Hi, my great-grandfather had a few guns he carried in the Alaskan gold rush. Two of them are S&W revolvers, but I'm not entirely sure about this one. I've done a little research, and it looks like it's a Clement 25 caliber or 5mm, not sure if those are exactly the same gun or not. There doesn't seem to be much information on this gun, though, and what I have found is often conflicting. It looks like it's still in good condition, but the trigger doesn't spring back so it needs some replacement parts. It's also a little stiff. I assume that the only way to field-strip it is to remove the two screws at the top of the back, but I haven't taken it apart yet. Any idea what exactly it is/ if it can still be used/ what it's worth? Thank you.
Clements gun?
- Thread starter Tsujigiri
- Start date
It looks like the Clement 5mm IMHO, and if it is, AFAIK there's no ammo available for it.
Clement designed this pistol to chamber the 5mm Charola Anitua round, but, since his pistol outlived the Spanish gun of that name, the 5mm round was eventually given Clement's name.
I'm sure a value could be found by doing a search of various auction sites like guns america, gun broker, auction arms, etc - for closed/sold auctions of one.
.
Clement designed this pistol to chamber the 5mm Charola Anitua round, but, since his pistol outlived the Spanish gun of that name, the 5mm round was eventually given Clement's name.
I'm sure a value could be found by doing a search of various auction sites like guns america, gun broker, auction arms, etc - for closed/sold auctions of one.
.
This is a Clement 1903 and, judging from the late serial number, is probably chambered in .25 ACP (6.35mm) instead of the earlier 5mm Charola y Anitua caliber. The caliber transition occurred when the FN 1905 vest pocket pistol, using the newly designed .25 ACP cartridge, entered the market c. 1905/06. Given the popularity of the FN 1905, Clement saw the writing on the wall and realized that the .25 was the future. Thereafter, all Clements were .25s (well, the smallest ones, at least - there were .32 ACP Clements as well).
In excellent condition, this gun has considerable collector appeal. The bad news is that your specimen, given the photos and description, seems to leave a bit to be desired regarding condition. It's certainly not bad, though - especially since the original grips are not cracked or chipped! That's impressive for a gun that's over 100 years old and one that, from your story, saw some use in your grandfather's hands.
It also looks as though it has a very decent amount of the original blue remaining. That's always a good thing.
Depending on what parts are missing, whether the gun is basically functional and the condition of whatever internals remain, value could range considerably. If forced to guess, I would estimate perhaps $200.00 to $400.00.
ATTENTION: If you do decide to disassemble it, show this venerable old gun some love by using the PROPER TOOLS FOR THE JOB! Those screws should only be loosened using gunsmithing screwdrivers with parallel-ground bits - NOT regular screwdrivers. There's nothing more saddening and exasperating than seeing stripped screw heads on old guns simply because the owner couldn't be bothered to do it right. The screw heads on your Clement are in very decent shape - please keep them that way!!!
In excellent condition, this gun has considerable collector appeal. The bad news is that your specimen, given the photos and description, seems to leave a bit to be desired regarding condition. It's certainly not bad, though - especially since the original grips are not cracked or chipped! That's impressive for a gun that's over 100 years old and one that, from your story, saw some use in your grandfather's hands.
It also looks as though it has a very decent amount of the original blue remaining. That's always a good thing.
Depending on what parts are missing, whether the gun is basically functional and the condition of whatever internals remain, value could range considerably. If forced to guess, I would estimate perhaps $200.00 to $400.00.
ATTENTION: If you do decide to disassemble it, show this venerable old gun some love by using the PROPER TOOLS FOR THE JOB! Those screws should only be loosened using gunsmithing screwdrivers with parallel-ground bits - NOT regular screwdrivers. There's nothing more saddening and exasperating than seeing stripped screw heads on old guns simply because the owner couldn't be bothered to do it right. The screw heads on your Clement are in very decent shape - please keep them that way!!!
