Smith and Wesson Model of 91 “Serial #2 Barrel” .38 2 Barrel Set C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,202.00
WOA#: WY240318RU082
Make: Smith and Wesson
Model: Model of 91
Serial Number: 8425
Year of Manufacture: 1893-1905
Caliber: .22 cal 10 inch barrel and an 38 cal barrel SERIALIZED #2 in 6 inch Nickel
Action Type: Single shot, single action
Markings: the top of the ribbed barrel is marked “Smith & Wesson Springfield Mass USA” “MODEL OF 91” PAT APR 20. 73 FEB 20. & DEC 18.77. MAY 11. 80”; On either side of our hard rubber grips we see the same encircled “SW” mark molded into the grips above the “PATD 30.92” . The butt of the grip frame is marked “8425” the inside of the locking latch. In the cradle of the frame is marked “p”.On the locking latch the markings are “8425”. On the other shorter 6 inch barrel the serial number marked on the locking latch is “2”.
Barrel Length: The installed 22lr cal. barrel measures 10 inches, The 38 cal 6 inch nickel barrel is serial number 2 off the line
Sights / Optics: The front sight of the 22 cal. 10 inch Barrel is a fine flared Paine Target blade. It is pinned and recessed to the tip of the rib, it is original to the pistol. It has been modified by previous owners. The rear sight is also original to the pistol. Two flats of the notch rear sight offer a wide field of view for such a fine front blade.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are not original to the piece in this writers opinion. The front strap of the grip would be serialized if they left the factory this way. There is almost zero wear! The grips rate in about 90% overall condition. There are tiny scratches visible on the flat of the butt.These target stocks are in very good condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: No Magazine this is a single shot
Type of Finish: Blued, Case hardened hammer, trigger and trigger guard. Hard Rubber Diamond Target Stocks.
Finish Originality: Original (Was sent to Smith & Wesson for Rework)
Bore Condition: The bores are still showing original machine marking and the rifling is strong. There is no visible erosion in the bore. There are some signs of use in rifling. The bore rates about 9.5/10 in this writer’s opinion. The second 6 inch barrel’s bore shows little rifling and there is some erosion. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates 7.5 /10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains 90% of the original finish. There is a good bit of speckled wear throughout.The screw heads range from sharp and to lightly tool marked. The grip screws show some marks but are in fine condition. The markings are strong. Overall, this handgun rates in about very good condition. In this writer’s opinion.
Mechanics: The action functions flawlessly. It ejects and locks up great. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This gun comes with an extra nickel 6 inch , barrel chambered in 38 serialized “2”
Our Assessment: First Model Single Shot Model of 1891’s was made in multiple calibers, 22LR, 32SW, and .38 SW, in 6”,8” or 10” Barrel; top-break action. Single Shot pistol made on a revolver type frame, with recoil shield left intact; black hard rubber extension grips standard. The front sight is a Paine Target Blade pinned in the barrel rib; rear target sights mounted in the barrel latch are adjustable for windage and elevation. Blue finish. Serial number located on the butt of the grip with matching number on the latch and barrel. The second barrel with a single digit serial number 2 is the piece you really want to add to your collection. nJust to hold something mr. Smith and Mr. Wesson held in their own hands.
This gun is another piece of Smith and Wesson single digit piece of history. As a Smith fan I know these only come along every once in a while. This pistol’s accuracy leaves me wanting to go to the range. But I wouldn’t because of its historic value. Talk about an investment piece. The styling makes me want to hang it on the wall and just stare at it. I would love to own this gun just for the bragging rights. This firearm screams to me its historic past. The First Model single shot model of 91 (1891) is great on all aspects of the gun world. But nothing says history like a single digit serial number, talk about collectables. No Smith collection is complete without one. Take a closer look at this one it may be just what you need to scratch that itch.
K. F.
