Spiller and Burr genuine parts and repairs

[Beauregard2]

Any suggestions on restoration of a genuine Spiller with a couple minor issues (loading lever catch, cylinder pin)?
http://historical.HA.com/common/sea...r_No=72&type=friend-consignorlive-notice&FC=0

 

[Jim K]

Sorry, but I almost laughed at the idea of "genuine parts" for a Spiller & Burr. They only made 1451 of them and parts were pretty much hand made. Further IIRC, the company went out of business rather abruptly and any parts in stock were lost.

The gun is basically a copy of the Whitney but I doubt even Whitney parts would work without fitting, if at all. Your best bet right off (and inexpensive compared to the cost of an original S&B revolver, would be to contact Dixie Gun Works (www.dixiegunworks.com) and buy their Spiller & Burr revolver kit or a complete revolver (cost $200 or so) and see if the parts work or can be made to work. Even if they are not "right" they can be used as patterns that any machine shop can copy with such adjustments as may be necessary. Any gunsmith familiar with percussion Colts and Remingtons will have no problem assembling an S&B.

Confederate Handguns, by Albaugh, Benet and Simmons, has a picture of a disassembled S&B revolver, which should help you determine what you need.

Jim

 

[Beauregard2]

Thanks Jim - yes, I am aware of the history and I have read two books on the Spiller, traced it to the specific month and location to where it was made. From everything I have read this seems to be a genuine second model, all matching, Macon assembled from mostly Atlanta made parts. I posted here in hopes of finding a reference to parts which were salvaged from pistols which are beyond repair, just a screw washer, thumb piece of the cylinder pin, and loading lever catch. This piece of history appears to be 100% authentic, and it would be great to keep it that way.

 

[Old Fuff]

I suggest that you contact David R. Chicoine at www.oldwestgunsmith.com

He has a national reputation for restoring 19th century firearms. His work is not inexpensive, but is of the highest quality, and when possible he will repair or restore the original parts rather then replace them.

 

[Beauregard2]

Cool. Thank you Old Fuff!