Winchester_73
New member
In May, I made the decision to purchase this piece. It is a 1st model, 1st issue, 3rd type. SN 1496. It came by way of a local wheeler dealer, who thought it was hunk of platinum (more than gold) when he got it. He basically came out the gate with a ridiculous number ($6000) and lowered his price every so often, until it was a number I could live with. He said that he turned down an offer from Roy Jinks himself, but then let me have it for $200 less than what Roy supposedly offered him. While that may sound goofy, the man who sold it to me is a little odd himself. He also knew I would probably take it for the money he offered it to me for. Perhaps he really needed the money.
To those of you less familiar with these old S&Ws, this was the 1496th revolver to roll off their assembly lines, period. Its a 7 shot 22 short bp revolver. While not very powerful, this was the first revolver to combine a bored through cylinder, with a self contained cartridge. This is the great great great grandfather to the concept of a revolver we know of today. This design was instrumental in making the percussion system, along with pinfires etc all obsolete. This was a major leap forward in revolver design. This one was probably made in 1857 or 1858 judging by the relatively low SN. There were 3 different issues of the first model (I posted my group photo) and of the first issue (this gun) there were 6 different design changes, which are called "types" today. So its a 1st model, 1st issue, 3rd type.
Overall, I like it a lot. Its my first 1st 1st and hopefully not my last. Judging by the condition of it in relation to pitting, it appears as though it was shot little. The finish was originally half plate, with a silver plated brass frame (a lot of finish remains) and a blued cylinder and barrel. The grips both have the SN, but the left grip is repaired at the bottom. The bore is pretty good for such a gun.
Imagine the stories this gun could tell. When it came out, it was state of the art. It also was made before the civil war, so it could have served there as well.
I'm really happy with this purchase. Opinions, advice, questions, comments are all welcome.
What antique grade would you give this gun? Very good, fine, etc?
I also need a mainspring screw (it was replaced). Anyone have one here I could buy? Where should I go for one?
The first, second and third. I need to upgrade the 3rd issue.
To those of you less familiar with these old S&Ws, this was the 1496th revolver to roll off their assembly lines, period. Its a 7 shot 22 short bp revolver. While not very powerful, this was the first revolver to combine a bored through cylinder, with a self contained cartridge. This is the great great great grandfather to the concept of a revolver we know of today. This design was instrumental in making the percussion system, along with pinfires etc all obsolete. This was a major leap forward in revolver design. This one was probably made in 1857 or 1858 judging by the relatively low SN. There were 3 different issues of the first model (I posted my group photo) and of the first issue (this gun) there were 6 different design changes, which are called "types" today. So its a 1st model, 1st issue, 3rd type.
Overall, I like it a lot. Its my first 1st 1st and hopefully not my last. Judging by the condition of it in relation to pitting, it appears as though it was shot little. The finish was originally half plate, with a silver plated brass frame (a lot of finish remains) and a blued cylinder and barrel. The grips both have the SN, but the left grip is repaired at the bottom. The bore is pretty good for such a gun.
Imagine the stories this gun could tell. When it came out, it was state of the art. It also was made before the civil war, so it could have served there as well.
I'm really happy with this purchase. Opinions, advice, questions, comments are all welcome.
What antique grade would you give this gun? Very good, fine, etc?
I also need a mainspring screw (it was replaced). Anyone have one here I could buy? Where should I go for one?
The first, second and third. I need to upgrade the 3rd issue.
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