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Well, at least new to me. I picked this up today off of an Armslist add. Smith and Wesson Model 1899 First Model Target revolver. Serial number puts it as having been made in 1901. These are known by collectors as pre five screw, four screw, frames as the screw in the front of the trigger guard wasn't added until 1905.
Out of 20,975 first model hand ejectors manufactured between 1899 and 1901, less than 10% were target models. This one, while having only about 70% of the original, thinning, finish left, has no dings or scratches on it and the action is as tight as any of my newer Smiths. The bore is shiny with strong rifling. Serial numbers match on the frame, barrel and cylinder.
SCSW lists these as being worth two to three times what a standard first model is worth, although not as much as a martially marked one would bring.
The deal was FTF in a shopping center parking lot, so no tax or any of that nonsense, and the seller threw in a box of ammo.
The only problem is the original grips are long gone and in their place was the ugliest set of home made target stocks I have ever seen. I am now on the hunt for either a set of original grips (probably like trying to find unicorn horns) or a set of period ivories for it.
Out of 20,975 first model hand ejectors manufactured between 1899 and 1901, less than 10% were target models. This one, while having only about 70% of the original, thinning, finish left, has no dings or scratches on it and the action is as tight as any of my newer Smiths. The bore is shiny with strong rifling. Serial numbers match on the frame, barrel and cylinder.
SCSW lists these as being worth two to three times what a standard first model is worth, although not as much as a martially marked one would bring.
The deal was FTF in a shopping center parking lot, so no tax or any of that nonsense, and the seller threw in a box of ammo.
The only problem is the original grips are long gone and in their place was the ugliest set of home made target stocks I have ever seen. I am now on the hunt for either a set of original grips (probably like trying to find unicorn horns) or a set of period ivories for it.
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