Just to add a bit of info. That design, using a light bolt and heavy spring had a further life. Wanting to produce an auto pistol, and frustrated by the fact that a fellow named Browning had patented all the best ideas, one Mr. Joseph Wesson took himself to Belgium, where he bought the rights to Clement's pistol. Shortly thereafter, S&W produced their first auto pistol, the .35 S&W Auto caliber gun sometimes called the Model 1913. It was a clear descendant of the Clement but was, to put it charitably, less than a smashing success. A redesign in 1924 to use the standard .32 ACP cartridge didn't help and there were even fewer sales of the newer model.
But S&W didn't entirely forget. You can see traces of the Clement design in the S&W Model 41/46 .22 pistol and even in their current .22 autos.
Jim
But S&W didn't entirely forget. You can see traces of the Clement design in the S&W Model 41/46 .22 pistol and even in their current .22 autos.
Jim
Thank you everyone for the replies! I assume, then, that the .25 caliber cartridges that are commonly available won't fit in this gun? I'll make sure to get the correct screwdrivers, then, thank you for warning me before I damaged the gun. It doesn't look like the gun is listed on any of those sites, but that's a very useful resource. I'm sure I'll be using it when the certificates come back from the S&W for the other two guns.
Tsujigiri, good to have you back! I hope I didn't sound overly pushy about the screwdriver issue; I was simply gratified to see the good screw heads on your gun and I guess I get rather protective (even when the gun doesn't belong to me 
).
(By the way, if you are ever in the market for a basic and not-too-expensive gunsmithing screwdriver set, try the Pachmayr one available from MidwayUSA:
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=776936
It's the one I have and it takes care of most common screws.)
The reason that I think your gun is probably a .25 ACP rather than a 5mm is that I have been compiling serial numbers of Clements (and many other pocket pistols) for some time. I note that on Gerhard Schoenbauer's vest pocket pistol website (http://www.vestpockets.bauli.at/archiv/archiv.htm), his Clement 1903 is listed as a "late model" - which, after reading his description, I take to mean that it is a .25 - and the serial number of Gerhard's gun is 9828. The serial number of yours appears to be 9981.
Out of 7 or 8 1903 Clements listed in my database, the highest serial number is 10194. So, even though I don't have all that many examples to judge from, I'd say yours is very much on the later end of things.
).(By the way, if you are ever in the market for a basic and not-too-expensive gunsmithing screwdriver set, try the Pachmayr one available from MidwayUSA:
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=776936
It's the one I have and it takes care of most common screws.)
The reason that I think your gun is probably a .25 ACP rather than a 5mm is that I have been compiling serial numbers of Clements (and many other pocket pistols) for some time. I note that on Gerhard Schoenbauer's vest pocket pistol website (http://www.vestpockets.bauli.at/archiv/archiv.htm), his Clement 1903 is listed as a "late model" - which, after reading his description, I take to mean that it is a .25 - and the serial number of Gerhard's gun is 9828. The serial number of yours appears to be 9981.
Out of 7 or 8 1903 Clements listed in my database, the highest serial number is 10194. So, even though I don't have all that many examples to judge from, I'd say yours is very much on the later end of things.
Excellent, Jim - thank you! Another example added to the database!
As matters stand now in my 1903 data (some of which I said before, I know):
1) My lowest serial is 2306
2) My highest confirmed 5mm is 8466
3) The earliest .25 is Gerhard Schoenbauer's, 9828
4) Highest serial, 10194
As matters stand now in my 1903 data (some of which I said before, I know):
1) My lowest serial is 2306
2) My highest confirmed 5mm is 8466
3) The earliest .25 is Gerhard Schoenbauer's, 9828
4) Highest serial, 10194
Sorry for taking so long to reply. On jframer's recommendation, I'm adding a couple of photos in sunlight, which should show the condition a little better. On a side note, does anyone know what an original 1898 S&W M&P and a S&W double action revolver, second model in similar condition would be worth?
Attachments
Mike Irwin
Staff
You have pictures of the Smith revolvers?
The first military and police hand ejector was the Model 1899, aka the Model 1899 Army-Navy Revolver.
The first several hundred were chambered only in .38 Long Colt in an attempt to grab the military's interest.
