Tell me about ASM

[swopjan]

I recently picked up three revolvers from an estate sale, a stainless 1858 (marked ASM under the loading lever), a nickle-plated engraved 1860 (also ASM under loading lever) and a brass-frame, nickle-plated, engraved 1851 (marked "W 213 of 1,000" on the right/diagonal barrel flat, no other marks I've found without taking it apart). According to an old TFL topic they were made in 1984 or 1991 based on the short 'ASM' label.

All three appear unfired, minor turn marks on the cylinders and the finishes have some scratches but nothing big. The 1860 is missing the trigger and two screws and also the front sight. The 1858 and 1851 are complete and functional.

Probably going to sell the 1860 locally since I wouldn't know how to fix the trigger and sight, and I'm wondering about the value on all three of them. Any insights or knowledge about what I've got?

Swopjan

 

[rodwha]

What little I've seen is that they are hit or miss with quality issues.

 

[elhombreconnonombre]

Some ASMs are accurate shooters...some not. Some ASM made Walkers have identical Colt markings as the contemporary Colt 2nd gen F series Walkers, and are just as nicely finished. "Some" replica collectors feel these ASM Walkers are the closest dimensionally accurate replicas of the original Walkers.

 

[mykeal]

He doesn't have an ASM Walker.

As others have mentioned, they're hit or miss with respect to quality. I have a couple and both mine are quite good, although not the best.

I don't believe you have any 'rarities', so they're worth about $100 for the functional guns and $60 to $80 for the one missing some parts.

You say you haven't found any other marks; being Italian replicas they should have Italian proof house stamps and date codes; the date codes will tell you the year in which they were manufactured/proof tested. The codes are two letters in a square box.

 

[Malachi Leviticus Blue]

yup, the ASM's can be all over the map for quality, but since you have them in hand, the fact is if they are what they are. If they look and shoot great, then don't question it.

I have a couple ASM's that are top shelf, my first BP revolver was an ASM 1851 Brass Frame so called "Navy 44". I think it is very nice for what it is. I have also seen ASM's with tooling marks all over them, with poor fitting, that were just an embarrassment.

I think ASM's are under valued & under appreciated due to some of the low quality products that they did put out, but some are very nice. The better ASM examples are at least as good as any other Italian replicas, but ASM seems to be the most inconsistent.

 

[flightsimmer]

Armi San Marco is the full name if that's what your asking about.

 

[swopjan]

Well crud. The seller didn't know anything about them and I figured they were Pietta's. Would have negotiated a lot more aggressively had I thought to ask about ASM or ASP markings. Oh well, I'll put the 1860 on the table at the flea market and see what offers I get. At least the 1858 is nice.

 

[Noz]

VTIgunparts.com has parts. Easy fix