Lee Arms....
Anyone know anything about this gun? Only thing I know is it was made by Lee Arms.
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Looking into My Crystal Ball I find that Lee Arms Company was the Manufacturer of the "Red Jacket" Revolvers. Located in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania...circa 1870..
Captain Kirk, Tech Staff0 -
Ok. More questions.
What do you think its worth?
Its in ok condtion Id say, its got all these little marks on it.
Not sure if its in working order or not.0 -
I'll venture a Guess....that in the condition it appears to be in...$250.00/$325.00....It really needs a Hands On Appraisal....as it could be worth more......
Captain Kirk, Tech Staff0 -
Thank you!!
Its strange I can`t seem to find another gun like it ANYWHERE.
I found the other one you talked about, but none with the pearl handle like mine.0 -
AHA! I got to looking at it better, and on the top of the barrel it says Red Jacket #3.
Found a few- Seems your guess on worth was right on!0 -
I Try.....! Glad You're Happy....Thats what 'We' all are here for. Best to You............
Captain Kirk, Tech Staff0 -
LEE ARMS COMPANY
WILKES BARRE, PENNSYLVANIA, USA
makers of cheaper solid frame sheathed trigger non-ejecting "suicide special" revolvers from 1880-1889, succeeding the PITTSON ARMS COMPANY. the guns are most commonly found marked IMPERIAL, RED JACKET, ROYAL, or WILLIAM TELL and are most often found chambered in .22 RF, .230 RF, and .32 RF ammunition. some are marked with an 1881 patent date, referring to the design improvements made by ROLAND BREWER, the factory superintendent. the company was named after its president J. FRANK LEE, not after the original patent holder and designer JAMES PARIS LEE...
i own and shoot a LEE ARMS RED JACKET NUMBER 4 chambered in .32 RF. the gun is very well made, and calling it a "suicide special" is a bit off the mark. while not up to the standards of COLT, SEDGLY, KOLB, DERINGER, etc... it is a decent gun.
about half the pieces i have encountered have some level of engraving, and fancy grip materials. these guns were worn as jewelry, or a fashion accsesory for the well to do. this does not detract from its ability to be used as a defensive, close range weapon.
if you shoot yours:
1. have it inspected by a gunsmith.
2. make sure its been cleaned and properly lubricated.
3. use the short RF ammo (ie .32 short rimfire)
4. keep a very firm grip on the gun. while these RF loadings are considered weak, the gun is small and light. in guns of this frame size, the rounds pack quite a crack / pop and try to spin around on you when fired. they can be quite accuratte at the 7-10 yd range when fired at a body sillouette target.
5. do not allow your hands to obscure the muzzle.
these guns are relativly common, even with factory engraving and fancy grips. i think CAPT. KIRK is dead on with his evaluation.
enjoy it.
best regards, mike.
What other dungeon is so dark as ones own heart, what jailer so inexorable as ones own mind.
contact me at the shop at waltsgun@aol.com best regards, mike.0
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