1885
Just bought a couple 1885's from an old collection. Both guns are in fairly good condition, with one needing a good cleaning. I noticed both barrels had pitting inside, but the rifling can still be made out. I was just wondering how much was just normal wear and not neglect. One of the rifles date to 1890 with serial #47944. This gun is a 32 short caliber. The other dates 1893 with the serial # 63138, and it is a 32 long. Both guns actions are very smooth. Both guns have the brown bluing and a dark piece of wood inlay on the fore stock. Also any idea what these guns might be worth?
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Hey Bert! I have a close friend that has inherited a Low Wall in excellent condition, with an age acceptable patina, except for some minor pitting in the bore. It has a tang sight with a large aperture disc and a two piece blade front sight. We were wanting to shoot it as it looked like it would be fun. It has "38 LONG" stamped on the top barrel flat just in front of the receiver. After consulting Cartridges of the World we grabbed a handfull of 38 specials and began firing away, what fun. We noticed accuracy was not too good though and this got our curiosity up. Cases were slightly swelled so we figured we had better do some closer looking. A .357 bullet would drop through the barrel so we got a soft lead plug and slugged it to find it had a groove dia. of .3665. We got a brass rod and turned it down until it would go into the back of the chamber at .383 and was tapered toward the front of the chamber to .380. It contacted the riflings at 1.7in from the face of the barrel. We agreed this was just as accurate as a cerrosafe casting as we both know a little about machining practices and how to use mic.'s and calipers. Researching further we determined we had a 38 Ballard Extra Long and that ammo was not plentiful enough that we were going to have "fun" shootin it. More research led us to this forum and the conversation between you and Mr. AmmoRat, this was very enlightening. What we need is more information about mostly is why the different bore dia. as opposed to the normal .379 of guns of that era? Also why the "38 LONG" on the barrel. You posted a listing of chamberings for these rifles and stated that only 5 had been chambered for this round. I guess this makes it sort of different. Where can we get some brass and bullets to go shootin? 0 -
There are people on here that should be able to answer your question. I am not one of them, I don't have the reference materials available.
Everyone who can answer your questions will first tell you to post good quality, close-up and detailed pictures of the guns, particularly showing any labels, writings, proof-marks, etc. Put these up and you will probably get great responses. There is a post at the top of this forum on how to put up photos if you don't know how to do it. Good luck with your research.........0 -
Will try to get pictures on as soon as possible. Thanks! 0 -
quote:Originally posted by Wagon Boss
Will try to get pictures on as soon as possible. Thanks!
Serial 47944 was received in the warehouse from the the assembly room on May 5th, 1891 (along with at least 6 other identical rifles). It is listed as a 32 SHORT, 26" No. 1 octagon barrel, plain trigger.
Serial 63138 was received in the warehouse from the assembly room in the warehouse from the assembly room on February 5th, 1894 (along with 3 other identical rifles). It is listed as a 32 LONG, 26" No. 1 octagon barrel, plain trigger.
With proper care, there should have been no noticable wear to the rifling, as both the 32 Short and 32 Long rimfire cartridges used lead bullets at very low velocities. Any wear to the rifling was caused by improper cleaning habits.
Unless either rifle is in near mint condition, they have minimal collector value, and due to the ammo being very difficult to procure, they have very little value as "shooters". Now, with that said, they are still likely to be worth at least $700 each... how much more will be a function of the graded condition.0 -
Thank you for the time and information. 0
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