Smith & Wesson Model of 1891 - The Firearms Forum

dianalv · 11-16-2009, 08:29 AM

I have an opportunity to buy a S&W Model 1891 Second Model single shot, 22lr. with 10 inch barrel. Blueing is 95% with light pitting around the muzzle. Bore is excellent, clean and bright. Rear sight is missing the aperture, but the gun smith says that can be fixed. Asking price is $795.00. Is this a good price for this gun in this condition?

pinecone70 · 11-16-2009, 08:33 AM

One auction site had a listing for $899, and it has sold.

deadin · 11-16-2009, 08:59 AM

How much of the rear sight is missing? Just the blade or is it the whole thing?
I would pay $795 for it if it the finish is original. That's a very fair price.

BTW, if you find a rear sight blade for it, pick up two. I also need one.

dianalv · 11-16-2009, 09:09 AM

The finish is original. I haven't seen the gun yet, so can't say exactly on the rear sight. I've been on the lookout for a Model of 1891 for some time, so it's one of the "gun experts" I've had looking that found it.

How does yours shoot, deadin?

deadin · 11-16-2009, 10:02 AM

Mine is an 8" and it shoots just fine. It is more of a collectable than a shooter to me as I have more modern and more accurate guns if I want to get serious.

For instance, it's not going to outshoot this:

dianalv · 11-16-2009, 10:18 AM

Just talked to the seller and it's just the blade on the rear sight, which is evidently an easy fix. 95% blueing, very light pitting on the muzzle, 85% case hardening, all original. Very early serial #. Great trigger pull, fully functional. Generous return policy if I'm not happy with it. Think I'll take it!

dianalv · 11-16-2009, 10:30 AM

deadin, that is one ugly, ugly gun, but I bet it shoots pretty!

Claude Clay · 11-16-2009, 10:40 AM

i think that is a free gun----

untill you want one

deadin · 11-16-2009, 11:58 AM

Quote:

i think that is a free gun

It's called a Free Pistol and could be considered a Great Grandson of the S&W 2nd Model Single Shot under discussion. Just as the S&W could have shot in the 1906 London Games, this Hammerli could have been used in the more current games. The function has changed very little and the rules are still pretty much the same. Just the technology has grown up.

FloridaFialaFan · 12-03-2009, 01:12 AM

As there was no picture of your Model of 91, what determined that it is a Second Model?

I have a 91 with factory letter and they didn't mention there being First, Second, etc., variations. Here's pic of mine, which came from one of the Greg Martin auctions in Nov. '07 for $871.

Be sure the serial numbers all match. I found them on the bottom of the barrel release latch, and on the back of the extractor, as well as on the frame. According to Kull's book on S&W there were only 862 of 'em made in .22rf, which my gun is.

The factory letter states it was shipped out to a Philadelphia dealer in 1901.

Best regards ~ ~ ~ FFF

Alpo · 12-03-2009, 08:30 AM

There were four models of single-shot 22s. Model of 1891, 2nd Model, Perfected and Straight Line.

The 1st Model, the 1891, has a recoil shield on it, like a revolver, like yours appears to have, in the picture.
The 2nd Model did away with the recoil shield.
The 3rd Model, the Perfected, has a double action trigger.
The 4th Model, the Straight Line, has a grip frame that looks like an automatic, instead of a revolver.

FloridaFialaFan · 12-03-2009, 08:56 AM

Thanks for that info, Alpo.

Next question is, were those others stamped the same as this one is, along top of barrel? I was impressed by how crowded the MODELOF91 designation is in the center...

Yes, mine has the recoil shields. Here's a better photo which shows those.

Best regards ~ ~ ~ FFF

deadin · 12-03-2009, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Be sure the serial numbers all match. I found them on the bottom of the barrel release latch, and on the back of the extractor, as well as on the frame.

Jack,
That's a nice looking 1st Model! You did miss one of the serials. It's on the back of the barrel extension between the ears. They can be kind of hard to see, so here's a picture of one: (Much bigger gun, but still the same place)
Sometimes the serial is split between each side. Also sometimes you will find one without the serial and that means that the barrel is a replacement. S&W made extra barrels for this model so those that had a M1891 .38 SA or a .22 with a different length could order a .22 Target barrel for it. These barrels were unnumbered.
They also made .32 and .38 Single Shot barrels. Finding a matched set with all three barrels (and matching numbers) is a real coup. With the wood case and tools the last set I saw sell went for close to $10,000.00

FloridaFialaFan · 12-03-2009, 10:23 AM

deadin you are correct, the serial number is also in that location. My gun being only five digits, each stamping is the FULL serial number.

