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LOT 3123
Exceptional Smith & Wesson Model No. 1 1/2 Second Issue Spur Trigger
Revolver with Rare 2 3/4 Inch Barrel - Serial no. 87458, 32 RF cal., 2 3/4 inch solid rib bbl., blue finish, rosewood grips. Manufactured c. 1868
to 1875. 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. Historically
speaking, these revolvers were often carried in a pocket, leaving very few examples available to collectors in such high condition. 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 and stamped inside the
right grip panel. The matching assembly marking “J3” 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, nicely figured, rosewood grips.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retains 80% plus of the original blue finish and traces of the original case colors with the balance having thinned to either a grey or brown patina.
The grips are very fine with a few scattered light dings. Mechanically excellent. One would search a long time to find a finer
example of a Smith & Wesson No. 1 1/2, particularly with a rare 2 3/4 inch barrel!
Estimate: 4,000 - 6,000
LOT 3124
Presentation
Cased Smith &
Wesson Model
No. 1 Second Issue
Spur Trigger Revolver with Attractive
Ivory Grips - Serial no. 30545, 22 RF cal., 3
3/16 inch solid rib bbl., blue/silver finish, ivory
grips. Manufactured between 1860 and 1868,
this is an outstanding example of a Smith &
Wesson No. 1 Second Issue revolver that is housed
in a wonderful, deluxe presentation case. The Model No. 1 revolver is
an immensely important piece to collectors as representing both the
beginning of the self-contained cartridge era, as well as the start of the
legendary lineage of the Smith & Wesson firm, one of the iconic names
in American arms manufacturing. The top of the barrel rib is marked with
the standard single line address. The matching serial number is marked
on the butt and handwritten in pencil inside the right grip panel. The
matching assembly number, which appears to be “U10”, is marked on
the right of the grip frame and front face of the cylinder. It is fitted with
a German silver blade front sight and a notch rear sight in the top of
the cylinder stop, as well as a pair of very attractive, smooth ivory grips.
Includes a stunning, deluxe, mahogany presentation case with beautiful
burl veneer on top of the lid along with a blank inlaid brass escutcheon
and banner. The inside of the case is lined with navy blue baize, is fitted
for the revolver and contains an included oiler, screwdriver, key, and cleaning rod.
CONDITION: Excellent, retains 80% plus of the original blue finish with some light edge/handling wear showing a grey patina, and 97% plus of the original silver remains showing an attractively aged patina and a few scattered
small flakes absent. The grips are very fine with a small ding on the left and an attractively aged tone overall. Mechanically excellent. The case is very fine with a few small minor cracks in the lid veneer and otherwise a few light
handling/storage marks. It would be very difficult to improve upon this presentation cased Smith & Wesson No. 1!
Provenance: The Cam & Deb Cooper Collection.
Estimate: 2,250 - 3,500