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LOT 1114
Desirable Gutta Percha Case for a Smith & Wesson No. 1 Revolver - Manufactured by Littlefield
Parsons & Co. for Smith & Wesson, this is one of only approximately 5,000 such presentation
type cases produced for variations of the No. 1 pocket revolver. Due to the delicacy of
gutta percha, far few of these case survive today, making them a hot commodity on the
collectors market. This particular example is the first variation of the case, which features
a raised image of a No. 1 revolver on the lid with the text “MANUFACTURED ONLY BY/
SMITH & WESSON/SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS” above and below it. There are shields
and flourishes of floral scroll in the corners and borders made up of No. 1 revolvers. The
interior of the lid is lined with plum velvet. The lower portion is lined with red baize and
has a cartridge block containing a selection of .22 RF cartridges.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, the exterior showing an attractive, lightly aged tone
with only the slightest handling/storage evidence and distinct detail. The lining of the
case shows some moderate wear and fading. No antique Smith & Wesson collection is
complete without a gutta percha case!
Estimate: 1,600 - 2,500
LOT 1113
Exceptional
Deluxe Presentation Cased Smith & Wesson
No. 2 “Old Army” Spur Trigger Revolver - Serial no. 43099, 32
RF cal., 6 inch solid rib bbl., blue finish, rosewood grips. Manufactured
c. 1861 to 1874, many of these “Old Army” revolver were privately purchased by
soldiers for use during the Civil War, or by family members and friends as a gift for men
leaving for the war or returning from it. This specific example with its attractive, deluxe,
rosewood veneered, presentation case with brass plaque on the lid certainly fits the bill for a gift, as it
was produced after 1865. Many of these revolvers also made their way to the frontier in the hands of all
manner of folk heading westward to begin a new life. Often holstered as a sidearm, these revolvers are
rarely found in very fine condition like this one. The standard one-line address is on top of the barrel rib.
The matching serial number is on the butt and stamped inside the right grip panel, and the matching assembly number
“9xx” is marked on the front face of the cylinder, rear face of the barrel lug, and left of the grip frame. It is fitted with a
German silver blade front sight, notch rear sight on the cylinder stop, and smooth rosewood grips. Includes a hardwood
case with blank brass presentation plate on the lid and fitted interior containing an empty picture box for .32-100 Short
cartridges, a key, and an oil bottle.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retaining 85% of the
original high polish blue finish, having thinned in
scattered areas showing some brown freckling or grey patina. The grips are excellent with a few light handling marks and most of the original varnish. Mechanically
excellent. The case is very fine with some scattered light handling/storage marks. A very fine example of a cased “Old Army” revolver!
Provenance: The Cam & Deb Cooper Collection.
Estimate: 3,750 - 5,500
LOT 1112
Desirable Early Production Smith &
Wesson No. 1 First Issue Second Type
Spur Trigger Revolver with Early
“Bayonet” Latch and Case - Serial no. 260,
22 RF cal., 3 1/4 inch solid rib bbl., blue/silver finish, ebony
grips. Manufactured c. 1857-1858, this is a very fine example of
a Smith & Wesson No. 1 First Issue second type revolver as defined by Norm
Flayderman. Only around 900 of these second type revolvers were produced from around
serial number 200 to around 1130. One of the defining features of this variant is the continuation
of the “bayonet” barrel latch, which carried over from the first type. The bayonet latch on this
example has been period modified, being shortened and having the end checkered for grip. These early production
No. 1 revolvers were intended to be carried in a pocket, and thus most examples show significant wear, leaving very
few available to collectors in very fine condition like this one. The top of the barrel has the one-line address and the
patent date marking is on the cylinder. The matching serial number is on the butt, front face of the cylinder, and rear
face of the barrel lug. It is fitted with a German silver blade front sight, notch rear sight on top of the cylinder latch, and a pair of very
attractive, smooth ebony grips. Includes an oak presentation type case with navy blue baize lined interior, key, and a nickeled oiler.
CONDITION: Very fine, retains 60% of the original blue finish with the balance a mix of grey and brown patina. 90% of the period
replated silver remains with some light wear showing attractively aged brass on edges. The grips are fine with a few light handling
marks. Mechanically excellent. Case is fine with absent lid escutcheon and mild handling/storage wear. A very attractive, early
production, “bayonet latch” Smith & Wesson No. 1 revolver!
Provenance: The Cam & Deb Cooper Collection.
Estimate: 4,000 - 6,000
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