Maker ID

[Frank Moon]

Can anyone identify who used these grips? They came off a 1851 Navy mason-richards conversion that shoots .38 LC. On the bottom of the grip is engraved USN and there are the initials D.W.M. engraved oh the bottom of the barrel. It's not a Colt as I've found Italian proof marks across the left side of the frame. I've had it completely apart unable to find a makers mark. I broke the ejector rod and can't find a replacement that fits. I hoped an uberti ejector assembly would fit, but no such luck; the lug that fits in the frame is way too small, nor will it align with the cylinder. I have little chance of replacing the ejector assembly without knowing the maker. Any help would be appreciated.

[PaleWolf Brunelle, #2495L]

Can you post a photo of the proof marks?

[Abilene, SASS # 27489]

@Frank Moon , is the rear sight on the nose of the hammer or on the conversion ring?

[Frank Moon]

Sure can, I'm pretty sure they're Italian.  The date marks (as seen) are fairly worn. I'm also including a picture of the barrel assembly.  Notice the large lug opening.  There are also two cut in the front of the barrel and the letters D.W M. towards the frame end.  It's also noted that unlike the uberti ejectors, there is a retaining nut on the end of the ejector pin.

[Frank Moon]

Nose of the hammer.  There are also two pins retaining a firing pin on the hammer.

 

[Sedalia Dave]

 

 

2 hours ago, Frank Moon said:

 

 

The above marks are from Left to right.

Data Code ( Too faded to make out ) 

Black Powder Proof

Gardone Proof House (Italian)

[Sedalia Dave]

D.W.M sounds German in origin.

 

Given that you have a cartridge cylinder on a Black Powder frame and a barrel with no discernable proof marks, I suspect that you have a frankengun that has been cobbled together from at least 2 or possibly three different pistols.

 

 

Edited April 15 by Sedalia Dave

[Abilene, SASS # 27489]

Some Armi San Marcos " '51 Richards conversions" (which yours is not) had the ejector housing break off from that tab fairly often.  The fix was to try to solder it back on which didn't always work, or you might try J B Weld.  Good luck.

Edited April 15 by Abilene, SASS # 27489

[Abilene Slim SASS 81783]

It’s been a long since seeing one, but isn’t that EMFs cartouche on the grip? Could be a Pietta? 

[Chickasaw Bill SASS #70001]

given what I can see in the pics 

 

My thoughts is it is a "de-farbed"   FRANKEN GUN 

 

de farb removal of Mfg markings , I have seen that done often with reenactors 

 

the grips appear to have been refitted to the frame 

 

I could be WRONG , but  I can not come up with anything else 

 

Chickasaw Bill 

[Abilene, SASS # 27489]

Agreeing with gunsmith conversion, but somebody put some effort into it since they milled the right side of the barrel for the ejector.