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E.L. Dickinson

bpwill82
Hello, I have recently received an older model pistol. On the side of the barrel it reads E.L. Dickinson, Springfield, MASS. MFG. Then, on the top it reads "Earthquake". It is a .32 cal. pistol. Does anyone have any idea about when this gun was made, or any other information about it?...

Thank you,
Brett
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Comments

9 comments

Date Votes
  • rufe-snow
    My references note that Dickinson was in business making handguns as early as the Civil War, ( 1860's). Your revolver was probably made at least 20 years later. It's one of a group commonly known to collectors as "Suicide Specials". Dickinson made a number similar models, the only appreciable difference among them, was the fancifull names they carried.

    luger_4.jpg
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  • bpwill82
    Thank you for the reply rufe-snow, I appreciate it..
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  • bpwill82
    Gun Experts,

    I am trying to clean this gun, and I need to get the revolving piece out (which does come out I am hoping), and the pin that goes through it that holds it in place so that it can spin is pretty rusty. Does this pin have to twist out, like a screw, or would it be safe to pull out. It was a gift given to me, and I really want to restore it and take care of it. Also, does anyone know any websites that I could get E.L. Dickinson pieces to replace with the rusted ones. Thank you...
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  • He Dog
    As Rufe-Snow mentioned, these guns were called "Suicide specials" for a reason: shooting them was like playing Russian roulette. They are not high quality guns, and do not justify the expense of a real restoration. If you just want to clean it up and oil it, that is a different proposition, but I do suggest you do not fire it with modern ammo, at least until it has been thoroughly check out by a qualified gunsmith.
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  • captkirk3@dslextreme.com
    Leave it alone....Its paid its dues....Trying to force parts off is only going to enlarge the tolerances and destroy any value it might have. Looking into my Database I find that there was a J.& L. DICKINSON Located in Springfield, Mass. Maker of Rim-fire Pistols and the Sterling Bull Dog and EARTHQUAKE Revolvers are the only two listed...They were made in .22 Short, Rim Fire and .32 Short Rim Fire...Spur Trigger, Solid Frame, Single Action.....c.1870-80, In Good Condition is worth $175.00/$200.00.................

    Captain Kirk, Tech Staff
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  • b.goforth
    e.l. dickinson was in business between 1863 and 1880. the name of the company changed several times to reflect his son and others. he operated in springfield ma. first products were single shot percussion pistols. my references indicates he started manufacturing revolvers in 1871/73. the earthquake is just one of the brand names he used. your revolver was manufactured between 1871/73 and 1880 and was manufactured for black powder cartridges pressures (do not fire modern ammo in this revolver).

    to clean soak in a good penatrating oil and then use very fine steel wool to remove the rust. any refinishing will hurt the value as this type of revolver is collectible and values can be several hundred dollars for some examples.

    now i would like to take exception to the term 'suicide special' this type of revolver, single action spur trigger manufactured in the 1870's thru 1890's, was entirely safe when new. the problem with them occured only after people kept firing them with smokeless powder. the term suicide special was not used until the 1930's when some of these revolvers started coming apart after a long and continous use with the wrong ammo (smokeless powder). the term saturday night special is more fitting as the original meaning of this phrase was dressing in your finest to go out on a saturday night. a large number of this type of revolver featured simply engraving and a lot of them have fancy grips of mother of pearl or ivory.

    these revolvers were manufactured for one purpose, self defence, and they served it very well.
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  • bpwill82
    Thank you all for your comments. I was not aware that this gun was so old (and dangerous). I do not plan on shooting it, but cleaning it up and putting it in a display case for a keepsake. I have a rust remover that I am going to dab on the steel wool, but I have to disasimble the gun first. Hey b.goforth, you suggested that I use a good penetrating oil, (what exactly is this oil) do you have any suggestions for brands?
    -Thank you
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  • He Dog
    Kroil would be a good choice for a penetrating oil.
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  • elbow
    I also have one of these pistols it is in good shape for its age. I would not thing of shooting mine at all no matter what round I had. But to get the cylinder out there is a small black lever just under the pin at the front of the cylinder. I purpose is to lock the pin in place it needs to be press toward the cylinder to take it out of contact with the pin.The pin may be twisted a little to help it losen fo course spray it often with WD-40, 3way oil or any other good grade penatrating oil that you can get at a hardward store will work.Do not use anything real abrasive because it may ruin the finsh and cause in to rust even more.
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