Who makes this pistol

[kemperhills]

I have a hammerless 32 cal. pistol. All I can find on the pistol to identify it is E & W on the top of the handgrips and Model 1801 beside the front sight.

I need a firing pin for the pistol and googling E & W model 1801 pistol shows nothing. So I am wondering if this pistol is made by a pistol manufacturer and sold under the E & W brand. Thanks.

[Chuck Haggard]

Post a pic?

[kemperhills]

Post a pic?

Sorry, don't know how.

[abu fitna]

So, if the marking is an F&W rather than an E&W this might make a bit more sense, although the model number is also bit odd

A hammerless, .32 caliber revolver marked F&W, Model 1901 would be Forehand Model 1901, made by Hopkins and Allen (previously known as Forehand & Wadsworth). See current examples on the market such as http://www.gunsinternational.com/Hop...804ED47707BAA6

There have been different folks over the years who have popped up asking pretty much the same question, either because of trouble reading markings on the weapon or some other cause. These are apparently not uncommon in older collections. I am not sure if the F&W model is one of the weapons that also saw copying / cloning during its manufacturing period by other makers, which also might explain the variances. (The Forehand design is allegedly itself a direct copy of the S&W type).

A picture of yours really would help.

BTW, there is dispute over the chambering. This is not considered safe with modern ammunition, and may be a blackpowder cartridge only gun.

The old collector references will probably be of use to you. Not much online, but see http://www.gundigest.com/gun-collect...eserve-mention

[kemperhills]

So, if the marking is an F&W rather than an E&W this might make a bit more sense, although the model number is also bit odd

A hammerless, .32 caliber revolver marked F&W, Model 1901 would be Forehand Model 1901, made by Hopkins and Allen (previously known as Forehand & Wadsworth). See current examples on the market such as http://www.gunsinternational.com/Hop...804ED47707BAA6

There have been different folks over the years who have popped up asking pretty much the same question, either because of trouble reading markings on the weapon or some other cause. These are apparently not uncommon in older collections. I am not sure if the F&W model is one of the weapons that also saw copying / cloning during its manufacturing period by other makers, which also might explain the variances. (The Forehand design is allegedly itself a direct copy of the S&W type).

A picture of yours really would help.

BTW, there is dispute over the chambering. This is not considered safe with modern ammunition, and may be a blackpowder cartridge only gun.

The old collector references will probably be of use to you. Not much online, but see http://www.gundigest.com/gun-collect...eserve-mention

Ok, thanks for the reply. It might be model 1901, but it sure looks like 1801. I will have to purchase a magnifying glass and try to see it better.

PS It is a Forehand model 1901. Found it online after you told me it could be F & W instead of E & W. Thanks. Now I need to find out how to remove the firing pin.