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LOT 1170
Well-Documented, Historic, NRA Silver Medal Award Winning, Engraved, Silver and Gold Plated, 4 Inch
Barrel Smith & Wesson Model 1 1/2, First Issue Revolver with Pearl Grips Attributed as Purchased by
Smith & Wesson Co-Founder Horace Smith with Case and Factory Letter - Serial no. 15655, 32 RF cal., 4
inch solid rib bbl., silver/gold finish, pearl grips. Rock Island Auction Co. prides itself on establishing a tradition of
presenting historic pieces of steel canvas artistry to the public. Whether a Colt or Winchester or Smith & Wesson,
these deluxe arms have captivated collectors throughout the world. Today we continue to build on that tradition
by presenting the NRA Silver Medal award winning, factory engraved, 4 inch barrel S&W Model 1 1/2, First Issue
Revolver. This grand work of 19th century S&W artistry has impeccable collector pedigree with ownership that
reportedly began with Horace Smith (1808-1893), firearms inventor and co-founder of Smith & Wesson. It is the
only reported known example of a factory engraved of this model type with a 4 inch barrel. The standard barrel
length for this model was 3 1/2 inches.
This is one of two factory engraved Model 1 1/2 pistols commissioned as S&W exhibition pieces engraved by
S&W’s first full time factory engraver, F.W. Martin, and purchased by Horace Smith. In the accompanying factory
letter the revolver is stated as being manufactured in April 1866 and a factory record for this serial number is not
available. The open factory record for this serial number adds credibility to Horace Smith owning the gun since
the arm was not shipped to an S&W distributor and instead it was purchased directly by Horace Smith. S&W
historian Roy Jinks noted in the factory letter for this arm, “It is interesting to note that Horace Smith purchased
two engraved pearl grip Model 1 1/2 First Issues on June 16, 1866. One of the revolvers was $30.00 and the second
one slightly more elaborate for $40.00. Unfortunately, serial numbers were not given nor were the finishes listed.”
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