Rare Maltby Henley & Co. Iron Frame Safety Hammerless Revolver 32 S&W Antique

Serial #16628, .32 S&W (black powder), 3 1/8 inch round ribbed barrel with a very good bore with roughness toward the muzzle and strong rifling.  This is the Safety Hammerless revolver manufactured by Otis A. Smith in Connecticut for agents Maltby, Henley and Company of New York and so marked on the rib along with “Jan 24, 1888 & Oct. 29 1889” patent dates.  Produced with brass and iron frames this one is the latter which represented and estimated only 25% of the production.  This is a seldom seen revolver, outwardly resembling the S&W Safety Hammerless models with a solid frame and top-mounted cylinder stop and unique features such as the push button safety.  This example retains about 90-95% of the original nickel finish with scattered, isolated spots of flaking on the frame and barrel.  The ornate floral checkered hard rubber grips are both numbered to the gun and remain in excellent condition.  The action is fully functional.  An overall excellent example of this rare late 19th century revolver.  Antique