Original Item: Only One Available. The Smith & Wesson Model 1 was the first firearm manufactured by Smith & Wesson, with production spanning the years 1857 through 1882. It was the first commercially successful revolver to use rimfire cartridges instead of loose powder, musket ball, and percussion caps. It is a single-action, tip-up revolver holding seven .22 Short black powder cartridges. During the production run it was issued 3 times, with significant changes to each revision.

The Model 1, 3rd Issue represented a substantial redesign for the Model 1, with a fluted cylinder, a round barrel and a rounded \”bird\’s head\” style grip. Finishes included full nickel plating, full blued steel, and a \”half plate\” nickel/blue combo, and there were two barrel lengths offered by the factory. Variants include the \”square\” and \”triangular\” top strap design that changed around serial number 9,500. The 3rd Issue guns were produced from 1868 through 1882 with serial numbers from 1 through approximately 131,000

This example is fully blued version, though the finish has faded overall due to wear, and is now retained only in the recessed areas and under the grip scales. For the most part it shows a faded gray patina. These early Smith & Wesson designs are loaded by actually unhooking the bottom of the barrel so it could swivel upwards allowing the entire cylinder to be removed in order to reload. Fitted with spur trigger, these were an extremely convenient little multi shot revolver ideal for a lady or gambler. It is still fully marked along the top of the barrel:-

SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS. PAT.APR.3.55 JULY.5.59 DEC.18.60

The revolver bears serial number3056 on the bottom of the grip and on the inside of the right grip scale, which would probably put production at around 1870-71. There is also assembly number E 2on the grip frame, barrel, and cylinder. That makes this a very desirable \”ALL MATCHING\” example, with no major parts swapped out over the years!

The grips are in excellent condition, and look to be made possibly made from Rosewood, as they have very dark grain streaks not seen on American Black Walnut. It looks like if they were varnished originally, that is now completely missing. There is also some cracking on the left grip scale. The revolver action functions, however the spring for the cylinder lock / rear sight is missing, so it does not lock securely at all. We checked the bore, and it still shows clear rifling with a partly bright finish, showing some past fouling and oxidation.

A very nice service used example of an iconic early revolver design from the legendary Smith & Wesson, ready to display!

Specifications:

Years of Manufacture: 1868- 1882
Caliber:.22 Short Blackpowder
Ammunition Type:Rimfire Blackpowder Cartridge
Barrel Length: 3 1/8 inches
Overall Length: 6 1/2 inches
Action:Exposed Hammer
Feed System:7 Shot Revolver