Author Topic: 4th model merwin  (Read 5436 times)

Offline bear tooth billy

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4th model merwin
« on: March 30, 2017, 06:57:45 PM »
I got a 4th model Merwin today, caliber Winchester 1873. I don't see a serial number, is there one somewhere
so I could date it. I put snap caps in it and it functions fine, both single and dbl action. The only problem I see
is the folding hammer wants to fold up from the inertia when it hits. The bore is just slightly pitted with good
rifling left. I'll probably shoot it at a NCOWS shoot, black of course.

                                    BTB
Born 110 years too late

Online DJ

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Re: 4th model merwin
« Reply #1 on: March 31, 2017, 08:54:27 AM »
Welcome to Merwin-world.  You have a very interesting revolver.

Numbers are usually found on the back of the barrel assembly (on the flat area below the outgoing-bullet hole), on the back of the cylinder spaced around edge between cylinder holes, on the side of the frame under the grip (usually left side, I believe), and on the bottom of frame for square grip revolvers, or the side of the bird's beak for bird's head grip revolvers.  Sometimes there seem to be matching assembly numbers with a separate serial number on the frame, and sometimes it seems the serial number is put on each part.

I have read that Merwins were sequentially numbered through all models--if so, that should give you a fairly good idea of production era.

Keep us posted on what you find.

--DJ

Offline Kinchafoonee Kid

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Re: 4th model merwin
« Reply #2 on: March 31, 2017, 08:42:38 PM »
Howdy, BTB! You will liove that Merwin!
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Re: 4th model merwin
« Reply #3 on: Today at 07:41:01 AM »

Offline bear tooth billy

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Re: 4th model merwin
« Reply #3 on: April 01, 2017, 08:03:15 AM »
I talked to the head of the Merwin collectors group and found out the folding hammer
is supposed to go shut every time. Also found some numbers. same number in 3 different
places.

                                     BTB
Born 110 years too late

Offline Tascosa Joe

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Re: 4th model merwin
« Reply #4 on: April 01, 2017, 09:44:55 AM »
Now you can shoot your new MH and your S&W New Frontier at a match DA and make everyone jealous.
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Offline Blair

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Re: 4th model merwin
« Reply #5 on: April 01, 2017, 02:16:25 PM »
Some of the larger caliber DA Merwin's with folding hammers had a slightly higher hammer spur.
This allows the hammer spur to be operated just before the hammer was cocked for another single shot.
It can be somewhat of an aggrivaition when you have DA alternative after the first shot.
The idea behind the folding hammer was to prevent the hammer spur from hanging up on clothing.
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Offline bear tooth billy

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Re: 4th model merwin
« Reply #6 on: April 01, 2017, 03:34:41 PM »
The serial numbers dates it to 1888. Joe if I shoot both of them DA in the new traditional
class (BP, one handed), the spotters will probably need a calculator to keep up with all
the misses !!!!

                              BTB
Born 110 years too late

Offline Driftwood Johnson

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Re: 4th model merwin
« Reply #7 on: April 02, 2017, 12:39:08 AM »
Howdy

There were two distinctly different models of large frame Merwin Hulbert revolvers, the Frontier model and the Pocket Army models, so I am curious which one you have.

This is a pair of Frontier 3rd Models. Easily identified by the long straight grip.






This is a Pocket Army 2nd Model, easily identified by the short curved grip with the 'skull crusher' feature at the bottom of the grip. Do not be confused by the term 'pocket army', these were not pocket pistols. They were just as big as the Frontier models.




The terms 1st Model, 2nd Model, 3rd Model, and 4th Model refer to different features shared by both of these versions of the large frame Merwins. 1st Models had no top straps and had scoop flutes, such as you see on my Pocket Army. 2nd Models also lacked the top strap, but the internal mechanisms were slightly different. 3rd Models had the top strap added to the frame, and 4th Models had the top strap as well as a rib on top of the barrel.

Both of these versions of the large frame Merwin Hulberts were available in single action or double action versions, and both were available with the folding hammer.

Calibre Winchester 1873 was the way MH marked their revolvers that were chambered for the 44-40 cartridge.

The SN for the Frontier Model was on the underside of the butt, the SN for the Pocket Army was on the right side of the skull crusher.

So which one do you have?
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Offline bear tooth billy

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Re: 4th model merwin
« Reply #8 on: April 02, 2017, 08:10:18 AM »
I have the frontier model with the flat butt, it has a lanyard ring on the bottom.
I live close to the Rock Island Auction, so I've been able to see, handle, and bid
on several of these.
     



                                   BTB
Born 110 years too late

Offline Tascosa Joe

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Re: 4th model merwin
« Reply #9 on: April 02, 2017, 05:11:36 PM »
Did you get that one from RIA?
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Offline bear tooth billy

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Re: 4th model merwin
« Reply #10 on: April 03, 2017, 06:14:02 AM »
I got this one off Gunbroker,

                   BTB
Born 110 years too late

Offline Coffinmaker

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Re: 4th model merwin
« Reply #11 on: April 03, 2017, 11:43:35 AM »
In case you haven't noticed ....... Driftwood has some really SWELL TOYS!!   ;D

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Offline wildman1

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Re: 4th model merwin
« Reply #12 on: April 03, 2017, 12:09:37 PM »
And he plays with them.
wM1
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Offline bear tooth billy

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Re: 4th model merwin
« Reply #13 on: April 04, 2017, 08:39:52 PM »
Went out and put 15 rounds through the Merwin, worked fine. at 10 yds shot single action
one handed about 2" group. I was very happy with that, as I don't shoot pistols very well.
I think I can back off some pressure on the mainspring. I haven't shot all winter, so the 44/40
real black sure is cool.


                                     BTB
Born 110 years too late

 

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