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Years later, Jinks
identified the first
arm as no. 15653
(3 1/2 inch barrel),
which is pictured
and identified in
Jink’s “Artistry in
Arms: The Guns of
Smith & Wesson”
on page 60. In
this publication,
Jinks explained
that no. 15653
was “engraved
by F.W. Martin
in July, 1865, as
an exhibition
handgun. The style of the
engraving, however, did
not satisfy the two partners [Horace Smith and Daniel
B. Wesson]—the gun was never exhibited.” No. 15653
remains in the S&W factory collection.
Its close proximity to no. 15653 (only two digits away),
open factory record, and factory embellishments of
engraving and pearl stocks as laid out by Jinks in the
factory letter makes no. 15655 a strong contender as the
second Model 1 1/2 purchased by Horace Smith on June
16, 1866. More evidence is needed to link this Model 1 1/2
to Smith, and that evidence comes by way of Charles A.
Hall’s handwritten ledger that documented his personal
firearms collection. As Jinks explained in the factory
letter, “The positive proof is some documentation from
Horace Smith to [previous owner] Mr. Charles A. Hall.”
Ownership of this historic piece of S&W history is as follows. No. 15655
was given by Horace Smith to Edward Hall who in turn gave it to his
brother Charles of Ashfield, Massachusetts. After his death in 1931,
Charles’ firearms collection was received by his nephew Addison S. Hall.
This particular S&W ended up in the hands of Addison’s dentist, Dr. Elbert
Stallard. Arnold Mills, a patient of Dr. Stallard, later purchased the revolver
with receipt included, and in 1985, also purchased Charles Hall’s collection
ledger from the Hall estate, bringing the revolver and ledger together once
again. Charles’ ledger described receiving no. 15655 and the Hall family
association with Horace Smith. The revolver is number 44 in the ledger.
The notation is as follows: “Ed gave me the very handsome pearl handle
silver plated .32 cal. Smith and Wesson revolver of a very early pattern. Mr.
Horace Smith of Smith and Wesson was a very good friend of ours. Papa
and Mama used to visit them and they, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, came up to see us
and stay few days. They were very nice people.” Charles further wrote that
his father and Horace Smith traded in horses.
The revolver was awarded the coveted “10 Best” Silver Medal Arms Award,
“one of a maximum of ten certificates awarded each year to arms of
outstanding historical value, or beauty, or rarity, selected from displays
of the NRA’s Affiliated Gun Collector Organizations,” in 2010. The silver
medal was No. 484, and the medal is included. The revolver is pictured
and identified as “Horace Smith’s personal 1 1/2 Old Model #15655” in
the “Roll of Honor” centerfold to the November/December 1987 issue of
Man at Arms (pages 32-33). The caption noted that this “pistol is the only
known engraved 4 inch barrel version of this model.” Charles Hall’s firearms
collection is discussed and pictured in an article to an undated, unknown
gun collector magazine. The photos show no. 15655 and the ledger as well
as an image of Addison Hall, presumably from the 1950s/60s.
In general, a Model 1 1/2 revolver with a 4 inch barrel is rarely
encountered as standard barrel length was 3 1/2 inches and factory
engraved examples are nearly impossible to find. The factory engraving
and 4 inch barrel make for an exceptionally rare combination of features.
In fact, S&W experts and students of antique firearm artistry note this
revolver as the only known example to exist in this configuration. F.W.
Martin’s factory engraving consists of broad scrollwork on stippled
background, along with scattered cross hatching and blossom patterns.
The engraving is highly unusual for its panel scene on the cylinder. This
scene features a standing fox dressed in a pantaloons hunting outfit
complete with a festooned hat and holding a pistol on a surrendering
rabbit. The barrel and frame are plated in silver. The cylinder is plated in
gold. The revolver wears a set of highly attractive pearl grips. The left grip
panel is hand numbered to the gun. Matching assembly numbers appear
on the grip frame, cylinder, and barrel.
The accompanying modern replica case was built by Frank Klay of Klay
Associates best known for Colt Model 1851 cased sets. Klay designed this
case after a period correct deluxe veneer case for a 3 1/2 inch Model 1 1/2
First Issue revolver provided by S&W expert and author Vern Eklund. No 4
inch barrel cases are known to exist. The case contains a cartridge block
holding 28 rounds and a cleaning rod.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine. The barrel and frame retain 97% original
silver plating. The cylinder retains traces of original gold in the recesses of
the engraving. The engraving is crisp. The grips are excellent with highly
attractive fiery colors. Mechanically needs work. The case is excellent. A
grand work of 19th century S&W artistry that is well deserving of the finest
private or public collection. Its potential ownership by S&W co-founder
Horace Smith adds to its desirability as a one-of-a-kind
piece of S&W heritage.
Provenance: Horace Smith;
Edward Hall; Charles Hall;
Addison S. Hall; Dr. Elbert
Stallard; The Arnold L
Mills Collection; The Roger
Muckerheide Collection; NRA 10
Best Silver Medal Arms Award;
Property of a Gentleman.
Estimate: 15,000 - 25,000
Featured in the November/December 1987
issue of "Man at Arms"