The story starts in 1849 when the Massachusettsa Arms COmpany, Chicopee Falls was
formed and finally incorporated on March 5, 1850. The founders were: Edwin Wesson,
Joshua Stevens, William Miller, James T. Ames, Timothy W. Carter, Benjamin F. Warner.
Daniel B. Wesson and Horace Smith. The first product was a Wesson & Leavitt revolver.
This revolver is based on
Daniel Leavitt's patent no. 182, April 29, 1837
Edwin Wesson's patent no. 6,669, August 28, 1849 and
Joshua Stevens patent no. 7,802, November 26, 1850
Edwin Wesson died in 1849 and Daniel B. Wesson got the rights of his patent.
As the revolver manufactured used also a mechanically-revolved cylinders,
COlt immediated putted to the court the question as to whether the Massachusetts
Arms Company's revolvers was an infringement. But he did not claim for damages.
Daniel B. Wesson left and was working on the Jenning repeater.
The first company Smith & Wesson, Norwich, Connecticut was founded by
Palmer, Smith and Wesson on June 20, 1854 but cessed all activities in July 1855
already. Immediately a new company the Volcanic Repeating Arms Company
in which Oliver F. Winchester held a small part of the capital of $ 150'000
was founded by them. When the Volcanic Repeating Arms Company moved to
New Haven in 1856, D. B. Smith and H. Wesson left Volcanic. Volcanic continued
to manufacture the Smith & Wesson origine repeating lever-action pistols, nicknamed
Volcanics. It is believed that the name originated in the Scientific American
review of the arms in 1854. The name stuck and is widely used by collectors. They
were made between 1853 to 1855 at a shop located in Norwich.
When experimented with metallic cartridges Smith and Wesson realized thatno
machinery was available to produce cartridge shells. So they went back to the
"Rocket Ball". Instead of a separate primer as Junt and Jennings used, the
fulminate of mercury primwer was contained in the rear of the loaded ball.
Earlier "Rocket Ball" cartridges have five or six grease grooves with a cork
wad at the extreme rear, and an iron anvil placed in the cartridge, against
which pressed the priming bellet in a glass container. Later cartridges
have the anvil and the base wad of brass. With the changment of the base wad,
a new firing ping (patent of Hicks, William Cleveland) was needed. Though Hicks
got a patent for that firing pin only in 1857, the new breech bolt was
already used by mid 1856 and used on guns made by Smith & Wesson, Volcanic
Repeating Arms Co. and Newaven Arms Co.
The second foundation of Smith & Wesson tock place in the same year.
From Hunt rifle to Winchester. See the whole story.
Hunt, Walter
Arrowsmith, George A.
Jennings, Lewis
Palmer, Courtland
Robbins & Lawrence
Henry, Benjamin Tyler
Wesson, Daniel B.
Smith, Horace
Smith & Jennings
Smith & Wesson
Volcanic Repeating Arms
New Haven Arms Co.
Winchester
Lever Action Pistols
Smith & Wesson produced their lever-action pistols in .31 and .41
"rocket-ball" caliber in different barrel lenght. The magazine tube
contained 6, 8 or 10 of their
"cartridge".
Well, in fact two calibers were offered, designated as number on and number
two and realy measured .30 and .38. However, calibers measured a few tousand over
the most cases because of the hollow ball contruction. So today the caliber
of their guns is often stated as .31 or .41 caliber.
The smaller-framed .31 (.30) caliber model has a 4" barrel, teardrop-shaped
grip. This was of all steel construction with a blued finish on the
frame, barrel and magazine. It is 6 shot. Round finger hole lever action.
The serial number is usually found beneath the grips.
The standard markings on the top of the barrel is in two lines
SMITH & WESSON NORWICH CT PATENTED FEBRUARY 14, 1854 CAST STEEL
whereas the very early manufactured pistols are marked in two lines
SMITH & WESSON NORWICH CT CAST STEEL PATENT.
Approximately 700 small-frame repeaters were made.
There was no standard for placement of the letter. These small frame
lever action pistols were made from 1854 - 1855, 500 more or so
were assembled by the Volcanic Repeating Arms Co. from part that previous
had made by Smith & Wesson.
The larger-framed .41 (.38) caliber model has a 8" barrel (some 6" barrels guns
were made), flat bottomed grips. The frame is cast steal with side plates
and an 8 shot magazine. Barrel, magazine and frame are blued. The lever-
action has a round finger hole with a spur. The serial numer is beneath
the grips and also has been observed near the lever pivot.
The standard markings on the top of the barrel is in two lines
SMITH & WESSON NORWICH CT CAST STEEL PATENT
whereas the late manufactured pistols are marked in two lines
SMITH & WESSON NORWICH CT PATENTED FEBRUARY 14, 1854 CAST STEEL.
