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RARE ENGRAVED 2ND MODEL NO 3 SMITH & WESSON AMERICAN, 8” BARREL X 44 AMERICAN, IVORY, KNOWN FAMILY PROVENANCE
Guns International #: 101304236 Seller's Inventory #:
Category: Smith & Wesson Revolvers - Antique - Smith & Wesson Revolvers - Model 3
Seller's Information
When emailing or calling sellers direct, please mention that you saw their listing on GunsInternational.com
Seller: victorio1sw
Member Since: 8/4/13
State: Texas
Country: United States
Fax:
Number of Active Listings: 4
Seller: Private Seller
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Payment Types Accepted: Bank Cashier’s Checks and Postal Money Orders.
Description:
********SOLD********
The History:
This is one of those rare times when the past ownership of a gun going back to 1873 is known. This engraved S&W was in the McMorrow family for three generations. The following three paragraphs are a summary of those previous owners, as I have confirmed by my own research.
James McMorrow (Apr 1845-Oct 1917) was born in Ireland, immigrated 1851, in 1856 was in Elk, Clayton County, Iowa, at age 20 enlisted in Company E. 4th Iowa Volunteer Infantry Oct 1864 and mustered out July 1865, married Maria in 1867, worked as a farmer and coal miner in Pleasant, Appanoose County, Iowa, by 1890 was in Whatcheer, Keokuk County, Iowa, during 1900-10 was farming in Syracuse, Hamilton County, Kansas, and died of pneumonia in San Diego, CA on Oct 17, 1917.
Martin M. McMorrow (Jan 1879-1936) was born in Iowa, by 1900 was in Syracuse, Hamilton County, Kansas, married Noma Michner in 1906 at Syracuse, in 1917-1930 was a carpenter in San Diego County, CA, and died in Trinity County, CA Sept 13, 1936.
Donald Martin McMorrow (July 1911-2001) was born at Boise, Ada County, Idaho, and died at Weaverville, Trinity County, CA Dec 13, 2001. See the two old photos of Donald as taken in 1912 and 2001. In one picture is a great-looking holster and cartridge belt rig, which the family said was “lost” years ago. John Kopec of Whitmore, CA purchased this engraved S&W from the family, along with the family history documents, in 2003.
According to Smith & Wesson factory records, #20950 was shipped to the predominant dealer M. W. Robinson of NYC on May 15, 1873. It was in 44 American with 8” Barrel, Nickel, and Smooth Walnut grips. Robinson is well-known for adding engraving and ivory grips, which he apparently could have done locally for less than Smith & Wesson would charge. As Roy Jinks says “This was a common practice” and “A very excellent collectible”.
The Description:
All factory markings are distinct, including the barrel address, serial number, and assembly number. Most important are the assembly numbers, which tie the frame to other major parts. Under the right grip, near the heel, is assembly number 139. That #139 is also found on the rear of cylinder, on the rear of barrel under the latch, and on the latch. The factory inspector’s mark “N” is found between the upper frame posts.
The revolver was re-nickel plated to original specs many years ago, leaving the hammer, trigger guard, extractor cam, cam release, extractor, and cylinder retainer blue. Of the nickel finish, what remains is barrel (95%), cylinder 75%, and frame-grip frame-butt 95%. The balance is smooth gray metal. All screw heads remain in decent condition, with some wear to the slots of two or three.
The mechanism works as it should, with good cylinder indexing as the hammer drawn back into full cock. The cylinder lock-up is not jamb-up tight, but adequate as seen with most of these. The hammer safety notch is not broken. The top-break mechanism functions properly with a tight barrel latch. The extractor can be released by pressing backward on the cam release (in front of trigger guard). That cam release is often found missing or poorly replaced, but this release remains intact with sharp checkering. The bore has six strong lands and grooves with the expected scattered areas of light pitting. The ivory grips show some shrinkage and age cracking, but the butt was never used as a hammer. Inked inside of the ivory grips is 2nd owner “Mart. McMorrow”. A butt screw was installed by the factory, as the original buyer did not want a lanyard ring. The barrel muzzle is crowned as all Americans should be, about 0.50” ahead of the barrel rib ending. The original “half moon” steel sight is pinned to the rib as originally done by Smith & Wesson.
A very rare engraved S&W American that is now 146 years old, and in attractive condition. Comes with factory letter, family records, and family photos.
No FFL required, can ship directly to purchaser.
Terms:
No International sales. Not being sold as a shooter, but as a collector’s antique Smith & Wesson American. If you want to shoot any older gun, first take it to a competent gunsmith and have it checked out.
Three day inspection period, but please ask questions prior to buying (see additional notes on returns at bottom). Additional pictures sent on request. Contact me by email with request for pictures, or with questions. We can then also set up a phone call to discuss all details of this antique gun.
See my 21 years of feedback ratings on eBay (user name: victorio1sw). Member NRA, TGCA, CCA, RSA, and S&WCA.
I accept Bank Cashier’s Checks and Postal Money Orders. No personal checks or Western Union MO’s. Payment must be received within seven days after sale date, and sent by Priority Mail with Tracking Number provided by buyer. Shipping by USPS Registered Mail (12” x 12” x 5-1/2” priority box) with insurance $46.45 (and tracking number provided to buyer). Usually shipping occurs within 3 days after payment received.
Three (3) day Inspection and Return Policy: Only if returned Exactly as Received - Not Disassembled for Inspection, Not Tampered, Not Broken/Chipped/Scratched/Dented/Scuffed, or any Parts Switched. Any Original Documentation sent Must Be Returned with item.
SOLD
Antique: Yes