Need your Help!

The Outdoorsman · March 19, 2013, 11:29 PM

Just "latched" on to a Forhand & Wadsworth revolver. Never had one before, so any info is welcome.
The revolver has the F. & W. name ontop of the barrel, which is 2 1/2" long. On top of the frame it says: Russian Model 32. It is a rimfire model, nickel plated with black blastic grips. S/N 183** in three places. No other markings. Overall condition 80 to 85%, with no rust or nickel " peeling". Shiny chambers and bore.
What have I got??

Buzzcook · March 22, 2013, 08:43 PM

You might want to try this in the curio and relic forum.

The only information I have is that they were one of the dozens of turn of the century gun makers churning out top breaks.

Two Old Dogs · March 26, 2013, 02:45 PM

Forehand and Wadsworth was a continuation of Allen and Wheelock and Allen and Thurber companies. Forehand and Wadsworth married the daughters of Ethan Allen, president of the two predecessors and assumed control and changed the name of the company when Ethan Allen died around 1871.

They manufactured a large assortment of handguns, many of which were in the "Suicide Special" and "Bulldog" categories from 1871 to 1901.

Forehand and Wadsworth was purchased by Hopkins and Allen Firearms Company in 1902.

Your Russian Model was probably manufactued in the 1880-1891 era. No records survive to indicate serial number, date of manufacture corelation.

Your pistol was made in the black powder era and cannot be considered safe with modern ammunition, even if you can find some.

**James K** · March 26, 2013, 03:51 PM

Around the time S&W was making guns for the Russians, and selling their "Russian" model in the U.S., a couple of companies latched on to the word "Russian" or related words like "Czar".

F&W made decent quality guns; the company was taken over by Hopkins and Allen in 1902.

There is some .32 RF ammo around, both long and short, but it is not cheap. Navy Arms had a batch made in the 1970's and there has been talk about Aquila making some, but AFAIK nothing definite yet.

Jim

March 19, 2013, 11:29 PM	#1
The Outdoorsman Junior Member Join Date: March 19, 2013 Location: Long Beach, CA Posts: 4	Need your Help! Just "latched" on to a Forhand & Wadsworth revolver. Never had one before, so any info is welcome. The revolver has the F. & W. name ontop of the barrel, which is 2 1/2" long. On top of the frame it says: Russian Model 32. It is a rimfire model, nickel plated with black blastic grips. S/N 183** in three places. No other markings. Overall condition 80 to 85%, with no rust or nickel " peeling". Shiny chambers and bore. What have I got??

March 26, 2013, 03:51 PM	#4
James K Staff Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 16,418	Around the time S&W was making guns for the Russians, and selling their "Russian" model in the U.S., a couple of companies latched on to the word "Russian" or related words like "Czar". F&W made decent quality guns; the company was taken over by Hopkins and Allen in 1902. There is some .32 RF ammo around, both long and short, but it is not cheap. Navy Arms had a batch made in the 1970's and there has been talk about Aquila making some, but AFAIK nothing definite yet. Jim __________________ Jim K

March 22, 2013, 08:43 PM	#2
Buzzcook Senior Member Join Date: November 29, 2007 Location: Everett, WA Posts: 5,199	You might want to try this in the curio and relic forum. The only information I have is that they were one of the dozens of turn of the century gun makers churning out top breaks.

March 26, 2013, 02:45 PM	#3
Two Old Dogs Member Join Date: November 28, 2012 Location: Eastern SC Posts: 43	Forehand and Wadsworth was a continuation of Allen and Wheelock and Allen and Thurber companies. Forehand and Wadsworth married the daughters of Ethan Allen, president of the two predecessors and assumed control and changed the name of the company when Ethan Allen died around 1871. They manufactured a large assortment of handguns, many of which were in the "Suicide Special" and "Bulldog" categories from 1871 to 1901. Forehand and Wadsworth was purchased by Hopkins and Allen Firearms Company in 1902. Your Russian Model was probably manufactued in the 1880-1891 era. No records survive to indicate serial number, date of manufacture corelation. Your pistol was made in the black powder era and cannot be considered safe with modern ammunition, even if you can find some.