Approximately 500 of these large frame lever action pistols were made
from 1853 - 1854.
Some .44 caliber pistols with up to 16" barrles as well as some .40 and .50
experimentals were made.
Following differences could be observed:
Flat muzzle barrel
Round protuding crown muzzle barrel
Magazine lock leaf spring with screw, latching into the groove
Magazine lock T-bar bolt coil spring lock and rotary axis in the
center of the magazine bottom
Loading lever and cartridge lifter with spur, one screw down near the
cartridge lifter
Loading lever and cartridge lifter With spur, two screws down near the
cartridge lifter with the second screw under spring tension
Loading lever without spur, only on guns with 6" barrel
As these pistols were made manually other some smaler differences occures.
.31 (.30) caliber loading ball, lever action pistol, also called Number 1 (despite
the fact that their production started after the .41 caliber model),
4" half round half octagon barrel, about 700 produced,
barrel marked on the left flat PATENTED FEBRUARY 14, 1854
(very early production without patent date)
barrel marked on the top flat in two lines
SMITH & WESSON
NORWICH, CT.
and barrel marked on the right flat CAST STEEL
.31 cal. lever action pistol left  
and right
other small-frame pistole left  
and right
.31 caliber, 4" barrel, manufactured by Smith & Wesson, Norwich, Connecticut
iron-frame pistol, manufactured in 1854
right side
.31 caliber, Model One, 4" barrel and rare spur lever
right side  
right side
.41 (38) caliber loading ball, lever action pistol, also called Number 2 (despite
the fact that their production started before that of the smaller caliber ones),
8" half round half octagon barrel, about 500 produced,
marked PATENTED FEBRUARY 14, 1854 (only late production with patent date)
and SMITH & WESSON, NORWICH, CT.
and CAST STEEL
.41 cal. lever action pistol, left  
and right
other .41 cal. left  
and right
Production of both modells is estimated at about 1200 pistols.
Lever Action Rifle
.50 caliber (.528 caliber ?), experimental rifle produced before the
Volcanic Repeating Arms Company was founded (1855),
less than 10 had been build.
tip up revolvers
When S&W still hold the solely rights on the Rollin White patent for a
bored through cylinder several other manufacturers proposed that type of
revolvers. Among them were Daniel Moore, Jamew Warner, Allen & Wheelock
(Smith and Wesson were former employees), Loren W. Pond, Lowell.
The cartridge pepperboxed made by Eliot, Rupertus and Sharps did not
infringed the Rollin White patent. Other companies were to small or
their product was not considered as a seirous competition.
Some of these guns were superior to the S&W products. Therefore, in fall
1862 Daniel B. Wesson bought some revolvers of his competitors and to had
them expected by his patent attorneys in Washington. He than decided to
persuade Allen & Wheelock for which Smith and Wesson worked several years
and Prescott, he has known for a long timy too to stop producing of such
guns. Which they did immetiately. Some days later he started infringement
suits on Moore, Warner, Lowell and Pond.
These firms had own patent attorneys and why they had overseen the Rollin
White patent could not have been clarified. Most probably they have only
examinated the patents of Smith & Wesson in which the bored through cylinder
was not claimed. Anyway, the Federal court in the District of Massachusetts
judged them guilty, assessed damages and ordered to turn over all unsold
revolvers to S&W. All revolvers they would manufacture in the future were
to die-stamped "Manufactured For Smith & Wesson". Warner turned over 1513
revolvers, Pond 4486, Moore 3376 and Lowell 8682. The turnover of Lowell
lasted until 1875.
