Inherited a Revolver

J

jeff6strings

New member
Since the passing of a relative and being the only member of the family who is familiar with firearms (automatics mostly) I was given a revolver that I did not know existed in the family and have no history of.

The top of the barrel says:
American Arms Co. Boston Mass. U.S.A.

Underneath the company name are patent dates with the last one of May 25 1988. It's a six shot 32 caliber revolver with black plastic grips over a chromed frame.
The pistol is very simplistic looking with no other features or stamping except for the serial number on the frame under the grip. I'm going to deal with the registration of this pistol this week.

Any history or information on this pistol or the manufacturer would greatly be appreciated.

Thanks,
Jeff
 
32 American Arms

I can find 3, 32 American Arms , as follows:
32 S&W DA Top Break with hammer
" " " No Hammer
" SA " Spur Trigger
History, Am ArmsCo. Boston Mass 1861-1897 moved to Milwaukkee Wisc. 1897-1901. Purchased by Marlin 1901. That is all I got.
 
Are you sure the last date is 1988? Most of the firearms that I see with patents listed are pre-1900's. Sometimes the metal is a little rusted or beat up from life and it's hard to read. I have a stereo microscope to use.

I've found a lot of these revolvers do not index well with the cylinder and that could be potentially dangerous so use caution with one that old (assuming it is 1888)

HM
 
Thanks for all the replies.

The date is actually printed as:
May 25 88

On top of the frame is a black T which is pulled out and up to open the frame and expose the cylinder for cleaning and loading.

Thanks again,
Jeff
 
Look for information on Iver Johnson revolvers. The US and American brands were actually made by IJ IIRC. The blued T is a big tip-off. I paid $85.00 for mine in nickel about four years ago.
 
Jeff: Try this site for information on your revolver :

www.armscollector.com

Your revolver was PROBABLY made for a black powder cartridge, not modern smokeless powder. Firing it with modern ammo could eventually cause damage. I'd think this gun is more of a curio and relic, and does not have to be registered, but call the locals, give them the 1880's date, and see what's what.

It is an interesting family heirloom, and should be retired as a keepsake.
Read some posts here about how to clean and oil it, and preserve it for yet another century.

Mark
 
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