Inherited Revolver

[Joey]

I'm the proud new owner of a family heirloom revolver passed down from my Great-grandfather and was wondering if anybody could shed some light on the history and/or about how much it is worth.

It's a Forehand Arms Co (Worcester Ma) 32 cal 5 shot revolver serial number 91xxx with two patent dates of Dec 7 1886 and Jan 11 1887. It is a silver colored revolver with black grips and a shield on the grips with a cresent shape and the initials F&W also on the grips.


[This message has been edited by Joey (edited October 13, 1999).]

[James K]

Hi, Joey,

Forehand and Wadsworth (F&W) made a series of inexpensive revolvers in the 1871-1902 timeframe. The company became Forehand Arms Co. after Wadsworth retired in 1890, so your gun was made after that. The F&W guns were somewhat better than a lot of the guns of the period, but were not of the quality of Colt or S&W. There is a mild collector interest, but guns such as you describe are seldom found in the absolutely perfect condition collectors like. Top value runs around $200. The gun has true sentimental value; dollar value is beside the point.

Jim

[Harley Nolden]

JOWY:
Just to add a little more history:

My records indicate that the Forehand & Wadsworth, of Worcester, Mass, (he original name of the Company,) was established in 1871, and operated under that name until 1890 when it became the Forehand Arms Company. Hopkins & Allen purchased the Company in 1902.

HJN

[Joey]

Thanks much for the info. The revolver is somthing that will be passed down to our daughter when the time is right.