Model Number 1
Model 1 1st issue
.22 r.f. caliber, 7 shot revolver, single action, tip up frame, barrel 3 3/16",
manufactured from November 1857 to 1860, serial number 1 - 11671
patented
April 3, 1855,
July 5, 1859,
December 18, 1860,
1st Type, serial number 1 - 212, barrel latch from the bottom front of the frame
2nd Type, serial number 213 - 1130, recoil plate was changed and made part of the frame
3rd Type, serial number 1131 - 3000, with changing barrel catch
Model 1 3rd issue left side
4th Type, serial number 3000 - 4200, diameter of the recoil plate is reduced
5th Type, serial number 4200 - 5500, barrel rifling changef from three
left-hand grooves to 5 right-hand groves
6th Type, serial number 5500 - 11671, eliminate the rotating plate
Model 1 1st issue left side
Model 1 1st issue right side
Production |
Year |
number |
1857 |
1 - ? |
1858 |
? - ? |
1859 |
? - ? |
1860 |
? - 11671 |
Model 1 2nd issue
.22 r.f. caliber, 7 shot revolver, single action, tip up frame, barrel 3 3/16",
manufactured from November 1860 to 1868, serial number 11672 - 126361,
production was 114689 firearms
No 57367, left
same, right
Production |
Year |
number |
1860 |
11.672 - 16.600 |
1861 |
16.601 - 22.480 |
1862 |
22.481 - 27889 |
1863 |
27.890 - 40352 |
1864 |
40.353 - 59.212 |
1865 |
59.213 - 83.170 |
1866 |
83.171 - 106.316 |
1867 |
106.317 - 120.373 |
1868 |
120.374 - 126.361 |
Model 1 3rd issue
.22 r.f. caliber, 7 shot revolver, single action, tip up frame, barrel 3 3/16",
manufactured from November 1868 to 1881, serial number 1 - 131163
No. 67137, left
same, right
Production |
Year |
number |
1868 |
1 - 392 |
1869 |
393 - 10.000 |
1870 |
10.000 - 20.000 |
1871 |
20.000 - ? |
1872 |
? - ? |
1873 |
? - ? |
1874 |
? - ? (years production was 5358) |
1875 |
? - ? |
1876 |
? - ? |
1877 |
? - ? |
1878 |
? - ? |
1879 |
? - ? |
1880 |
? - ? |
1881 |
? - ? |
____________________
tip up revolvers
Model Number 1 1/2
Model 1 1/2 1st issue
.32 long r.f. caliber, 5 shot revolver, single action, spur trigger, tip up frame,
3 1/2" barrel, non-fluted cylinder,
serial number 1 - 26.300, manufactured from 1865 to 1868
marked:
Smith & Wesson Springfield Mass. Pat'd Apr. 3rd, 1855 and July 5th, 1859.
After serial no. 15.304 nov 21, 1865 was added.
1st issue left side
1st issue right side
Production |
Year |
number |
1865 |
1 - 9557 and over (not confirmed) |
1866 |
? - ? (Ive been informed that Roy G. Jinks,
Historian of Smith & Wesson confirmed that
gun number 8298 was made in 1866 |
1867 |
? - ? |
1868 |
? - 26.300 |
Model 1 1/2 Transistion Model
.32 long r.f. caliber, 5 shot revolver, single action, spur trigger, tip up frame,
3 1/2" barrel, unfluted cylinder, octagonal barrel, bird's head grip
serial number 26.300 - 28.800, about 1.300 manufactured in 1869 within the range
of serial number of the 2nd issue.
Model 1 1/2 2nd issue
.32 long r.f. caliber, 5 shot revolver, single action, spur trigger, tip up frame,
3 1/2" barrel, bird's head grip, fluted cylinder,
serial number 26.301 - 127.100, manufactured from 1868 - 1875
The gun number 110286 was presented by Wild Bill HIckok to his wife Agnes Lake Thatcher when maried. Agnes
sent this gun to Calamity Jane when Bill died in 1876.
1 1/2 Model 2nd issue, left side
1 1/2 Model 2nd issue, right side
No 78957, 1 1/2 Model 2nd issue, left side
same, right side
Production |
Year |
number |
1868 |
26.301 - ? |
1869 |
? - ? |
1870 |
? - somewhere at 48000 |
1871 |
? - about 61000 |
1872 |
? - ? |
1873 |
? - ? |
1874 |
? - ? |
1875 |
? - 127.100 |
____________________
tip up revolvers
Model Number 2
Model 2
.32 long r.f. caliber, 6 shot revolver, single action, spur trigger,
tip up frame, non flutet cylinder, 5" of 6" barrel
marked:
Patented April3, 1855, July 5, 1859 & Dec 18, 1860
serial number 1 - 77.185, manufactured from 1861 - 1874
No Ordnance Department purchase took place. This model were mainly furchased by
individuals as personal sidearm during the Civil War.
Captain William H. Robbins had revolver no. 8212
Captain Gerald Reynold hat revolver no. 18552
Rutherford B. Hayes (later President of the USA) had revolver no. 22592
See also Ben Kittredge & Co. In 1862 and 1863 they sold S&W Model Number 2 to the State of Kentucky.
