Help with "Suicide Special"

buttplate

August 16, 2011 18:21

Hello!
I recently picked up this spur trigger revolver. I am trying to determine the maker. It may be Iver Johnson, as they made quite a few of these with no markings for the general trade. The only markings on this one is the serial # 2238 under the left grip, and the name SPORT on the top strap. It locks up nice and tight, and it's chambered for 5-.32 S&W black-powder rimfire cartridges. Any ideas?
Thanks in advance!
buttplate

0

• 

  rufe-snow

  August 16, 2011 18:48

  One of my references identifies it as a product of the Ryan Pistol Co. of Norwich CO. I have never heard of this manufacturer previously, apparently it was very obscure, and short lived.
  
  Flaydermans Guide has no listing for Ryan which makes it very uncommon. Flayderman has been in the antique gun business since the 50's, if he hasn't run across any of Ryan's Suicide Specials, there few around.

  0
• 

  Wolf.

  August 16, 2011 21:54

  BE CAREFUL with those grip scales! If you try to remove them and they stick, do not pry on them to get them off, because they will snap in an instant. This type of hard rubber, or "gutta percha" scale can become brittle with age. Also be careful to not get any modern solvents on the grips, as it may cause them to begin to disintegrate or dissolve.. Treat them gently

  0
• 

  hrf

  August 17, 2011 03:32

  quote:Originally posted by rufe-snow
  One of my references identifies it as a product of the Ryan Pistol Co. of Norwich CO. I have never heard of this manufacturer previously, apparently it was very obscure, and short lived.
  
  Flaydermans Guide has no listing for Ryan which makes it very uncommon. Flayderman has been in the antique gun business since the 50's, if he hasn't run across any of Ryan's Suicide Specials, there few around.
  
  
  That agreees with the list below from this site:
  http://www.gun-data.com/suicide_specials.htm
  
  T.E. RYAN FIREARMS CO. Years this company manufactured firearms is unknown at this time.
  Manufactured Firearms under the following names:
  A. A .CO *
  CUTLERY COMPANY
  HELCA --( For American Arms Co )
  PREMIER
  MARQUIS OF LORNE
  MARQUISE OF LORNE
  NAPOLEON
  NERO
  NORTH FIELD KNIVE CO *
  RED CLOUD
  RETRIEVER *
  RYAN
  SPORT
  SPORTSMAN
  VEILED PROPHETS
  
  Flayderman has only a general discussion of "The Humble Spur Trigger Revolver" on pages 460-461 and no list of manufacturers.

  0
• 

  buttplate

  August 17, 2011 08:42

  Thanks for the replies gentlemen!
  buttplate

  0

Please sign in to leave a comment.