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LOT 1136
Smith & Wesson Model No. 1 1/2 Second Issue Spur Trigger Revolver with Very Scarce 2 3/4 Inch Barrel, Pearl Grips, and
Factory Letter - Serial no. 87688, 32 RF cal., 2 3/4 inch solid rib bbl., nickel finish, pearl grips. Manufactured in 1872. The No. 1 1/2 Second
Issue revolver was a very prolific model for Smith & Wesson, with around 100,700 produced. This example is quite scarce however, as it
has the desirable shorter, 2 3/4 inch barrel, while the majority of production was fitted with a 3 1/2 inch barrel. This revolver is correctly marked
with the one-line address and patent dates on the left of the shorter than standard barrel, and the serial number is marked on the butt. The
matching assembly marking “GG0” is marked on the right of the grip frame, rear face of the barrel lug, and front face of the cylinder. It is fitted with a German silver blade
front sight, a notch rear sight on top of the cylinder latch, and a pair of attractive, smooth pearl grips which show excellent flame figure. The included factory letter lists
the revolver with the short barrel, blue finish, and rosewood grips when shipped to M.W. Robinson in New York on 1 December 1872. It is likely the M.W. Robinson firm that applied the nickel
plating and pearl grips.
CONDITION: Very fine, retains 95% plus of the attractive, untouched, period retailer applied nickel finish with a few scattered small patches of light flaking, primarily near edges on the cylinder, and
some light handling evidence. The grips are excellent with a few light handling marks. Mechanically excellent.
A rarely encountered variation of the Smith & Wesson No. 1 1/2 Second Issue revolver with a desirable 2 3/4
inch barrel!
Estimate: 2,000 - 3,000
LOT 1135
Historic Documented Special Order Rollin
White Shipped Smith & Wesson Model 2 Army Revolver with
Full Silver Plated Finish, Ivory Grips, and Factory Letter - Serial no. 5965, 32 Long RF cal., 6 inch solid
rib bbl., silver finish, antique ivory grips. According to the Roy G. Jinks signed factory letter, this revolver was shipped on July 22,
1862, to Rollin White in Worcester, Massachusetts, in its current configuration. Rollin White was the holder of the patent for bored through cartridge
cylinders. His patent was the basis for Smith & Wesson’s early success. The barrel rib is marked with “SMITH & WESSON” on top and has a round blade front sight. The
standard patent marking is on the cylinder. The serial numbers on the butt and grips match, and the assembly number “54” is marked on the barrel lug, cylinder, and grip
frame. The No. 2 Old Model Army was a very popular private purchased sidearm during the Civil War.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine. 90% plus of the untouched original silver plating remains with some flaking (due
to firing) at the breech. The plating on the barrel has taken on a golden brown patina while the frame has a dark gray tarnished patina.
The cylinder has a lighter aged patina. The markings are crisp. The grips are very fine with contrasting attractive tones and grain, a
couple small chips, and minor handling wear. Mechanically functions. This is an exceptional example of a historic special order Old
Model Army in the rarely seen full silver finish shipped directly to Rollin White from the factory.
Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500
LOT 1134
Attractive New
York Engraved and
Silver Plated Smith &
Wesson No. 1 1/2 First Issue Spur
Trigger Revolver with Pearl Grips and Case - Serial
no. 5616, 32 RF cal., 3 1/2 inch solid rib bbl., silver finish,
pearl grips. Manufactured c. 1865 to 1868, this is an incredibly attractive and
very desirable example of a factory silver plated and beautifully engraved Smith
& Wesson Model 1 1/2 First Issue revolver that was very likely engraved by the
legendary Master Engraver L.D. Nimschke. Approximately 100,800 of these prolific Smith & Wesson
revolvers were made in this variation, but relatively few show this level of masterful embellishment.
L.D. Nimschke was one of the most talented engravers of his time, and this particular piece certainly
shows that level of skill. The work on this revolver is unsigned, but it certainly shows hallmarks of
Nimschke’s work, including arrows on either side of the barrel and his typical, gracefully flowing scrollwork, examples of
which can be seen in “L.D. Nimschke Firearms Engraver” by R.L. Wilson. The engraving encompasses most surfaces of the
revolver, with the sides of the frame, sides of the barrel lug, and the cylinder showing the most concentrated scrollwork.
The top of the barrel on this example is marked with the standard two-line address and patent dates. There is a “C”
marked on the bottom of the barrel near the muzzle, which is likely some sort of marking earmarking the revolver for
embellishment. The serial number is marked on the butt, with the first digit very slightly obscured by some engraving. The assembly marking “115” is marked on the rear of the barrel lug, front face of the cylinder, and left side of
the grip frame. It is fitted with a silvered blade front sight, a notch rear sight on top of the cylinder latch, and a pair of smooth pearl grips. Includes a hardwood case lined with dark green velvet and a cleaning rod.
CONDITION: Very fine, retains 75% plus of the original silver finish, some remaining bright while other areas show a darker aged patina, the balance mostly a grey patina with a few patches of light pitting, and the engraving crisp
overall. Traces of the original case colors remain on the hammer. The grips are very fine with a minor chip absent from the right panel and otherwise only the slightest handling marks. Mechanically excellent. The case is very fine
with some light handling/storage marks and some spots of mild interior wear. A very attractive, New York engraved, silver plated Smith & Wesson No. 1 1/2 revolver that is very likely the work of L.D. Nimschke!
Provenance: The Cam & Deb Cooper Collection.
Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500