Number 18834 with 6" barrel - Civil War serial number range, left side
same, right side
other gun is in the Civil War serial number range, left side
same, right side
left side
right side
same with ring on grip left side
same with ring on grip right side
5" barrel, left side
Production |
Year |
number |
1861 |
1 - 2122 |
1862 |
2123 - 10511 |
1863 |
10512 - 15859 |
1864 |
15860 - 29359 |
1865 |
29360 - 48475 |
1866 |
48476 - 50159 |
1867 |
50160 - 54227 |
1868 |
54228 - 62921 |
1869 |
62922 - 67505 |
1870 |
57506 - 77020 |
1871 |
77021 - 77151 |
1872 |
77152- 77155 |
1873 |
? - ? |
1874 |
? - 77.185 |
____________________
.41 Smith & Wesson Rimfire
Model Number 3 Pocket Pistol
Model 3
.41 r.f. caliber, 4 shot single action revolver, bird's head grip, based on the
model 1 1/2 but larger scale.
serial number 1 - 50 all manufactured in 1867, based on the Model 1 1/2
____________________
top break revolvers
Model Number 1 1/2
model 1 1/2, .32 S&W center fire caliber, single action
.32 S&W center fire caliber, 5 shot single action revolver, spur trigger,
bird's head grip, hard rubber, 3", 3 1/2", 6", 8" and 10" barrel
serial number 1 - 97574 manufactured from 1878 - 1892
barrel with patent dates:
Jan 17 and 24, 1865,
July 11, 1865,
Aug 24, 1869,
Feb 20, 1877; reissue July 25, 1871
and near the top latch, April 20, 75 right and Dec. 18. 1877 left
serial number 1 - 15.000, grips plain checkering with no logo
serial number 15.000 - 29.000, grips checkered with block letter logo
serial number 29.000 - 97.574, grip with fancy intertwined logo
left side
right side
Number 32028, left side
same right side
Production |
Year |
number |
1878 |
1 - ? |
1879 |
? - ? |
1880 |
? - ? |
1881 |
? - 50.725 |
1882 |
? - ? |
1883 |
? - ? |
1884 |
? - ? |
1885 |
? - ? |
1886 |
? - ? |
1887 |
? - ? |
1888 |
? - ? |
1889 |
? - ? |
1890 |
? - ? |
1891 |
? - ? |
1892 |
? - 97.574 |
model 1 1/2, .32 S&W center fire caliber, double action
.32 S&W center fire caliber, 5 shot double action revolver, trigger guard, fluted cylinder, bird's head grip
1st Issue
straight cut sideplate, serial number 1 - 30, manufactured in 1880
2nd Issue
smaler curved sideplate, serial number 31 - 22.172, manufactured from 1880 - 1882
.32 caliber Model 1 1/2 2nd issue left side
same, right side
better one, left side
same, right side
Production |
Year |
number |
1880 |
31 - ? |
1881 |
? - ? |
1882 |
? - 22.172 |
3rd Issue
no cylinder groves, serial number 22.173 - 43.405, manufactured 1882 - 1883
Production |
Year |
number |
1882 |
22.173 - ? |
1883 |
? - 43.405 |
4th Issue
round rear triggerguard replaced the reverse curved triggerguard,
serial number 43.406 - 239.600, manufactured 1883 - 1909
.32 Short, left side
same, left side openload
same, right side
same, right side again
Production |
Year |
number |
1883 |
43.406 - ? |
1884 |
? - ? |
1885 |
? - ? |
1886 |
? - ? |
1887 |
? - ? |
1888 |
? - ? |
1889 |
? - ? |
1890 |
? - ? |
1891 |
? - ? |
1892 |
? - ? |
1893 |
? - ? |
1894 |
? - ? |
1895 |
? - ? |
1896 |
? - ? |
1897 |
? - ? |
1898 |
? - ? |
1899 |
? - ? |
1900 |
? - ? |
1901 |
? - ? |
1902 |
? - ? |
1903 |
? - ? |
1904 |
? - ? |
1805 |
? - ? |
1906 |
? - ? |
1907 |
? - ? |
1908 |
? - ? |
1909 |
? - 239.600 |
5th Issue
front sight is integral with the barrel, serial number 283.000 - 327.641,
manufactured 1909 - 1919 (only mentioned as this is model started in the 19th century)
model 1 1/2, .32 S&W center fire caliber, double action, safety hammerless
.32 S&W center fire caliber, 5 shot revolver, fluted cylinder
1st Issue
with push-down barrel latch, serial number 1 - 91.417, manufactured 1882 - 1902
.32, right side
Production |
Year |
number |
1882 |
1 - ? |
1884 |
? - ? |
1885 |
? - ? |
1886 |
? - ? |
1887 |
? - ? |
1888 |
? - ? |
1889 |
? - ? |
1890 |
? - ? |
1891 |
? - ? |
1892 |
? - ? |
1893 |
? - ? |
1894 |
? - ? |
1895 |
? - ? |
1896 |
? - ? |
1897 |
? - ? |
1898 |
? - ? |
1899 |
? - ? |
1900 |
? - ? |
1901 |
? - ? |
1902 |
? - 91.417 |
2nd Issue
T-shape barrel latch, serial number 91.418 - 170.000, manufactured 1902 - 1909
