Really happy with the condition on this guy, not perfect, but very nice looking.



A First Model Safety Hammerless, SN puts it around 1900 or so, near the end of production for First Models.

The 2 inch short barrels got stuck with the name "Bicycle Guns", apparently favored as defense from dogs for turn of the (20th) century bicycle riders.

Very classy little revolver!

Bill R

That one is a beautiful example, congrats

That's a purty gun. Always wanted one when I was buying but could never find one in decent enough condition.

quote:

Originally posted by stylophiles:
The 2 inch short barrels got stuck with the name "Bicycle Guns", apparently favored as defense from dogs for turn of the (20th) century bicycle riders.

I have an inherited H&R break top revolver, 32 S&W, whose barrel was cut off to about 2 1/4 inch, evidently with a hacksaw. It came from an aunt’s family, and I remember her mentioning that she threatened to shoot a man’s dog if it kept chasing her while she was riding a bike. That would have been in the early 1920s.

Very nice little revolver. All this talk of guns intended to shoot digs back in the day, brings to mind tiny wheel guns chambered in the little .22 Velo dog round. Had a few many years back in my cartridge collection. I was told Mail carriers carried these wheel guns.

I am considering the Safety Hammerless to pretty much be the “last of the great break top revolvers” for the US makers. Granted there were companies making break top .32s running for years after these, but in terms of cutting edge, I think the soon to arrive swing out cylinder revolvers really ushered in the “Modern” pocket revolver.

I think often the coolest guns come from the end of one age and the start of a “new age”

Bill R

Wow, that is a real beauty. Congrats.