S&W was concurrently working on an improved cartridge, what would become the .38 Special, to hopefully address the shortcomings of the .38 Long Colt that were revealed in combat against the Moros in the Philippines. The first Model 1899s chambered in .38 S&W Special didn't hit the shelves until late 1900 or 1901.
The first military and police hand ejector was the Model 1899, aka the Model 1899 Army-Navy Revolver.
The first several hundred were chambered only in .38 Long Colt in an attempt to grab the military's interest.
S&W was concurrently working on an improved cartridge, what would become the .38 Special, to hopefully address the shortcomings of the .38 Long Colt that were revealed in combat against the Moros in the Philippines. The first Model 1899s chambered in .38 S&W Special didn't hit the shelves until late 1900 or 1901.
Mike Irwin
Staff
What's the serial number on your 1899?
Every time I encounter one in .38 Special I try to push the serial number back to see approximately at what point it was released in .38 Special. There's some confusion about that.
As for your particular gun, there's hardly any bluing left, but the hard rubber grips appear to be in fantastic shape and the metal is in very good shape.
If the barrel and chambers are in good condition, I'd not be surprised to see value at between $750 to $1000 to a collector.
I'll have to hit the books to figure out what the break top is. What's its serial number, as well? That will pin down the specific series. That one, though, is chambered in .38 Smith & Wesson, an earlier round that used a 146-gr. bullet at approximately 600 or so FPS. It was a very popular cartridge in its time.
Every time I encounter one in .38 Special I try to push the serial number back to see approximately at what point it was released in .38 Special. There's some confusion about that.
As for your particular gun, there's hardly any bluing left, but the hard rubber grips appear to be in fantastic shape and the metal is in very good shape.
If the barrel and chambers are in good condition, I'd not be surprised to see value at between $750 to $1000 to a collector.
I'll have to hit the books to figure out what the break top is. What's its serial number, as well? That will pin down the specific series. That one, though, is chambered in .38 Smith & Wesson, an earlier round that used a 146-gr. bullet at approximately 600 or so FPS. It was a very popular cartridge in its time.
Great photos of the Clement, Tsujigiri. It really doesn't look bad at all!
As a side note, I recently was fortunate to stumble across a photo of a very early Clement 1903, serial 382! The area towards the muzzle looked a little different from the later 1903s, but it was definitely a 1903. Sorry I can't post the photos here.
As a side note, I recently was fortunate to stumble across a photo of a very early Clement 1903, serial 382! The area towards the muzzle looked a little different from the later 1903s, but it was definitely a 1903. Sorry I can't post the photos here.
The 1899 is serial # 14920. What would be the criteria with which you would judge the barrel and chambers? They seem clean with no corrosion, but I'm not sure if there's anything else to look for...
Yes, the hard rubber grips are great on all three guns, except for a small crack on the breaktop.
Yes, the hard rubber grips are great on all three guns, except for a small crack on the breaktop.
Mike Irwin
Staff
That one was probably manufactured in middle to late 1901 or 1902 from the serial number. Not particularly early as far as that gun goes. VERY nice piece of family history!
These guns were shot with blackpowder ammunition with corrosive primers, so it's not uncommon to see them with pits in the barrel from corrosion.
It's as simple to determine as looking down the barrel while shining a bright light through the other end so you can look to see if there are any dark areas, if the rifling is nice and pronounced, or if there are actual pits in the bore.
These guns were shot with blackpowder ammunition with corrosive primers, so it's not uncommon to see them with pits in the barrel from corrosion.
It's as simple to determine as looking down the barrel while shining a bright light through the other end so you can look to see if there are any dark areas, if the rifling is nice and pronounced, or if there are actual pits in the bore.
Jim,
Reviewing this thread, something caught my attention. You said above that your Clement 5mm is serial number 8103. Does your pistol by any chance have a Siamese chakra marking on the rear gripstrap above the magazine catch?
The reason I ask is that I have recorded Clement 1903 pistols with serial numbers of 7664, 8080 and 8466, and they all have this marking on the rear gripstrap. I have noted no intervening examples. (By the way, any information about this marking would be appreciated. Is it a proof, an acceptance marking of some sort??? Am I referring to it as a "Chakra" correctly?)