(only mentioned as this is model started in the 19th century)
3rd Issue
no patent dates, serial number 170.000 - 242.981, manufactured 1909 - 1937
(only mentioned as this is model started in the 19th century)
____________________
top break revolvers
Model Number 2
single action
Model 1 .38 S&W center fire caliber, single action
1st Issue
.38 S&W center fire caliber, 5 shot single action revolver, spur trigger,
fluted cylinder, 3 1/4" or 4" round barrel, also named "Baby Russian",
serial number 1 - 25548, manufactured from 1876 - 1877
Baby Russian left side
Baby Russia right side
other Baby Russian left side
other Baby Russia right side
Production |
Year |
number |
1876 |
1 - ? |
1877 |
? - 25.548 |
2nd Issue
as above but with 6%, 8" or 10" barrel, serial number 1 - 108255,
manufactured from 1877 - 1901
2nd issue, left side
same, right side
2nd issue, 5" barrel, left side
same, right side
S&W-2-38cal-5inch-sa-spur-trigger
Production |
Year |
number |
1877 |
1 - ? |
1878 |
about 15.000 |
1879 |
? - ? |
1880 |
? - ? |
1881 |
? - ? |
1882 |
? - ? |
1883 |
? - ? |
1884 |
? - ? |
1885 |
? - ? |
1886 |
? - ? |
1887 |
? - ? |
1888 |
? - ? |
1889 |
? - ? |
1890 |
? - ? |
1891 |
? - 108.255 |
3rd Issue
as above but with triggerguard, serial number 1 - 28107,
manufactured from 1891 - 1911
Production |
Year |
number |
1891 |
1 - ? |
1892 |
? - ? |
1893 |
? - ? |
1894 |
? - ? |
1895 |
? - ? |
1896 |
? - ? |
1897 |
? - ? |
1898 |
? - ? |
1899 |
? - ? |
1900 |
? - ? |
1901 |
? - ? |
1902 |
? - ? |
1903 |
? - ? |
1904 |
? - ? |
1905 |
? - ? |
1906 |
? - ? |
1907 |
? - ? |
1908 |
? - ? |
1909 |
? - ? |
1910 |
? - ? |
1911 |
? - 28.107 |
Mexican Model
as above, barrel marked Model of 1891, within the serial number of the 3rd Issue,
about 2.000 revolvers were manufactured from 1891 - 1911
Model no 2 left side
Model no 2 right side
____________________
top break revolvers
Model Number 2
.38 double action
.38 S&W center fire caliber, 5 shot double action revolver, fluted cylinder
1st Issue
straight-cut sideplate edges, two sets of cylinder stops, recurve triggerguard,
serial number 1 - 4000, manufactured in 1880
1st issue, left side
1st issue, right side
2nd Issue
curved sideplate edges, two sets of cylinder stops, recurve triggerguard,
serial number 4001 - 119000, manufactured from 1880 - 1884
Production |
Year |
number |
1880 |
4.001 - ? |
1881 |
? - ? |
1882 |
? - ? |
1883 |
? - ? |
1884 |
? - 119.000 |
3rd Issue
one set of cylinder stops, recurve triggerguard, serial number 119001 - 322700,
manufactured from 1884 - 1895
3rd issue, left side
3rd issue, right side
Production |
Year |
number |
1884 |
119.001 - ? |
1885 |
? - ? |
1886 |
? - ? |
1887 |
? - ? |
1888 |
? - ? |
1889 |
? - ? |
1890 |
? - ? |
1891 |
? - ? |
1892 |
? - ? |
1893 |
? - ? |
1894 |
? - ? |
1895 |
? - 322.700 |
4th Issue
as above, serial number 322701 - 539000, manufactured from 1895 - 1909
No.414007, Model no 4, 6" barrel, left side
No.414007, Model no 4, right side
same, ready to load
No.523939, Model no 4, 5" barrel, left side
same, right side
Production |
Year |
number |
1895 |
322.701 - ? |
1896 |
? - ? |
1897 |
? - ? |
1898 |
? - ? |
1899 |
? - ? |
1900 |
? - ? |
1901 |
? - ? |
1902 |
? - ? |
1903 |
? - ? |
1904 |
? - ? |
1905 |
? - ? |
1906 |
? - ? |
1907 |
? - ? |
1908 |
? - ? |
1909 |
? - 539.900 |
5th Issue
as above, serial number 539001 - 554077, manufactured from 1909 - 1911
Perfected Model
as above, topstrap release and a side thumb release, serial number 1 - 59400,
manufactured fom 1909 - 1920
____________________
top break revolvers
Model Number 2
Safety Hammerless Revolver
also called Lemon Squeezer
Model 1 .38 S&W center fire caliber, Safety Hammerless Revolver
1st Issue
.38 S&W center fire caliber, 5 shot double action revolver, 3 1/2", 4", 5" and some rare 6" barrel,
z-bar latch must be pushed sideway to open the revolver,
serial number 1 - 5250, manufactured about 1887
marked on barrel:
SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MADE U.S.A.
