Built into a target pistol from a U.S. Army Model 1871 by or for Frederick Surkamer, a talented gunsmith who was active in at 54 West Lake Street, Chicago, Illinois from c. 1891 to 1935. He reportedly worked as a gunsmith for both Von Lengerke & Antoine, Marshall Fields, and the Chicago Police Department and is known to have imported and finished a variety of European sporting arms. He appears to have been a veteran of the Spanish-American War. The pistol has a pinned Redfield blade front sight, "F. SURKAMER, CHICAGO, ILL." ahead of the target rear sight, standard Model 1871 markings on the action, and checkered forearm and grip.

Very fine with 85% plus blue and casehardened finish, minor scratches and fading, and some slight spotting. The wood is very good and has crisp checkering, some slight chips at the edges, and minor handling wear. Mechanically excellent. Additional Information: This pistol has been reclassified as an "antique" and the caliber corrected to 44 S&W special