Reviewing this thread, something caught my attention. You said above that your Clement 5mm is serial number 8103. Does your pistol by any chance have a Siamese chakra marking on the rear gripstrap above the magazine catch?
The reason I ask is that I have recorded Clement 1903 pistols with serial numbers of 7664, 8080 and 8466, and they all have this marking on the rear gripstrap. I have noted no intervening examples. (By the way, any information about this marking would be appreciated. Is it a proof, an acceptance marking of some sort??? Am I referring to it as a "Chakra" correctly?)
Hi, J-framer,
Your question sure threw me for a loop. I had no idea that mark would be there, but I looked and sure enough, it is, on the front strap about 4mm from the bottom. It is like the one on the "Siamese Mauser" except that it is smaller, about 6mm diameter.
I doubt a Clement was used by any military service, but maybe Siamese police?
Good luck in your research and glad to have been of help.
BTW, I have understood that the 5mm pistol was called the Model 1903 and the 6.35mm was called the Model 1908, though they were otherwise identical, and numbered in the same series. Does anyone know for sure?
Jim
Your question sure threw me for a loop. I had no idea that mark would be there, but I looked and sure enough, it is, on the front strap about 4mm from the bottom. It is like the one on the "Siamese Mauser" except that it is smaller, about 6mm diameter.
I doubt a Clement was used by any military service, but maybe Siamese police?
Good luck in your research and glad to have been of help.
BTW, I have understood that the 5mm pistol was called the Model 1903 and the 6.35mm was called the Model 1908, though they were otherwise identical, and numbered in the same series. Does anyone know for sure?
Jim
SCD - thank you for the information about the Siamese marking. I Googled the terms "Chakra" and "Mauser" and came up with several photos of these markings on rifles, as you mentioned. There are some differences in design and size between the markings on the rifles and the ones I have seen on Clements, but they are similar in a general sense.
Jim - Bingo! I thought it more than likely that the marking would be there, given where your pistol's serial number falls in the examples I have recorded. Like you, I wonder who the users of these Clements were, because, while it is difficult to narrow down the serial number range in which the Siamese-marked examples occurr - the best I can do is confirm that No. 5377 is not Siamese marked on the front or back strap, and No. 10075 isn't either - it seems safe to say that the contract, or purchase order, must have been quite small.
Regarding nomenclature: The overwhelming majority of sources I have read seem to consider the Model 1903 to include both the 5mm and 6.35mm pistols, numbered, as you said, in the same series. This numbering appears to have continued up to the point when the design change took place that resulted in the Model 1907 (the chunky, odd-looking little one with the stubby grip). When the 1907 was introduced, the numbering series appears to have been reset, beginning once more at number 1 (this is a guess based on my lowest recorded Model 1907 serial - see serial number tables below) after which the numbering continued in the same series for the rest of the 6.35mm models (1908, 1909 and 1912).
I think you may be interested to see the serial numbers that I have recorded for all 5mm and 6.35mm Clement pistols, models 1903 - 1912. Here they are:
Model 1903
Early variation - The earliest observed 1903s have a very distinctive, deeply relieved portion on the sides of the front portion of the upper receiver. These pistols have the early French legend, "FABRIQUE D'ARMES C. CLEMENT LIEGE BREVET S.D.G.D." Safety markings are in French ("Feu" and "Sur"). Triggers and breechblocks are in the white. Safety lever, mag catch and other control & screws are fire blued. Caliber is 5mm.
No. 382
No. 1140
Forward portion of upper receiver changed to "conventional" pattern that is observed on most 1903 pistols. Legend still in French.
No. 1677 (shows no legend, although proofs, serial numbers and safety markings are clearly visible. Does not appear to have been refinished/buffed, etc.)
No. 2131
No. 2306
No. 3604 (badly refinished, heavily buffed so that most markings are difficult to read. Legend impossible to discern.)
Legend changed to "-AUTOMATIC PISTOL CLEMENT'S PATENT-"
No. 4256
No. 4287
No. 4616
Safety lever and trigger now blued like the rest of the gun. Breechblocks remain in the white.