PAT'D OCT2, 1883 AUG4, 1885, APRIL9. 1889
Savety Hammerless left side
Savety Hammerless right side
2nd Issue
as above, latch pushed down to open the revolver, serial number 5251 - 42483,
manufactured from 1887 - 1890
Production |
Year |
number |
1887 |
5.251 - ? |
1888 |
? - ? |
1889 |
? - ? |
1890 |
? - 42.483 |
3rd Issue
as above, serial number 42484 - 116002, manufactured from 1890 - 1898
3rd issue left side
Production |
Year |
number |
1890 |
42.484 - ? |
1891 |
? - ? |
1892 |
? - ? |
1893 |
? - ? |
1894 |
? - ? |
1895 |
? - ? |
1896 |
? - ? |
1897 |
? - ? |
1898 |
? - 116.002 |
4th Issue
as above, T-shaped barrel latch lifts to open the revolver,
serial number 116003 - 220000, manufactured from 1898 - 1907
marked on barrel:
SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MADE U.S.A.
PAT'D OCT2, 1883 AUG4, 1885, APRIL9. 1889
.38 S&W CTG on left barrel side
The difference is that the standard t-bar type barrel latch, as utilized on almost all
of the top break revolvers were utilized.
Production |
Year |
number |
1898 |
116.003 - ? |
1899 |
? - ? |
1900 |
? - ? |
1901 |
? - ? |
1902 |
? - ? |
1903 |
? - ? |
1904 |
? - ? |
1905 |
? - ? |
1906 |
? - ? |
1907 |
? - 220.000 |
Thanks Bob for these pictures
Model 4, serial number 167159, pearl girps, left side
same, right side
same, pearl girps, left side
same, pearl girps, right side
same, S&W mark. at the right side
same, caliber mark on left side of the barrel
same, mark on barrel
5th Issue
as above, forged front sight integral to barrel, serial number 220000 - 261493,
manufactured from 1907 - 1940
____________________
top break revolvers
Model Number 3
.44 caliber Models
Model 3 American
1st Issue
.44 rimfire Henry caliber or 44. S&W center fire (American),
6 shot single action revolver, square butt frame, no knuckle on backstrap,
latch mounted on barrel, long ejector, 8 " barrel, serial number 1 - 8000,
manufactured from 1870 - 1874
Production |
Year |
number |
1870 |
1 - ? |
1871 |
? - ? |
1872 |
? - ? |
1873 |
? - ? |
1874 |
? - 8.000 |
2nd Issue
.44 rimfire Henry caliber or 44. S&W center fire (American),
6 shot single action revolver, square butt frame, no knuckle on backstrap,
latch mounted on frame top of hammer, serial number 8001 - 32800,
manufactured from 1872 - 1874
American 2nd issue left side
same, right side
American 2nd issue, short barrel, left side
same, right side
Production |
Year |
number |
1872 |
8.001 - ? |
1873 |
? - ? |
1874 |
? - 32.800 |
____________________
Model 3 Russian
1st Issue
.44 S&W Russian caliber, 6 shot single action revolver, walnut grips,
S&W Russian caliber, 6 shot single action revolver, commercial guns
were made in the serial number 6000 - 32800 (American 1st and 2nd issue),
russian contract guns have serial numbers 1 - 20000 (60638 guns were manufactured
under the 3 russian contracts)
1st issue left side
1st issue right side
other one, left side
and the right side
2nd Issue
.44 S&W Russian caliber, 6 shot single action revolver, spurred triggerguard,
humpback gripstrap, commercial guns were made in the serial number 32800 - 39000,
but others commercial guns were made in the serial number range 1 - 9000
(Turkish and Japanese contracts), russian contract guns have serial numbers 1 - ? (