Here's a pic of another interesting, very similar, old timer from the same era, made by a well-known revolver manufacturer: Hopkins & Allen. This is their short-lived Single Shot Target, 2500 made between 1906 and 1915. It was available in 6,8, and 10" barrel lengths.

When Marlin bought H&A they stashed away some of the parts inventory and years later assembled one dozen of this model with their own stamping along the top of the barrel. They were all blued with 10" barrels. One recently was offered at Rock Island Auctions.

Best regards ~ ~ ~ FFF

deadin · 12-03-2009, 10:39 AM

Jack! You da Man!!

Could I talk you into sending me as many close up pictures as you can of the adjustable rear sight on your H&A??
I have one in blue with a 6" barrel. It has the rudimentary fixed rear sight but all the adjustable parts are missing. I'm afraid I going to need to fabricate them and need as much info as I can get.

If you don't have my email, PM me and I will send it.

Dean

FloridaFialaFan · 12-03-2009, 10:55 AM

Also have the 6" blued one. Which rear sight, or both? Lemme' know. Will have to do 'em later this afternoon as have to go out to pick up prescriptions.

The outer "ears" on that 6" U rear sight are NOT on the nickeled 10". Inspecting it with a 10X jewelers loupe it appears original as where saw or grind marks would be, that top surface is also nickeled. (?)

Best regards ~ ~ ~ FFF

deadin · 12-03-2009, 11:05 AM

Here's what I have. I need whatever isn't there.

FloridaFialaFan · 12-03-2009, 11:15 AM

deadin, I'm just leaving and will work on it when I get back. Jack

dianalv · 12-03-2009, 11:24 AM

Here's the one I bought. Don't have it yet. It's getting the rear sight fixed.

dianalv · 12-03-2009, 11:26 AM

Wow, Fialafan! Nice pair!

Hogfarmer · 04-21-2012, 06:42 PM

I have what I believe is a model II. but it is missing the hammer. can anyone tell me where I could possibably get one? I was told that the single action 38 hammer is the same. any help would be appeciated.

Modelof1891 · 06-14-2012, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FloridaFialaFan

Thanks for that info, Alpo.

Next question is, were those others stamped the same as this one is, along top of barrel? I was impressed by how crowded the MODELOF91 designation is in the center...

Yes, mine has the recoil shields. Here's a better photo which shows those.

Best regards ~ ~ ~ FFF

The roll stamp "modelof91" is on the first models and carried over to the second models up to about serial number 2300 and then hit & miss until around number 2800.
The second model from after about 2800 until the end of production has a single line Smith Wesson Springfield Mass.
The .38 3rd model SA revolver is also marked "modelof91" except for the early serial number short barrels (under number 2,100), they just have the address and patent dates.
Terry

BETH · 06-14-2012, 09:46 PM

whoaaaaa purdy

FloridaFialaFan · 06-14-2012, 11:29 PM

Might be of interest to some readers that I'm in midst of auctioning off my collection of about 100 old, oddball, single-shot, .22rf guns made in US/Canada - due to advancing age and poor health. They can be seen on one the best know gun auction websites under my seller name there: Shansei45.

This SMITH & WESSON MODEL OF 91 was one of the first to go. Still have the H&A target pictured, and I believe I've still got the little 6" H&A.

Am spending more time in hospitals than I am at home. So it's gonna' take me a while to get all this old iron prepared for listing. Just bear with me . . .

Best regards ~ ~ ~ FFF

Hogfarmer · 06-24-2012, 06:21 PM

Thanks to "Modelof1891" for finding me a Hammer for my S&W model 1891. I was given this gun by a young friend of mine when I was 13. (Now 73). never had a hammer, and just recently found the gun in a junk drawer. It's fully functional now, But I have never fired it. thanks again Terry.
any thoughts on it. I took it to a gunsmith once about 20 yrs. ago, and he said it was not worth fixing, and probably could not get a hammer , But offered me a few bucks for it , said it would be a nice piece for his wife. sounded funny so I declined.

