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LOT 3114
Smith & Wesson Model No. 1 First Issue Fifth Type Spur Trigger Revolver with Scarce Factory Gutta Percha
Case - Serial no. 5225, 22 RF cal., 3 1/4 inch solid rib bbl., blue/silver finish, rosewood grips. Manufactured c. 1857-1860,
this is a solid example of a Smith & Wesson No. 1 first type revolver, which were the company’s first metallic cartridge
firearm. This revolver is the “fifth type” as defined by Norm Flayderman, which saw the rifling switched from three left
hand grooves to five right hand grooves. This particular revolver appears to have found its way to Great Britain as
evidenced by the proofs present. The top of the barrel rib is marked with the single-line address. There are London
proofs on the cylinder and left of the frame. The matching serial number is on the butt and stamped inside the right grip
panel. There is a “2” marked above the serial number on the butt, the meaning of which is unknown, but it’s theorized
that it may signify duplicated serial numbers or a revolver originally ordered as part of a pair. The assembly numbers
“1” and “6” are marked perpendicular to each other on the left of the grip frame and front face of the cylinder. The rear
of the barrel lug appears to have the assembly number “3” and a partial “1”. It is fitted with a German silver blade front
sight, notch rear sight on the cylinder stop, and a pair of smooth rosewood grips. Includes a scarce and very desirable
gutta percha case. The case features the likeness of a No. 1 First Issue, patriotic and scroll motifs in the corners, small
revolvers as the upper and lower borders, and the Smith & Wesson markings on the outside of the lid; small revolvers as
the border on the bottom. The inside of the lid is lined with plum velvet with floral designs and the lower half is lined
with red baize and has an empty cartridge block. Reportedly, 5,000 of these cases were produced by Littlefield, Parsons
& Co. in two variations, with very few examples surviving, particularly in extremely high condition like this one.
CONDITION: Fine, retains traces of original blue finish, stronger in sheltered areas, and 80% of the period retailer applied
silver finish with some scattered patches of light flaking/handling wear showing an attractively aged brass. The grips
are also fine with some mild wear and minor handling marks and retaining 50% of the original varnish. Mechanically
excellent. The case is fine with a few minor chips absent from the lid.
Provenance: The Cam & Deb Cooper Collection.
Estimate: 2,250 - 3,500
LOT 3113
Fine Smith & Wesson Model No. 1 First Issue Fourth Type Spur Trigger Revolver with Desirable
Factory Gutta Percha Case - Serial no. 3141, 22 RF cal., 3 1/4 inch solid rib bbl., blue/silver finish,
rosewood grips. Manufactured c. 1857-1860, this is an very fine example of a Smith & Wesson No. 1
First issue fourth type revolver, which were the company’s first metallic cartridge firearm. This revolver
is the “fourth type” as defined by Norm Flayderman, falling in the serial number range of approximately
3000-4200. The top of the barrel rib is marked with the single-line address. The matching serial number
is on the butt and stamped inside both grip panels. The rear face of the barrel lug and the front face of
the cylinder are both stamped with a “1” and a punchdot. It is fitted with a German silver blade front
sight, notch rear sight on the cylinder stop, and a pair of smooth rosewood grips. Includes a scarce
and very desirable gutta percha case. The case features the likeness of a No. 1 First Issue revolver,
patriotic and scroll motifs in the corners, small revolvers as the upper and lower borders, and the
Smith & Wesson markings on the outside of the lid. The inside of the lid is lined with emerald velvet
with floral designs and the lower half is lined with dark green baize and has an empty cartridge block.
Reportedly, 5,000 of these cases were produced by Littlefield, Parsons & Co. in two variations, with very
few examples surviving, particularly in extremely high condition like this one.
CONDITION: Fine, retains 50% plus of the original blue finish on the barrel and traces on the cylinder
with the balance mostly a smooth grey patina and a few patches of light pitting. 90% of the original
silver remains with some light edge/high spot wear showing an attractively aged brass. The grips are
excellent with some mild handling evidence and most of the original varnish. Mechanically excellent.
The case is very fine with a few scattered light handling marks on the exterior and a few mild wear
spots on the interior. A fine example of a cased Smith & Wesson No. 1 revolver!
Provenance: The Cam & Deb Cooper Collection.
Estimate: 2,500 - 4,000
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