60638 guns were manufactured under the 3 russian contracts),
manufactured from 1873 - 1878
Russian 7" barrel left side
Russian 7" barrel right side
Russian left side
Russian right side
Japan Navy right side
Production |
Year |
number |
1873 |
1 - ? |
1874 |
? - ? |
1875 |
? - ? |
1876 |
? - ? |
1877 |
? - ? |
1878 |
? - ? |
3rd Issue
.44 rimfire Henry caliber or 44. S&W center fire (American),
6 shot single action revolver, 6 1/2" barrel, front sight forged as part
of the barrel, commercial guns were made in the serial number
39000 - 53500 (American and Russian models) overall production of the
3 Russian models were 13.500, russian contract guns have serial numbers 1 - ?
(60638 guns were manufactured under the 3 russian contracts),
manufactured from 1874 - 1878
Russian left side
Russian right side
____________________
Model 3 Schofield
1st Issue
.45 S&W caliber, 6 shot single action revolver, serial number 1 - 3035,
manufacturen in 1875
left
other, left
other.right
2nd Issue
.45 S&W caliber, 6 shot single action revolver, 7" barrel,
serial number 3036 - 8969, manufacturen from 1876 - 1877
left
right
Production |
Year |
number |
1876 |
3036 - ? |
1877 |
? - 8.969 |
____________________
New Model Number 3
.44 S&W Russian caliber, 6 shot fluted cylinder, 6 1/2" barrel was standard,
hard rubber or walnut grip, serial number 1 - 35796,
manufactured vrom 1878 to 1912
Production |
Year |
number |
1878 |
1 - ? |
1879 |
? - ? |
1880 |
? - ? |
1881 |
? - ? |
1882 |
? - ? |
1883 |
? - ? |
1884 |
? - ? |
1885 |
? - ? |
1886 |
? - ? |
1887 |
? - ? |
1888 |
? - ? |
1889 |
? - ? |
1890 |
? - ? |
1891 |
? - ? |
1892 |
? - ? |
1893 |
? - ? |
1894 |
? - ? |
1895 |
? - ? |
1896 |
? - ? |
1897 |
? - ? |
1898 |
? - ? |
1899 |
? - ? |
1900 |
? - ? |
1900 |
? - ? |
1901 |
? - ? |
1902 |
? - ? |
1903 |
? - ? |
1904 |
? - ? |
1905 |
? - ? |
1906 |
? - ? |
1907 |
? - ? |
1908 |
? - ? |
1909 |
? - ? |
1910 |
? - ? |
1911 |
? - ? |
1912 |
? - 35.796 |
also chambered in .32 S&W, .32-44 S&W, .320 S&W Revolving Rifle,
.38 S&W, .38 Colt, .38-40, .38-44 S&W, .41 S&W, .44 Rimfire Henry,
.44 S&W American, .44-40, .45 S&W Schofield, .450 Revolver, .45 Webley,
.455 Mark I, .455 Mark II. All these calibers ar rares.
barrel lenght was from 3 1/2" to 8"
____________________
New Model Number 3 Target Model
.32-44 S&W Target or .38-44 Target caliber, 6 shot single action revolver,
6 1/2" barrel, black hard rubber or checkered walnut grips, blue or nickel finish,
adjustable Target Sights, serial number 1 - 4333, manufactured from 1887 - 1910
.32-44 caliber Target left side
.32-44 caliber Target right side
Production |
Year |
number |
1887 |
1 - ? |
1888 |
? - ? |
1889 |
? - ? |
1890 |
? - ? |
1891 |
? - ? |
1892 |
? - ? |
1893 |
? - ? |
1894 |
? - ? |
1895 |
? - ? |
1896 |
? - ? |
1897 |
? - ? |
1898 |
? - ? |
1899 |
? - ? |
1900 |
? - ? |
1900 |
? - ? |
1901 |
? - ? |
1902 |
? - ? |
1903 |
? - ? |
1904 |
? - ? |
1905 |
? - ? |
1906 |
? - ? |
1907 |
? - ? |
1908 |
? - ? |
1909 |
? - ? |
1910 |
? - 4.333 |
____________________
New Model Number 3 Turkish
.44 Rimfire Henry caliber, 6 shot fluted cylinder, 6 1/2 " barrel, top breake,
serial number 1 - 5461, manufactured from 1879 - 1883
Production |
Year |
number |
1879 |
1 - ? |
1880 |
? - ? |
1881 |
? - ? |
1882 |
? - ? |
1883 |
? - ? |
____________________
New Model Number 3 Frontier
.44-40 Winchester caliber, 6 shot fluted cylinder, 4", 5" or 6 1/2" barrel,
top breake, serial number 1 - 2072, manufactured 1885 - 1908
Production |
Year |
number |
1885 |
1 - ? |
1886 |
? - ? |
1887 |
? - ? |
1888 |
? - ? |