No. 5377
No. 7600
No. 7664 (Marked with Siamese "Chakra" on backstrap)
No. 8080 (Marked with Siamese "Chakra" on backstrap)
No. 8103 (Marked with Siamese "Chakra" on frontstrap)
No. 8466 (Marked with Siamese "Chakra" on backstrap)
It is unclear exactly where in the serial number range the transition from 5mm to 6.35mm caliber occurred. Since No. 8466 is the last confirmed 5mm pistol, the transition is tentatively considered to take place at about this point.
No. 9749 (caliber unconfirmed)
No. 9828 (caliber unconfirmed)
No. 9981 (caliber not positively confirmed, but evidence strongly suggests 6.35mm)
No. 10075 (earliest confirmed 6.35mm pistol)
No. 10144
No. 10194
No. 10250
No. 11134
This concludes data gathered for the 1903 model. Presentation will continue with the 1907 model.
Jim - Bingo! I thought it more than likely that the marking would be there, given where your pistol's serial number falls in the examples I have recorded. Like you, I wonder who the users of these Clements were, because, while it is difficult to narrow down the serial number range in which the Siamese-marked examples occurr - the best I can do is confirm that No. 5377 is not Siamese marked on the front or back strap, and No. 10075 isn't either - it seems safe to say that the contract, or purchase order, must have been quite small.
Regarding nomenclature: The overwhelming majority of sources I have read seem to consider the Model 1903 to include both the 5mm and 6.35mm pistols, numbered, as you said, in the same series. This numbering appears to have continued up to the point when the design change took place that resulted in the Model 1907 (the chunky, odd-looking little one with the stubby grip). When the 1907 was introduced, the numbering series appears to have been reset, beginning once more at number 1 (this is a guess based on my lowest recorded Model 1907 serial - see serial number tables below) after which the numbering continued in the same series for the rest of the 6.35mm models (1908, 1909 and 1912).
I think you may be interested to see the serial numbers that I have recorded for all 5mm and 6.35mm Clement pistols, models 1903 - 1912. Here they are:
Model 1903
Early variation - The earliest observed 1903s have a very distinctive, deeply relieved portion on the sides of the front portion of the upper receiver. These pistols have the early French legend, "FABRIQUE D'ARMES C. CLEMENT LIEGE BREVET S.D.G.D." Safety markings are in French ("Feu" and "Sur"). Triggers and breechblocks are in the white. Safety lever, mag catch and other control & screws are fire blued. Caliber is 5mm.
No. 382
No. 1140
Forward portion of upper receiver changed to "conventional" pattern that is observed on most 1903 pistols. Legend still in French.
No. 1677 (shows no legend, although proofs, serial numbers and safety markings are clearly visible. Does not appear to have been refinished/buffed, etc.)
No. 2131
No. 2306
No. 3604 (badly refinished, heavily buffed so that most markings are difficult to read. Legend impossible to discern.)
Legend changed to "-AUTOMATIC PISTOL CLEMENT'S PATENT-"
No. 4256
No. 4287
No. 4616
Safety lever and trigger now blued like the rest of the gun. Breechblocks remain in the white.
No. 5377
No. 7600
No. 7664 (Marked with Siamese "Chakra" on backstrap)
No. 8080 (Marked with Siamese "Chakra" on backstrap)
No. 8103 (Marked with Siamese "Chakra" on frontstrap)
No. 8466 (Marked with Siamese "Chakra" on backstrap)
It is unclear exactly where in the serial number range the transition from 5mm to 6.35mm caliber occurred. Since No. 8466 is the last confirmed 5mm pistol, the transition is tentatively considered to take place at about this point.
No. 9749 (caliber unconfirmed)
No. 9828 (caliber unconfirmed)
No. 9981 (caliber not positively confirmed, but evidence strongly suggests 6.35mm)
No. 10075 (earliest confirmed 6.35mm pistol)
No. 10144
No. 10194
No. 10250
No. 11134
This concludes data gathered for the 1903 model. Presentation will continue with the 1907 model.