Old Bottom Break pistol

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Dennis6474

New member
A friend sent me this pic in hopes that I might be able to find something on it. He said that it has "32 Regular 1873" stamped on it and it is S&W. It also has 1875 stamped on it but no serial number.

I have never seen a S&W bottom break.

I know that I probably need more info but can any one give me an idea.
 

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With only one fuzzy picture, wow:), however it does resemble the S&W 1 1/2 Second issue (1 1/2 new model. ) However, with only that one picture I'm not about to say it is or it isn't.
 
How about an "isn't?"

Smith & Wesson didn't mark guns ".32 Regular 1873", and they serial numbered their guns. If 1875 isn't a serial number what number is it, and if it turned out to be a serial number it is way too low for a 2nd issue.
A S&W doesn't have that frame bolster at the top of the grip and the sideplate isn't round. It does have a cylinder stop showing in the top strap as this gun doesn't, and does not have the lump in the top strap behind the hinge.

There were a lot of copies and knockoffs and I think this is one. Not important enough to make it into Flayderman that I can find.
 
It's hard to tell from the picture but it looks a lot like as Marlin model 1872 pocket revolver with the fluted cylinder made 1873-1876. The markings described are not right for the Marlin though.
The picture is a fluted cylinder S&W model 1 1/2, note the difference in the side plates shapes Marlins are round otherwise they do look a lot alike.
 

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We definitely need better pictures, but I would not rule out foreign manufacture, maybe Spain. We often forget that in the 19th century as soon as an American company - Colt, S&W, Remington, Winchester - put a gun on the market, it was copied in other countries, and seldom with any attention paid to patents or royalties.

Jim
 
I have a S&W "tip up" that I think the barrel was trimmed, probably an inch or two... not in good shape but shootable... this in 32 Rim Fire...

BTW... agree the OP's pic looks like a Marlin, but I've seen several that "looked" like Marlins... I don't recall ever seeing a Spanish gun in the "tip up" form, but that does not mean they weren't made... if it were Spanish, it could be pretty rare, as I'm sure most all it's brethren have been destroyed long ago...

attachment.php
 
Once owned a Marlin just like that. Caliber was .32 rimfire.
Click to expand...

What dogrunner said. It looks very much like a Marlin .32 rimfire. And yes I had one until I found that .32 rimfire is about as easy to find as 22lr and more expensive. Way more expensive.
 
Navy Arms made a run of them 10-15 years ago, otherwise Kanuck brand ( spelling ??? ) was some of the last made, maybe produced in Canada ??? ... I prefer my 32's as center fire, but I do have several boxes of 32 Rimfire, as I won't keep anything, if it at least isn't shootable... though I've not tried the bottom break I pictured yet... I would hate to break it, so when I do shoot it, I'll either trim the bullet to cut the weight, or pull a few, & reduce the powder charges, & or switch to something like Trailboss...
 
I think BillM is on the right track, the OP's friend likely means "STANDARD", not "REGULAR" in the marking. If so, then the "1873" probably is "1875", and the gun is the No. 32 Standard 1875 pocket revolver. That seems to be the only Marlin of that type with the ".32" marking; earlier ones were either "XX" (.22) or "XXX" (.30).

As usual, we can only hope for better pictures and a better description.

Jim
 
Better and more pic to follow. I should be able to see the gun this weekend and will try to get some better pic and info.

Stay tuned and thanks for the very informative guess up to now. I am amazed at the depth of knowledge at this site. Thanks and will be back next week.
 
Ok, more pic as promised - not necessarily better.

On top of the barrel is marked "No 32 Standard 1875"

on left side (barrel towards left) J,M Marli? EW HAVER CT US J?ly 1 1873 (or 1878 unable to tell for sure due to wear)

also marked is 9174 on barrel and also 9174 on cylinder between chambers.

On the barrel where Marlin is the last letter, "N" is missing and in its place are two small dash marks. they may be the remains of the N but there is no wear on the "I" which is next to it.

I assume the date "J?ly" is July 1 1878. If the model is stamped 1875 then it would have to be 1878.

Did they mark the guns with the date of manufacture or is it a date of model change.

Assuming this is enough info, what is the gun worth? It has some rust and the finish is damaged in some small spots. Also most of the screws are buggered up.

What is the brass cover on the left side with a single screw in the center and another screw in a small cutout in the edge to stop the brass circle from turning.

Sorry the pictures are not better but that is as good as my camera will do.

For some reason I cannot up load the pic. will try later. It gives me an error about security and to inform ADMIN.
 
The barrel should read:

NO. 32 STANDARD 1875 and J.M. MARLIN, NEW HAVEN, CT. U.S.A. PAT. JULY 1, 1873.

That model was made only in 1875. There were two variations: the first was .32 Short Rimfire only, with a total production estimated at about 15,000, the second was in .32 RF Long and Short, with a correspondingly longer cylinder, frame, and ejection pin. Production is estimated at around 18,000.

Most of the above is from Marlin Firearms, by William S. Brophy.

Value is not high. Even in near-new condition, they run about $500.

Jim
 
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