another old S&W .22?

[Layne]

I just bought a break open (from the bottom) 7 shot .22 short.
I see somebody else had similar dates, but it was .32

Wood grips, top of barrel reads "SMITH & WESSON , SPRINGFIELD MASS. PAT APR.3.55 JULY.5.59.DEC.18.60

SN #17692

Most of blue is gone but in very good condition otherwise and would not hesitate to shoot it.

I don't have it in my book so I do not know what it might be worth. I just liked and had to have it.

ANY HELP IS WELCOME!

[dogngun]

Layne : Don't shoot it.
 This gun was made for an obsolete .22 rf cartridge using black powder and it will not stand up to even a .22 short of modern manufacture. Smith and Wesson tip up revolvers were very early guns using the new bored-through cylinder designed by Rollin White.
Many of the .32 rf and even some of the.22's saw service  in the Civil War as privately owned arms, and they all have some collector's value.

You might want to post on
       
     www.smith-wessonforum.com/

 and check the section for Revolvers 1857-1945. There are many there who can give you a lot of information on your revolver.

Mark