Orbea Hermanos 1884 Sistema ONA S&W Model 3 .455 Eley DA/SA Revolver C&R

SOLD FOR: $1025

LSB#: 210809TS25

Make: Orbea Hermanos

Model: 1884 Sistema ONÁ “Smith & Wesson Model 7” (Model 3 Copy)

Serial Number: 2197

Year of Manufacture: 1884-1920

Caliber: .455 Eley

Action Type: DA/SA Double and Single Action 6-Shot Top-Break Revolver

Markings: Barrel assembly left side marked with two proofs and serial number, “2197”. Barrel rib marked “ORBEA HERMANOS Y CIA EIBAR (ESPANA)” with patent dates. Frame right side marked “TRADE / MARK” with the Orbea Hermanos logo in between. Cylinder flutes marked with proofs, cylinder marked with serial number, “2197”. Both grip panels are marked with the Orbea Hermanos logo.

Barrel Length: 5” with Barrel Rib

Sights/Optics: The front sight is a rounded-blade pinned to the barrel rib. The rear sight is a v-notch post integral to the break latch.

Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are replacement two-piece checkered panels with smooth diamonds on a bird’s head grip. The panels are smaller than the grip frame. The smooth areas of the panels have light nicks and scuffs throughout. The checkering is well-defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips rate in Good-to-Very Good condition, as not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Blued with Case Color Hammer and Trigger

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with well-defined rifling. There are spots of light erosion throughout along with light stubborn fouling.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 90% of its metal finish. There are spots of scattered light surface erosion, most notably along the left side of the frame. There are also light nicks on the left side of the frame. The barrel has scattered minor nicks most heavily concentrated at the tip. The cylinder has a turn line through the finish. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked, all have usable slots. The markings are generally clear. Overall, this revolver rates in Very Good-to-Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up with minor play on each chamber with the trigger depressed. The double action trigger is smooth, the single action is light and crisp. We did not fire this revolver. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: In 1884, the Spanish government by decree stated that inventions not copyrighted by their copyright office were not protected in Spain. That’s where the fun began and poor Smith & Wesson was the main victim, with Spanish gunmakers copying the company’s patents mercilessly for the better part of forty years. This example is the 1884 Sistema ONÁ “Smith & Wesson Model 7” (Oná, ironically in this case, means “good”), a copy of the Smith & Wesson Model 3. This example is in fairly good condition with much of its original finish remaining and strong mechanics. The bore has heavier wear, however. Ethics aside, this Spanish copy of a Smith & Wesson revolver is fascinating perhaps less so for being a S&W than it is for being an example of just how capricious, strange, and volatile the firearms industry can be. Spanish gun collectors and S&W collectors would do well to scoop this up, as Spanish copies often don’t survive to the present day in such good condition. Good luck and happy bidding!