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DEFENDER ’89 Antique Johnson & Bye SUICIDE SPECIAL
Guns International #: 100957153 Seller's Inventory #: 5490
Category: Antique Revolvers - Cartridge - .32 Revolvers
Seller's Information
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Seller: AncestryGunsLLC
Company: Ancestry Guns LLC
Member Since: 11/3/16
State: Missouri
Zip: 65203
Country: United States
Phone: (314) 707-7373
International Phone: 314-707-7373
Platinum Seller
Number of Active Listings: 1585
Total Number of Listings: 30419
Seller: FFL Dealer
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Payment Types Accepted: Credit Card, Certified Check, Money Order
Description:
DEFENDER ’89 Antique Johnson & Bye SUICIDE SPECIAL
WILD WEST Spur Trigger HIDEOUT 32 Caliber Revolver
Here we present an antique Johnson & Bye “Defender ’89” Spur Trigger Pocket Revolver, made circa 1889. These pocket-sized revolvers and many like them were made by various companies such that the price easily undercut better known and established companies like Colt. As a result, many of Colt’s similar lines were shut down for their inability to compete. During a time when many, if not most people carried a firearm, these affordable little revolves were small enough to conceal and carry, yet provide some level of protection or peace of mind, even when the town did not allow firearms within its limits.
It was not until 1948 that the term “Suicide Special” was coined and proliferated by Duncan McConnel in his article for the NRA’s American Rifleman. 10 years later in 1958 Donald Blake Webster published his book about them, Suicide Specials. There were quite literally dozens of companies making these at the end of the 19th century, curiously being “trade named” all sorts of things, for example: Defender, Blue Jacket, Red Jacket, Electric, Smoker and many more! They are typically rimfire and have the spur trigger, much like their progenitor the S&W No. 1 Revolver. Though they do not have the name recognition of Colt’s, Smith & Wesson and Remington, they still represent a period in American history and present an opportunity for collectors with relatively minimal investment.
This revolver features 5 shots of .32 rimfire and birds head grips. It has fancy sculpted hard rubber grips with “DEFENDER ‘89” marked on each panel. Grips are in very good condition with a chip on each panel. Nickel finish is virtually complete. The markings are clear. The bore is sharp and clean. The action is excellent. Here is a great little piece of American West history!
Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.
Barrel is 2-1/2 inches.
Caliber: .32 Rimfire
Overall condition as seen in photos.
Very Fast. Very Safe. FREE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE. Delivered directly to your door by express mail!
Guaranteed AUTHENTIC & Includes CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY.
ancestryguns
$550
#5490
SOLD
Antique: Yes