11-16-2009, 08:29 AM	#1
dianalv Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Las Vegas, Nevada Posts: 1,160	Smith & Wesson Model of 1891 I have an opportunity to buy a S&W Model 1891 Second Model single shot, 22lr. with 10 inch barrel. Blueing is 95% with light pitting around the muzzle. Bore is excellent, clean and bright. Rear sight is missing the aperture, but the gun smith says that can be fixed. Asking price is $795.00. Is this a good price for this gun in this condition? -->

11-16-2009, 08:33 AM	#2
pinecone70 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Minnesota Gal! Posts: 4,730	Re: Smith & Wesson Model of 1891 One auction site had a listing for $899, and it has sold. __________________ _____________________________________________ "Miss Scarlet, in the library...with a revolver...."

11-16-2009, 08:59 AM	#3
deadin Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 858	Re: Smith & Wesson Model of 1891 How much of the rear sight is missing? Just the blade or is it the whole thing? I would pay $795 for it if it the finish is original. That's a very fair price. BTW, if you find a rear sight blade for it, pick up two. I also need one.

11-16-2009, 09:09 AM	#4
dianalv Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Las Vegas, Nevada Posts: 1,160	Re: Smith & Wesson Model of 1891 The finish is original. I haven't seen the gun yet, so can't say exactly on the rear sight. I've been on the lookout for a Model of 1891 for some time, so it's one of the "gun experts" I've had looking that found it. How does yours shoot, deadin?

11-16-2009, 10:02 AM	#5
deadin Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 858	Re: Smith & Wesson Model of 1891 Mine is an 8" and it shoots just fine. It is more of a collectable than a shooter to me as I have more modern and more accurate guns if I want to get serious. For instance, it's not going to outshoot this:

11-16-2009, 10:18 AM	#6
dianalv Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Las Vegas, Nevada Posts: 1,160	Re: Smith & Wesson Model of 1891 Just talked to the seller and it's just the blade on the rear sight, which is evidently an easy fix. 95% blueing, very light pitting on the muzzle, 85% case hardening, all original. Very early serial #. Great trigger pull, fully functional. Generous return policy if I'm not happy with it. Think I'll take it!

11-16-2009, 10:30 AM	#7
dianalv Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Las Vegas, Nevada Posts: 1,160	Re: Smith & Wesson Model of 1891 deadin, that is one ugly, ugly gun, but I bet it shoots pretty!

11-16-2009, 10:40 AM	#8
Claude Clay V.I.P. Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Central CT Posts: 451	Re: Smith & Wesson Model of 1891 i think that is a free gun---- untill you want one

12-03-2009, 01:12 AM	#10
FloridaFialaFan Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: World's Most Famous Beach - Daytona Posts: 194	Re: Smith & Wesson Model of 1891 As there was no picture of your Model of 91, what determined that it is a Second Model? I have a 91 with factory letter and they didn't mention there being First, Second, etc., variations. Here's pic of mine, which came from one of the Greg Martin auctions in Nov. '07 for $871. Be sure the serial numbers all match. I found them on the bottom of the barrel release latch, and on the back of the extractor, as well as on the frame. According to Kull's book on S&W there were only 862 of 'em made in .22rf, which my gun is. The factory letter states it was shipped out to a Philadelphia dealer in 1901. Best regards ~ ~ ~ FFF

12-03-2009, 08:30 AM	#11
Alpo Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: NW Florida Posts: 8,664	Re: Smith & Wesson Model of 1891 There were four models of single-shot 22s. Model of 1891, 2nd Model, Perfected and Straight Line. The 1st Model, the 1891, has a recoil shield on it, like a revolver, like yours appears to have, in the picture. The 2nd Model did away with the recoil shield. The 3rd Model, the Perfected, has a double action trigger. The 4th Model, the Straight Line, has a grip frame that looks like an automatic, instead of a revolver. __________________ Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy, and taste good with catsup - George of Lod, Year of Our Lord 297 I always take precautions. Beware the Evil Bullet Fairies.

12-03-2009, 08:56 AM	#12
FloridaFialaFan Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: World's Most Famous Beach - Daytona Posts: 194	Re: Smith & Wesson Model of 1891 Thanks for that info, Alpo. Next question is, were those others stamped the same as this one is, along top of barrel? I was impressed by how crowded the MODELOF91 designation is in the center... Yes, mine has the recoil shields. Here's a better photo which shows those. Best regards ~ ~ ~ FFF Last edited by FloridaFialaFan; 12-03-2009 at 08:58 AM.. Reason: Corrected text.

