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I would not use the ammo that came with it. I assume the same would be true of your revolver. Shooting smokeless powder cartridges in S&W revolvers of that era is not recommended and would likely damage the firearm. They were knockoffs of late 19th century Smith & Wesson top break revolvers, and Smith & Wesson top break revolvers of that era were designed for black powder cartridges.
#FOREHAND ARMS COMPANY SERIAL NUMBERS FREE#
That’s a useful bit of trivia because it helps assign general dates to the Forehand guns, and it means that any F&W product labeled “Forehand & Wadsworth” was built well before 1898 and can be considered an antique, free of federal transfer restrictions. In 1890, believing his name had achieved prominence, Forehand renamed his company Forehand Arms Co. Im much better versed in the WW2 era stuff! this ones gonna stay in the family!Įxcuse my ignorance, but this is the only revolver/ antique in my collection. Anyone able to date when it was made?Īny estimate on value? I know that its probably not worth much. It's probably been 80+years since it was ever shot.Īttached are some images, including the serial number. I just think it would be neat to take it to the range once and put a few rounds through it so I can say I've shot it. Can anyone confirm what caliber would be safe to shoot it with? I think I would want to be new ammo and I have also read that these old revolvers were designed to be used with black powder cartridges, which I guess is less powerful than modern loads. I know nothing about antique revolvers or the calibers of the era. The numbers match both on the bottom of the grip, the cylinder and the last two are on the cartridge extractor. 32 S&W.įrom what I can tell its a Forehand&Wadsworth with patent dates Dec 7 '1886 and Jan 11 1887. 32 Long Colt which is the box of ammo she had for it. Nowhere have I read that it was meant to fire. I have tried researching it in the past, but have seen lots of conflicting information. I also got a box of ammunition along with it. The trigger pull single/double action works great. I cleaned it up and it mechanically operates fine. My Grandmother says during WW2 her mom claimed it was for her defense should the "Japs" ever invade lolĪnyways, When I got it it was pretty gummed up. I was fortunate to inherit this antique revolver she kept stashed in the attic. She made it a month past her 100th Birthday! About 5 years ago my Great Grandmother passed away.