Make: Forehand & Wadsworth

Model: Terror

Serial Number: 1074

Year of Manufacture: ca. Mid 1870s -1890s

Caliber: .32 Rim Fire

Action Type: Single Action, 6 Shot, Centerfire Cartridge Revolver

Barrel Length: 3-inch round

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a rounded blade set into the top of the barrel. The rear sight is a “V” notch cut into an integral blade at the top of the frame.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth rosewood. The grips show handling and storage marks. The grips show light scratches, dings, and wood compressions. The grips rate in about Good Plus overall condition as an antique.

Type of Finish: Nickel

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is grey, and the rifling is dulled. There is scattered corrosion and erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion and for the age, this bore rates a 5 out of 10.

Most antique firearms have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but also to the use of black powder. When fired, black powder reacts corrosively. NRA Antique Firearm Conditions Standards are quite lenient for bores. In some cases, the NRA standards disregarded the bore’s condition for collectors firearms.

Overall Condition: This pistol shows varying degrees of browning patina on the spur trigger and hammer. The metal shows scratches and scrapes. The cylinder has light draglines and several specks of pin-prick corrosion. The screw heads are lightly tool-marked. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol rates in about very good condition as an antique.

Mechanics: The action does not function correctly. The hand will not always engage to spin the cylinder and the timing will free spin sometimes even if cocked. We did not fire this firearm. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: In 1871, Sullivan Forehand and Henry C. Wadsworth founded Forehand & Wadsworth from the remnants of Ethan Allen & Company after the death of their father-in-law, Ethan Allen. Wadsworth sold his share of the company to Forehand in 1890 to retire, and the company was rebranded as Forehand Arms. From 1871-1890, the firm was known as Forehand and Wadsworth. In 1890, Henry Wadsworth retired, and the company name was changed to Forehand Arms Company. This small pocket pistol was one of the better sellers for the company. This example remains with 90% of its original finish and most of its original function. I rather like the name Terror as it reminds me of what some of us were as children.