RARE CASED BELGIAN COPY OF A SMITH & WESSON FIRST MODEL TIP UP REVOLVER.

RARE CASED BELGIAN COPY OF A SMITH & WESSON FIRST MODEL TIP UP REVOLVER. SN 1355. Cal. 22 Short. Belgian made copy with 3-1/8″ oct keyhole shape bbl that has tiny German silver front sight with the rear sight a notch in the cylinder stop. Frame is solid silver with rounded features similar to the first issue Model 1 Smith & Wesson. It has an articulated 2-part hammer that is substantially thicker & heavier than the Smith & Wesson. Mounted with 2-pc square butt rosewood grips. Grip frame is cast in two pieces with the back strap integral with the revolver frame and the front strap a separate casting with the butt strap integral with the front strap which is then riveted in place at top of front strap and heel of back strap and the hammer spring is also riveted in place. Assembly number “77” was observed on left side of bbl lug and on outside of cylinder. There was also a small crown over “T” proof on bbl lug and cylinder along with the Belgian “ELG” in an oval proof on the cylinder. Right side of bbl lug has another proof in an oval consisting of indecipherable intertwined initials. Accompanied by a wonderful English oak casing with small gold plated empty medallion in the lid and rounded edges on the lid. Interior is green baize lined with a “J.H. CRANE” retailer’s label inside the lid. Bottom is compartmented for the revolver and an L-shaped steel cleaning rod with two empty compartments. Also accompanied by two page article copied from Early Cartridge Handguns, 22 Caliber, John Laidacker (1994), which discusses the Belgian copy of the Smith & Wesson First Model 1st Issue revolvers as sold by the J.H. Crane Company. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl retains most of its glossy orig blue with some thinning on the sides. Cylinder retains about 60% strong orig blue with a cleaned area over about three chambers. Frame has a series of pin prick casting flaws on left side and overall retains about all of its orig factory finish with some light nicks & scratches. Grips are sound showing light wear and some minor chemical staining and retain most of their orig finish. Mechanics are fine, strong bright bore with two or three small spots of pitting. Case is sound and very dark on the ends with light handling & storage nicks & scratches elsewhere and overall retains most of its orig varnish. Interior is lightly faded & soiled with solid partitions. 4-40042 JR341 (2,500-4,000)

Auction: Firearms - Spring 2010

Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

Image	Lot	Price	Description
	2350	$0.00	RARE CASED BELGIAN COPY OF A SMITH & WESSON FIRST MODEL TIP UP REVOLVER. SN 1355. Cal. 22 Short. Belgian made copy with 3-1/8″ oct keyhole shape bbl that has tiny German silver front sight with the rear sight a notch in the cylinder stop. Frame is solid silver with rounded features similar to the first issue Model 1 Smith & Wesson. It has an articulated 2-part hammer that is substantially thicker & heavier than the Smith & Wesson. Mounted with 2-pc square butt rosewood grips. Grip frame is cast in two pieces with the back strap integral with the revolver frame and the front strap a separate casting with the butt strap integral with the front strap which is then riveted in place at top of front strap and heel of back strap and the hammer spring is also riveted in place. Assembly number “77” was observed on left side of bbl lug and on outside of cylinder. There was also a small crown over “T” proof on bbl lug and cylinder along with the Belgian “ELG” in an oval proof on the cylinder. Right side of bbl lug has another proof in an oval consisting of indecipherable intertwined initials. Accompanied by a wonderful English oak casing with small gold plated empty medallion in the lid and rounded edges on the lid. Interior is green baize lined with a “J.H. CRANE” retailer’s label inside the lid. Bottom is compartmented for the revolver and an L-shaped steel cleaning rod with two empty compartments. Also accompanied by two page article copied from Early Cartridge Handguns, 22 Caliber, John Laidacker (1994), which discusses the Belgian copy of the Smith & Wesson First Model 1st Issue revolvers as sold by the J.H. Crane Company. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl retains most of its glossy orig blue with some thinning on the sides. Cylinder retains about 60% strong orig blue with a cleaned area over about three chambers. Frame has a series of pin prick casting flaws on left side and overall retains about all of its orig factory finish with some light nicks & scratches. Grips are sound showing light wear and some minor chemical staining and retain most of their orig finish. Mechanics are fine, strong bright bore with two or three small spots of pitting. Case is sound and very dark on the ends with light handling & storage nicks & scratches elsewhere and overall retains most of its orig varnish. Interior is lightly faded & soiled with solid partitions. 4-40042 JR341 (2,500-4,000) Auction: Firearms - Spring 2010 Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

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