forehand revolver - The Firearms Forum

jinxxy · 08-16-2012, 07:38 PM

Hi. I'm having major issues even finding a picture or a record of my revolver's existence let alone it's value. I have an inherited Forehand Arms Co. .38 5 shot revolver. double action. patent date June 2, 1891. It belonged to my late great uncle who was in the military. I've been told this is a military issued weapon, but have no documentation to prove so. In other words, I'm clueless.

Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

hrf · 08-16-2012, 08:08 PM

Welcome to the forum.

It was not a military gun, just an economy grade private firearm. Forehand & Wadswoth became Forehand Arms Co. in 1890 when Wadsworth retired, and was bought by Hopkins & Allen in 1902.

Here's the short barrel version in 1900 Sears catalog:

RJay · 08-16-2012, 08:21 PM

The only thing unusual about your revolver is the long barrel., most have shorter barrels but at that date in time you could order just about any thing you wanted from the factory and they would oblige . There are F&W revolvers that are marked Old Army Model and New Army model ( in .44 Caliber ) but as hrf has posted there is no record of any military ever purchasing any. Someone may have a handle on value and will be good enought to post the information.

jinxxy · 08-16-2012, 08:57 PM

thank you both very much.

Jim K · 08-16-2012, 10:42 PM

Well, they are worth a bit more than $1.80, even accounting for inflation, but they are not high ticket items. There is a mild collector interest, but with the odd long barrel, that one might bring $250 or a bit more.

Jim

08-16-2012, 07:38 PM	#1
jinxxy Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Georgia, USA Posts: 2	forehand revolver Hi. I'm having major issues even finding a picture or a record of my revolver's existence let alone it's value. I have an inherited Forehand Arms Co. .38 5 shot revolver. double action. patent date June 2, 1891. It belonged to my late great uncle who was in the military. I've been told this is a military issued weapon, but have no documentation to prove so. In other words, I'm clueless. Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thank you. Attached Images -->

08-16-2012, 08:08 PM	#2
hrf Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 2,276	Re: forehand revolver Welcome to the forum. It was not a military gun, just an economy grade private firearm. Forehand & Wadswoth became Forehand Arms Co. in 1890 when Wadsworth retired, and was bought by Hopkins & Allen in 1902. Here's the short barrel version in 1900 Sears catalog: Attached Images

08-16-2012, 08:21 PM	#3
RJay Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Arizona Posts: 3,485	Re: forehand revolver The only thing unusual about your revolver is the long barrel., most have shorter barrels but at that date in time you could order just about any thing you wanted from the factory and they would oblige . There are F&W revolvers that are marked Old Army Model and New Army model ( in .44 Caliber ) but as hrf has posted there is no record of any military ever purchasing any. Someone may have a handle on value and will be good enought to post the information. __________________ RonJames

08-16-2012, 08:57 PM	#4
jinxxy Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Georgia, USA Posts: 2	Re: forehand revolver thank you both very much.

08-16-2012, 10:42 PM	#5
Jim K Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 6,408	Re: forehand revolver Well, they are worth a bit more than $1.80, even accounting for inflation, but they are not high ticket items. There is a mild collector interest, but with the odd long barrel, that one might bring $250 or a bit more. Jim