Page 107 - 4091-BOOK3

LOT 3170
Very Fine Smith & Wesson Model No. 1 Second Issue Single Action Revolver with Gutta Percha Case
- Serial no. 70084, 22 short cal., 3 1/4 inch solid rib bbl., silver finish, rosewood grips. Manufactured from 1860 to 1868, this Model
1, Second Issue revolver features a blade front and notch rear sights, 7 round un-fluted cylinder, square flared butt, and scarce
all silver plated finish with
casehardened hammer.
The top of the barrel is
marked “SMITH & WESSON
SPRINGFIELD, MASS”, the
cylinder is marked with
the patent dates and the
serial number is marked
on the butt. Fitted with
varnished rosewood grips,
with right panel numbered
“67129”. Assembly number
“T” is properly stamped on
the rear of the barrel, front
cylinder face and right heel
under the grip. Complete in
an original Smith & Wesson gutta percha case with decorative lid with the image of a Number 1 revolver and “MANUFACTURED ONLY BY/SMITH & WESSON,/SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS”. The lining in the lid is a floral design purple velvet and there is brown velvet in the bottom and a 56 round cartridge block.
CONDITION: Very fine. The barrel and frame retain 85% original silver plating with some scattered minor flaking and some discoloration as well as traces of silver on the cylinder. The hammer retains most of the original case colors. The grips are excellent with 95% original varnish remaining, showing some very minor lower edge wear, a few minor dings, a small absent splinter on the right side at the escutcheon and a few light handling marks. The markings are clear. Mechanically excellent. The case exterior is excellent and the lining has a hole worn in it from the hammer and some moderate contact wear.
Estimate: 2,250 - 3,500
LOT 3171
Very Scarce 2nd Quality Marked
Smith & Wesson Model No. 1 Second Issue
Revolver - Serial no. 87620, 22 RF cal., 3 3/16 inch
solid rib bbl., blue/silver finish, rosewood grips. Manufactured from
1860 to 1868, this Model 1 Second Issue revolver has the rare “2D. QUALITY”
marking on both sides of the barrel. This marking indicated there were slight
casting flaws when the revolver was manufactured. The manufacturing flaws
did not affect the mechanical function and they were sold at a discount. Approximately 4,402 of these types of revolvers feature the “2D QUALITY” marking. The barrel and cylinder have matching assembly marks which differ from the marking on the grip frame, a not uncommon feature on 2nd quality No. 1s. The right grip panel is numbered to the gun.
CONDITION: Fine. The barrel retains 40% original blue finish
and traces of blue remain on the cylinder with the balance a
smooth brown patina. The frame retains 97% age darkened
original silver plating. The grips are very good with a surface
chip near the bottom (left panel), some minor handling marks
and retaining half of the original varnish. Mechanically fine. A
desirable 2nd quality marked No. 1 that will be a welcomed
addition to your S&W collection.
Estimate: 2,250 - 3,750
LOT 3172
Cased Retailer Marked
Smith & Wesson Model
No. 2 “Old Army”
Revolver - Serial no.
51001, 32 RF cal., 6 inch
solid rib bbl., blue finish,
rosewood grips. This very fine post-Civil War production S&W “Old Army” has the British retailer marking “NUNN, HERTFORD” on top of the barrel rib following the one-line S&W legend. London proofs are stamped on the barrel and cylinder between the chambers. The standard patent marking is stamped on the cylinder. The right grip panel is numbered to the gun. Matching assembly marks appear on the grip frame, barrel, and cylinder. The period retailer partitioned oak case contains a cleaning rod and loose cartridges.
CONDITION: Very fine, retaining 70% bright original high polish blue finish with thinning to a brown and smooth gray patina on the grip straps. The grips are also very fine showing some scattered handling marks, a tiny repaired chip at the heel (right panel), and retaining most of the original finish. Mechanically excellent. The refinished case is very good with a crack on the lid and heavy wear to the lining. A solid representative example of a S&W Model No. 2 “Old Army” revolver.
Estimate: 1,800 - 2,750
LOT 3173
New York Engraved Smith & Wesson .32 Single Action Revolver with Pearl Grips - Serial no. 4854, 32 S&W cal., 3 1/2 inch solid rib bbl., nickel finish, pearl grips. The “.32 Single Action” is a significant departure from the older No. 1 1/2 First and Second Issue revolvers in that it utilizes the famous Smith & Wesson top break design and has a rebounding hammer for added safety. Manufactured from 1878-1892, this is a later model built with an external strain screw for mainspring tension. The revolver is decorated with a beautiful, high quality period New York floral scroll engraving on punch dot background along with zig zag line borders, entwining line motif on the backstrap and cylinder flutes, floral motif on the top strap, and floral blossom behind the hammer. The revolver wears a set of very attractive pearl bird’s head grips. Matching serial numbers appear on the butt, cylinder, barrel, and barrel latch. CONDITION: Very fine, retaining 75% plus retailer applied nickel plating and crisp engraving. The grips are excellent with highly attractive fiery colors. Mechanically excellent. A fine example of 19th century American artistry. Estimate: 1,500 - 2,250
105