufactured in 1909. It also has the adjustable sights, which I'm wondering if that suggests that it may actually be an "Officer's Model Target". I believe the "Target" was left off of the roll marks around that year. You can tell from the pictures that there is some surface rust and some pitting. When I got it, the cylinder was laying next to it and the crane was broken. I believe the cylinder is actually 32-20, and therefore doesn't go with this gun. Initially I couldn't see the whole serial number, and a lookup of what I thought was the serial number suggested it was made in 1950. I assumed it wasn't worth anything, and would make a fun project to restore, so I took it completely apart and have started cleaning with crud cutter, and light sanding to remove the surface rust. After discovering the full serial number (stamped inside, under said rust) I realized that it might be more valuable. I have no intentions of selling the gun, but I don't have the budget right now to pay a smith to restore it. Should I go ahead and try to restore it myself, or am I ruining a piece of history?
I'm trying to get any information I can about a revolver I inherited. If anyone can point me to an informative book, website, or other resource, It would be much appreciated; as well as any information you may be able to offer. The gun has "OFFICERS' MODEL .38" roll marks along the left side of the 7.5 inch barrel. The markings on the top are very faded, but it looks like the last patent date is July 4, 1905. Based on the serial number(313XXX) I believe it to be a "Second Issue" manufactured in 1909. It also has the adjustable sights, which I'm wondering if that suggests that it may actually be an "Officer's Model Target". I believe the "Target" was left off of the roll marks around that year. You can tell from the pictures that there is some surface rust and some pitting. When I got it, the cylinder was laying next to it and the crane was broken. I believe the cylinder is actually 32-20, and therefore doesn't go with this gun. Initially I couldn't see the whole serial number, and a lookup of what I thought was the serial number suggested it was made in 1950. I assumed it wasn't worth anything, and would make a fun project to restore, so I took it completely apart and have started cleaning with crud cutter, and light sanding to remove the surface rust. After discovering the full serial number (stamped inside, under said rust) I realized that it might be more valuable. I have no intentions of selling the gun, but I don't have the budget right now to pay a smith to restore it. Should I go ahead and try to restore it myself, or am I ruining a piece of history?