David Kucer Photos

1854 Smith & Wesson Volcanic Pistol

Smith & Wesson were partners in the design of this early cartridge firing repeater. They formed the “Volcanic Repeating Arms Company” to produce it. However, financial troubles led to their company being taken over by the chief investor—Winchester. Years later, the partners designed a revolver that sold in great numbers during the Civil War under the Smith & Wesson name, assuring the company’s success.

David Kucer's Volcanic pistol display in the Craftsmanship Museum.

1854 Smith & Wesson Volcanic Pistol

David’s 1/3 scale 1854 Smith & Wesson Volcanic lever action pistol on display in the Craftsmanship Museum.

The Smith & Wesson Volcanic pistol in cocked position.

1854 Smith & Wesson Volcanic Pistol

The miniature Volcanic Pistol with the trigger guard in position as the cocking mechanism.

1/3 Scale Borchart

This miniature Borchart in 1/3 scale is cased with all functional accessories: stock with detachable cheekpiece, screwdriver, spare clip, oil can, and cleaning rod. Over 100 items had to be reproduced in miniature to complete this project.

Colt Frontier Revolver

This photo shows a Colt Double Action Frontier Revolver made for presentation around 1880. Above it is a miniature version of the handgun made by David about 90 years later, in 1970.

Derringer Barrels

An end view of the barrels of a Frank Wesson Derringer. At the top is the full-size barrel, and below it is the miniature copy. At the bottom is the specially ground milling cutter used to replicate the contour of the barrel. You can see the same contour repeated on all three items. A US nickel offers scale reference.

1/3 Scale Revolver

A 1/3 scale revolver with bullets to demonstrate that it loads and functions just like the real thing.

Colt Peacemaker Revolver

A miniature Colt Model 1873 Army or “Peacemaker” revolver with ivory grips.

1862 Colt Police Model

A 1/3 scale 1862 Colt Police Model cap and ball pistol set by David. This one has ivory grips. The set includes a scale powder flask, bullet mould, cap box, and nipple wrench in a walnut box.

Colt New Century Revolver

A miniature Colt New Century Model military revolver with ivory grips.

Original and Miniature Derringers

A full-size Derringer sits above David’s 1/3 scale model.

Pinfire Revolver

This 1/3 scale 2 mm pinfire is based on a French/Belgian single and double action pinfire revolver, with a one piece barrel/blade.

Colt Revolving Rifle

A miniature Colt revolving rifle made by David.

Luger With Stock

A miniature Luger with detachable wooden shoulder stock.

Volcanic Pistol

A 1/3 scale “Volcanic” lever action pistol. Note the US dime for scale reference.

This interesting miniature is a late 18th century type hunting sword.

Miniature Hunting Sword

This interesting miniature is a late 18th century hunting sword, with combination flintlock pistol.

Miniature Winchester Rifle

1866 Winchester Carbine

This 1866 Winchester carbine is also 1/3 scale. The overall length of this miniature is just over 12 inches.

Thompson Machine Gun

Many of us just can’t get enough of the old gangsters’ favorite weapon—the Thompson machine gun. Developed for use in late WWI, it also saw service in WWII. Shown here with its round clip removed, more of the gun’s details are revealed. A straight clip could also be fitted. It was used by both the military and many police departments, and was quite a new concept when first introduced.