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  • Auction Catalog #59
  • Lot #3
Lot #2
Lot #4

Lot 3: Smith & Wesson 1891 Revolver 38

Scarce Cased Smith & Wesson .38 Single Action 3rd Model "Model of 1891" Revolver with Three Single Shot Barrels

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: September 15, 2013

Lot 3: Smith & Wesson 1891 Revolver 38

Scarce Cased Smith & Wesson .38 Single Action 3rd Model "Model of 1891" Revolver with Three Single Shot Barrels

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: September 15, 2013

Estimated Price: $9,500 - $12,000
Price Realized:
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Scarce Cased Smith & Wesson .38 Single Action 3rd Model "Model of 1891" Revolver with Three Single Shot Barrels

Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson
Model: 1891
Type: Revolver
Gauge: 38
Barrel: 4 inch solid rib
Finish: blue
Grip: ivory
Stock:
Item Views: 8704
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 9
Class: Antique
Description:

Manufactured circa 1891 to 1911, this revolver comes as a combination set with three single shot barrels. Two barrels are 8 inches in length, one is 32 caliber, the other 22, both have the two block, two line address and patent dates flanking "MODEL OF 91" marking on top of the rib and numbered "3931" on the barrel latch. The 22 caliber barrel has a pinned Lyman ivory beaded blade front sight and a windage adjustable rear target sight. The 32 caliber has a patridge style front sight with a large ivory bead and a windage adjustable white outlined "U" notch rear sight. The third barrel is 6 inches in length, 32 caliber, un-numbered and with the same features of the 8 inch 22 caliber barrel. The revolver barrel is marked with the two line address/patent dates, and the matching serial number is marked on the butt, rear cylinder face and barrel latch. Blade front and notch rear sights, blue finish with casehardened hammer and trigger guard, and fitted with smooth ivory grips. The revolver also comes with an extra pair of extended ivory grips with checkering on the left panel and a vine, leaf and snake motif on the right, and S&W medallions. The revolver, barrels and extra grips come in a factory wooden case with a brass handle on the lid and ivory shield shaped key escutcheon. The interior has brown velvet lining, padded in the lid, and fitted in the case.

Rating Definition:

Excellent. The revolver retains 95% original blue finish with some muzzle and edge wear, and some minor flaking on the cylinder. Most of the original case colors remain on the hammer and trigger guard with a smooth dove gray on the balance. The grips are excellent with a small age crack on the bottom, a pleasant mellow patina and attractive grain. The markings on all components are crisp and clear. The action is excellent. The single shot barrels retain 98% original blue finish with some minor muzzle and edge wear, and some minor handling marks. The extra grips are very fine with an aged patina and attractive grain. The case is good with some discoloration, dents, dings and scratches on the exterior. The lining is excellent.



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