12-03-2009, 10:23 AM	#14
FloridaFialaFan Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: World's Most Famous Beach - Daytona Posts: 194	Re: Smith & Wesson Model of 1891 deadin you are correct, the serial number is also in that location. My gun being only five digits, each stamping is the FULL serial number. Here's a pic of another interesting, very similar, old timer from the same era, made by a well-known revolver manufacturer: Hopkins & Allen. This is their short-lived Single Shot Target, 2500 made between 1906 and 1915. It was available in 6,8, and 10" barrel lengths. When Marlin bought H&A they stashed away some of the parts inventory and years later assembled one dozen of this model with their own stamping along the top of the barrel. They were all blued with 10" barrels. One recently was offered at Rock Island Auctions. Best regards ~ ~ ~ FFF

12-03-2009, 10:39 AM	#15
deadin Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 858	Re: Smith & Wesson Model of 1891 Jack! You da Man!! Could I talk you into sending me as many close up pictures as you can of the adjustable rear sight on your H&A?? I have one in blue with a 6" barrel. It has the rudimentary fixed rear sight but all the adjustable parts are missing. I'm afraid I going to need to fabricate them and need as much info as I can get. If you don't have my email, PM me and I will send it. Dean

12-03-2009, 10:55 AM	#16
FloridaFialaFan Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: World's Most Famous Beach - Daytona Posts: 194	Re: Smith & Wesson Model of 1891 Also have the 6" blued one. Which rear sight, or both? Lemme' know. Will have to do 'em later this afternoon as have to go out to pick up prescriptions. The outer "ears" on that 6" U rear sight are NOT on the nickeled 10". Inspecting it with a 10X jewelers loupe it appears original as where saw or grind marks would be, that top surface is also nickeled. (?) Best regards ~ ~ ~ FFF

12-03-2009, 11:05 AM	#17
deadin Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 858	Re: Smith & Wesson Model of 1891 Here's what I have. I need whatever isn't there.

12-03-2009, 11:15 AM	#18
FloridaFialaFan Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: World's Most Famous Beach - Daytona Posts: 194	Re: Smith & Wesson Model of 1891 deadin, I'm just leaving and will work on it when I get back. Jack

12-03-2009, 11:24 AM	#19
dianalv Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Las Vegas, Nevada Posts: 1,160	Re: Smith & Wesson Model of 1891 Here's the one I bought. Don't have it yet. It's getting the rear sight fixed. Attached Images

12-03-2009, 11:26 AM	#20
dianalv Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Las Vegas, Nevada Posts: 1,160	Re: Smith & Wesson Model of 1891 Wow, Fialafan! Nice pair!

04-21-2012, 06:42 PM	#21
Hogfarmer Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 4	Re: Smith & Wesson Model of 1891 I have what I believe is a model II. but it is missing the hammer. can anyone tell me where I could possibably get one? I was told that the single action 38 hammer is the same. any help would be appeciated.

06-14-2012, 09:46 PM	#23
BETH Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: naugatuck,Ct. Contributor Posts: 6,676	Re: Smith & Wesson Model of 1891 whoaaaaa purdy

06-14-2012, 11:29 PM	#24
FloridaFialaFan Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: World's Most Famous Beach - Daytona Posts: 194	Re: Smith & Wesson Model of 1891 Might be of interest to some readers that I'm in midst of auctioning off my collection of about 100 old, oddball, single-shot, .22rf guns made in US/Canada - due to advancing age and poor health. They can be seen on one the best know gun auction websites under my seller name there: Shansei45. This SMITH & WESSON MODEL OF 91 was one of the first to go. Still have the H&A target pictured, and I believe I've still got the little 6" H&A. Am spending more time in hospitals than I am at home. So it's gonna' take me a while to get all this old iron prepared for listing. Just bear with me . . . Best regards ~ ~ ~ FFF Last edited by FloridaFialaFan; 06-14-2012 at 11:30 PM.. Reason: corrected spelling

06-24-2012, 06:21 PM	#25
Hogfarmer Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 4	Re: Smith & Wesson Model of 1891 Thanks to "Modelof1891" for finding me a Hammer for my S&W model 1891. I was given this gun by a young friend of mine when I was 13. (Now 73). never had a hammer, and just recently found the gun in a junk drawer. It's fully functional now, But I have never fired it. thanks again Terry. any thoughts on it. I took it to a gunsmith once about 20 yrs. ago, and he said it was not worth fixing, and probably could not get a hammer , But offered me a few bucks for it , said it would be a nice piece for his wife. sounded funny so I declined.