Sarah’s Model 10
Sarah’s Model 10 left the Smith and Wesson plant in 1961. At some point, a West Virginia State Trooper acquired it and subsequently sold it to Sarah’s Father in 1978 after the Troopers retirement. The family eventually moved to Texas. The Model 10 was given to Sarah as a gift by her Father and she carried it for personal protection. In 2018 Sarah lost her life in a boating accident on the South Texas Coast. She was 38. Her Model 10 was recovered 3 days later along with the vessel. Sarah’s Brother (a local police officer) wanted to have the revolver refinished so that the family could give it to Sarah’s Daughter Ocean, when she becomes of age.
Normally on older guns, I recommend leaving it as is, but the circumstances of the gun being submerged in salt water for 3 days necessitated an intervention to keep from deteriorating further. After disassembly and a thorough cleaning, I started on the metal first with 400 grit, then 600 grit and finished with 800 grit. I admit, I do not have the skills and ability to reblue a gun. Especially the type of quality work as was needed for this special revolver. While I have done some very nice parkerizing work, rebluing firearms is totally different.
I contacted Tyler Gun Works in Friona Texas and the Tyler family graciously accepted the project. The Tyler family did an outstanding job on the Model 10. They completed the metal prep and reblued the revolver back to perfection. They even re- case hardened the hammer and trigger.
Today, I presented Sarah’s Model 10 back to her Father and Brother at no cost to them. They were absolutely thrilled and stunned with the Model 10. Grateful would be an understatement. Sarah’s Model 10 is giving some happiness to the family after such a tragic accident. Sarah’s Daughter Ocean will inherit a true family heirloom.
Sarah