H. S. Gilbert & the Louisville (KY) Revolver Club

[Books OToole]

I am doing research on a S & W pistol that I recently acquired.  It was shipped in 1899 to H. S. Gilbert.  Mr. Gilbert (Henry) was a member of the Louisville Revolver Club and in 1905 was the club secretary.

Does the Club still exist?

[Books OToole]

Apparently the club still exists: at 10300 Barricks Road.

So; does anybody know anything about Henry S. Gilbert.


Books

[Blair]

BO,

Tell us more about the revolver.
What is its caliber, what Model of S&W is it?
Some of the 1889 Target Models were still being produced within the time period you suggest.
My best,
Blair

[Books OToole]

It is a Smith & Wesson 3rd model Single-action .38 (S&W), blue, with a 6 in. barrel, target front and rear sights and target stocks.

It was shipped to H. S. Gilbert in Cincinnati, OH in November of 1899.  One of the blurbs that I found on Google stated that H.* S. Gilbert of the Louisville Revolver Club used a S&W SA .38 with a 6 in. barrel.  Another one stated that he set the club record for 20 yds. with a pistol of that description.

In 1905 Henry Gilbert was secretary of the Louisville Revolver Club.

This has the potential to be one of those "Best Single Pieces" at a gun show; but I need a lot more information.


Books



* Pretty sure that the H is for Henry.

[Will Ketchum]

I look forward to seeing it.

Will Ketchum

[Blair]

Books,

Is your revolver have a 5 shot or 6 shot cylinder?
The 5 shot cylinder will actually be in the .38 S&W cal. but built on the smaller frame size than the "New" Model # 3's.

I would recommend the book by R. Neal & R. Jinks titled "Smith & Wesson 1857 -1945", as your best source for finding out about the .38 S&W cal. single action revolvers. Look in the pages between 110 and 115.
It can be a rather complex subject with a number of variations available at different times.
The book is available and not too expensive. If you enjoy S&W revolvers, it is well worth the investment.
I truly hope this info helps in your search.
My best,
Blair

[Books OToole]

Thanks for the recommendations.  I have the Jinks and Neal book and Roy Jinks' History of Smith & Wesson.  They are both great books however the one I use the most is The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson by Supica and Nahas. (I just received the 4th edition for Christmas.  The 3rd edition was getting pretty out of date.)

I have a letter from Smith & Wesson / Roy Jinks documenting when the pistol left the factory and that it went to H. S. Gilbert.  I am now trying to gather information on Mr. Gilbert.

Books

[bear tooth billy]

Books, with a gun like that you should never miss


                                        BTB

[Coffinmaker]

Well ... If it's any consolation, I now know, an "H. S. Gilbert" bought a fine S&W revolver in 1899.  Beyond that I got nothing.  

Coffinmaker

PS:  Also, the Louisville Revolver Club is still in existence.

[Books OToole]

Well ... If it's any consolation, I now know, an "H. S. Gilbert" bought a fine S&W revolver in 1899.  Beyond that I got nothing.  

Coffinmaker

You and me both, brother.

Books