EMF SA 1872 OPEN TOP ?

[Fox Creek Kid]

Looks just like the one I had.

ATTENTION!:  Mine had a removable bushing on the front end of the cylinder that slid over the cylinder pin. Don't lose this.

[1988RRC]

ATTENTION!:  Mine had a removable bushing on the front end of the cylinder that slid over the cylinder pin. Don't lose this.

yes, I just found that out.  Finish taking this thing apart.  no other markings anywhere.  the set screw locks in a toggle (safety) cam thing that must keep the firing pin from contacting a cartridge if the set screw is backed out.  mystery solved.

[Coffinmaker]

OK!!!
What you have there is an Armi San Marco built Open Top.  It may have been final assembled by American Frontier Firearms.  ASM is kaput.  Their QC was non existent and  about 1 in 7 actually functioned correctly.  If yours works, shoot it sparingly as there are no replacement parts available.
The little ring that goes in ahead of the cylinder establishes end shake.  If shooting BP or Subs, t as collects carbon fouling and jams the gun.
The barrel to Arbor fit should be checked and corrected if necessary before you shoot it much.

Coffinmaker

[Pettifogger]

If it was an AFF it would clearly say so on the barrel.  I have one AFF I have kept.  The fit and finish is superb.  AFF used raw forgings from Italy and finished them and made some new parts in the U.S.  Sort of like the early USPFA's.  An AFF is NOT an ASM.  A friend of mine bought a pair of the ASM Open Tops at EOT about 2001.  They looked beautiful, but when he got home they spit lead something fierce.  The cylinder notches were cut so that the chambers did not align with the bore.  Basically non-fixable without spending more than the guns cost to weld up the cylinders, recut the notches and then re-blue the cylinders.  On the other hand, I have had some ASMs that were absolutely beautiful in fit and finish.  As noted, the problem was inconsistent QC.

[Fox Creek Kid]

...The little ring that goes in ahead of the cylinder establishes end shake.  If shooting BP or Subs, t as collects carbon fouling and jams the gun...

I bet you meant "eliminates" end shake.  It helps establish headspace. I know that you knew that. Regardless, you are correct in that it was worthless for real BP. Mine jammed up tighter than a NASCAR lug nut. I tried it w/o the spacer and it actually worked better, believe it or not. Nonetheless, mine was a T _ RD. 

[Graveyard Jack]

I had no idea anyone but Uberti (and custom gunsmiths) made Open Top replicas. It's definitely a good lookin' sixgun!

Basically non-fixable without spending more than the guns cost to weld up the cylinders, recut the notches and then re-blue the cylinders.

Be easier and preferable to just make a new cylinder but not cheap.

[rifle]

There's scenario where the bolt head is moved by several different methods depending and the cylinder need not be welded and recut......when all the chambers are out the same amount.
One method is to grind off one side of the bolts head and weld the other side...in essence moving the bolt head to align the chambers.
No real biggy...done it numerous times to tune a Colt type revolver.
Then other type is to file the bolt window over one way or the other and use shims or a bolt block to hold the bolt where it'saligned....... or if the bolt head is welded on one side and ground on the other so the moved bolt head rubs the frame too much the inside of the frame is filed to give the protruding side of the bolt head room to move.
There are more scenarios to what way the bolt is used to move the alignment into the right place.Depends.
Any smith worth the salt can do it without the notches all welded and recut. That is most always only needed when some chambers align and some don't when...all are not out of alignment the same amount like when the indexing head or rotary table on the mill is set up out of wack.
Anywhooooo.....when guns like these bind from black powder fouling a decent lube pill on the powder in the cartridges works to keep em running long enough.

[1988RRC]

Another question.
Why are there no proof marks on this  OT?

[Abilene]

Another question.
Why are there no proof marks on this  OT?

Have you looked under the triggerguard and/or under the ejector housing?

If there are none then perhaps the parts were assembled in the USA

[1988RRC]

I did look everywhere when I disassembled, no marks.

[Hoof Hearted]

Yes

An EMF 1872 Open Top.
Speculation based on experience: Not a Dave Anderson AFF (I have two) but definately the same parts except for the HAMMER
I have never seen that safety and it would make sense that that is a very early attempt at an "import" safety. Strange bird there.......
As said before here there is a definate connection between ASM and Dave Anderson/AFF. My guess is EMF contracted somewhere in the middle with him and ASM had the intention of making the complete guns for import, hence the import safety.

I have also seen (think I might own one) 1851 conversions made from these parts and labeled TRADITIONS in the same places.

On another note; I have an AFF 1860 conversion with a "feaux" rebated cylinder and hand stamped serial number that I was told was an experimental for the Shot Show. Pretty much a rare bird like yours here!

I'd call it a "collectable" if we all live long enough to see it increase in value

HH

Here are a few photos you asked for.  The quality seem good on this to me.  The grip frame is nickel plated.  I will take it apart today to look for any other markings and find out what the set screw does.

I looked at the original photo I posted again, the set screw center line seems to align with the center line of the side safety pivot screw.  I will find out shortly.

[1988RRC]

Hoof Hearted;
what year would you guess?

[Hoof Hearted]

Hoof Hearted;
what year would you guess?

That would have to be the late 1990's (not very long ago in the sceme of things). Probably 1997/98/99.......ASM's demise was 2000.