Smith & Wesson S&W Model 1891 Fourth Model 22 LR 10″ Single Shot Pistol C&R

SOLD FOR: $2222.97

LSB#: 220325JR006

Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: Fourth Model Single Shot, The Model of 1891

Serial Number: 73

Year of Manufacture: 1925, First Year

Caliber: .22 LR

Action Type: Single Shot, Side-Swing, Manually-Cocked, Rimfire Pistol

Markings: The barrel rib is marked “SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS. U.S.A. PAT’D. DEC. 4. 1923”. The left side of the frame is marked with a monogram logo behind the grip panel. The butt of the grip frame is marked with the serial number “73”. The bottom of the barrel is matched and marked “73”. The left side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON”. The right side of the barrel is marked “22 LONG RIFLE CTG”. The right side of the “MADE IN U.S.A.”.

Barrel Length: 10″

Sights / Optics: The front sight is Patridge blade and is pinned to the rib. The rear sight is a square notch in a base adjustable for windage and elevation and is screwed to the barrel.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth walnut with S&W medallions. There are some scattered little nicks, compressions, and draglines. There is some discoloration from use. There are no chips or cracks. There are areas of finish wear, most noticeable on the bottom faces. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good-Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 90% of its metal finish. There are some scattered little scuffs and scratches, some of the most noticeable are on the grip frame and left side of the barrel towards the front. There are some scattered little spots of surface oxidation. There are areas of finish loss, most noticeable on the grip frame and sides of the barrel at the muzzle. There is finish loss on the edges. The pinheads are unmarred. The screw heads are sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, the pistol is in about Very Good Plus condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is a two-piece cleaning rod in a green felt-lined Smith & Wesson metal case. The case has some scratches, scuffs, and there is scabbing which is most prominent on the back.

Our Assessment: Beginning with the Model of 1891, their first single-shot pistol, Smith & Wesson gained a reputation for making one of the finest target pistols available in the world. The first three models bore a resemblance to Smith & Wesson’s revolver offerings and the last one having the appearance of an autoloader. The 1st Model even retained the full recoil shield of the .38 Single Action 3rd Model revolver. This example is a Fourth Model and has a 10? barrel and walnut grips. The pistol retains much of its blued finish and looks impressive for a pistol that is almost over a century old. The bore has great rifling and should be capable of impressive accuracy. These pistols, with their distinctive looks and limited production, are quite desirable among Smith & Wesson collectors. With less than 2,000 Fourth Models made, this is a rare pistol indeed, and not something that comes up for auction every day. Please see our photos and good luck!