1889 |
? - ? |
1890 |
? - ? |
1891 |
? - ? |
1892 |
? - ? |
1893 |
? - ? |
1894 |
? - ? |
1895 |
? - ? |
1896 |
? - ? |
1897 |
? - ? |
1898 |
? - ? |
1899 |
? - ? |
1900 |
? - ? |
1900 |
? - ? |
1901 |
? - ? |
1902 |
? - ? |
1903 |
? - ? |
1904 |
? - ? |
1905 |
? - ? |
1906 |
? - ? |
1907 |
? - ? |
1908 |
? - 2.072 |
____________________
.44 Double Action
.44 DA 1st model
also known as New Model Navy Number 3
.44 S&W Russian caliber, 6 shot fluted cylinder, 4" to 6 1/2" barrel,
top breake, red or black rubber grips, serial number 1 - 54668,
manufactured 1881 - 1913
.44 S&W Russian caliber left side
.44 S&W Russian caliber right side
Production |
Year |
number |
1881 |
1 - ? |
1882 |
? - ? |
1883 |
? - ? |
1884 |
? - ? |
1885 |
? - ? |
1886 |
? - ? |
1887 |
? - ? |
1888 |
? - ? |
1889 |
? - ? |
1890 |
? - ? |
1891 |
? - ? |
1892 |
? - ? |
1893 |
? - ? |
1894 |
? - ? |
1895 |
? - ? |
1896 |
? - ? |
1897 |
? - ? |
1898 |
? - ? |
1899 |
? - ? |
1900 |
? - ? |
1900 |
? - ? |
1901 |
? - ? |
1902 |
? - ? |
1903 |
? - ? |
1904 |
? - ? |
1905 |
? - ? |
1906 |
? - ? |
1907 |
? - ? |
1908 |
? - ? |
1909 |
? - ? |
1910 |
? - ? |
1911 |
? - ? |
1912 |
? - ? |
1913 |
? - 54.668 |
.44 DA Wesson Favorite
.44 S&W Russian caliber, 6 shot fluted cylinder, 5" barrel, serial number 8900 - 10100,
in the same range as the 1st model, manufactured 1882 - 1883
Production |
Year |
number |
1882 |
8.900 - ? |
1883 |
? - 10.100 |
.44 DA Frontier
.44-40 Winchester caliber, 6 shot fluted cylinder, 4" to 6 1/2" barrel,
top breake, serial number 1 - 15340, manufactured 1886 - 1913
Production |
Year |
number |
1886 |
1 - ? |
1887 |
? - ? |
1888 |
? - ? |
1889 |
? - ? |
1890 |
? - ? |
1891 |
? - ? |
1892 |
? - ? |
1893 |
? - ? |
1894 |
? - ? |
1895 |
? - ? |
1896 |
? - ? |
1897 |
? - ? |
1898 |
? - ? |
1899 |
? - ? |
1900 |
? - ? |
1900 |
? - ? |
1901 |
? - ? |
1902 |
? - ? |
1903 |
? - ? |
1904 |
? - ? |
1905 |
? - ? |
1906 |
? - ? |
1907 |
? - ? |
1908 |
? - ? |
1909 |
? - ? |
1910 |
? - ? |
1911 |
? - ? |
1912 |
? - ? |
1913 |
? - 15.340 |
____________________
single shot pistol
1st model
also known as model of 1891 or single shot model of 1891
.22 rl caliber, .32 S&W or .38 S&W, single shot pistol, 6" to 10" barrel,
top breake, black rubber grips, serial number 1 - 28107 in the same range
as the .38 Single Action 3rd Model, manufactured from 1893 - 1905,
production was 862 pistols in .22 lr. caliber, 229 pistols in .32 S&W caliber
and 160 pistols in .38 S&W caliber
Production |
Year |
number |
1893 |
1 - ? |
1894 |
? - ? |
1895 |
? - ? |
1896 |
? - ? |
1897 |
? - ? |
1898 |
? - ? |
1899 |
? - ? |
1900 |
? - ? |
1900 |
? - ? |
1901 |
? - ? |
1902 |
? - ? |
1903 |
? - ? |
1904 |
? - ? |
1905 |
? - 389 |
The 2nd, 3rd and 4th model has been manufactured after 1900 and therefore
will not been discribed
____________________
.32 hand ejector 1st model
1st model or model 1896
.32 S&W long caliber, 6 shot double action revolver, swing out cylinder,
serial number 1 - 19712 manufactured 1896 - 1903
Production |
Year |
number |
1896 |
1 - ? |
1897 |
? - ? |
1898 |
? - ? |
1899 |
? - ? |
1900 |
? - ? |
1900 |
? - ? |
1901 |
? - ? |
1902 |
? - ? |
1903 |
? - 19.712 |
____________________
.38 Military and Police model
1st model also called Model 1899 Army-Navy Revolver
.38 S&W Special or .38 Long Colt, 6 shot fluted cylinder, double action revolver,
serial number 1 - 20975, manufactured 1899 - 1902
Model 1899 Army-Navy right side
Production |
Year |
number |
1899 |
1 - ? |
1900 |
? - ? |
1900 |
? - ? |
1901 |
? - ? |
1902 |
? - 20.975 |
____________________
|