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LOT 1100
Rare Early Production Serial Number 202 Smith & Wesson No. 1 First Issue Second Type Spur Trigger Revolver with Early “Bayonet” Style Latch - Serial no.
202, 22 RF cal., 3 1/4 inch solid rib bbl., blue/silver finish, rosewood grips. Manufactured c.
1857, this is a rare example of a very early Second Type Smith & Wesson No. 1 First Issue revolver. Much of the available Smith & Wesson literature lists the First Type No. 1 revolvers spanning from serial number 1 to approximately 213, however the writer
believes this to be incorrect, and instead ending right around serial number 200. This example has the distinctive “bayonet” barrel latch visible on the front bottom of the frame but lacks the visible key fastening the recoil plate which was a defining feature of the First Type. The single line Smith & Wesson address is
on top of the barrel rib and matching numbers are present on the toe, barrel lug, front face of the cylinder, and inside both grips. The distinctive round sideplate of the First Issue No. 1 revolvers is visible on the left of the frame.
CONDITION: Very good, the iron showing a mixture of grey and brown patinas with some scattered patches of light pitting and the brass showing an attractive
antique patina with a series of minor dings near the sideplate. The dark grips are also very good with a few minor chips near the bottom edge of each panel. The front sight blade has been reconfigured. The cylinder locking portion of the rear sight is broken off allowing the cylinder to spin freely, otherwise mechanically fine.
Provenance: The Dr. Gerald Klaz Collection.
Estimate: 4,000 - 6,000
Estimate: 3,500 - 5,000
LOT 1101
Documented Factory Engraved Smith & Wesson Model No. 1 Second Issue Revolver with Scarce “Stand
of Flags” Gutta Percha Case and Factory Letter - Serial no. 91537,
22 RF cal., 3 3/16 inch solid rib bbl., blue/silver finish, antique ivory
grips. Accompanying this piece of S&W factory art is a factory letter confirming the 3 3/16 inch barrel, blue and silver finish, factory engraving and grip material. The letter also states the revolver was shipped on March 15, 1866 and delivered to E.H. Buckland & Co. This shipment was for
two units. The embellishment is much more elaborate than standard factory engraving and coupled with the silver plating which is quite rare on its own, makes it possible that
this revolver was a presentation or exhibition piece. Most engraved pieces were nickel plated with the silver and gold plating reserved
for special pieces. The barrel and cylinder are blued, and the frame is plated in silver. The right grip panel has the last three digits of the
serial number in Roman numerals carved on the back. Includes the rare and highly sought after “Stand of Flags” Gutta Percha case which
features a cartridge block holding a full count of 56 cartridges and decorative royal purple velvet lid lining and contains a cleaning rod. Only
5,000 Gutta Percha cases are said to have been made for Smith & Wesson. Most of these were made by Littlefield, Parsons & Co, who also made similar cases for daguerreotypes. These “special” cases were popular during the second half of the 19th Century and were usually used for fancy or presentation guns. They were special ordered or added by the distributor after shipment from the factory. These were generally found with the Model 1, 1st and 2nd Issue revolvers. The “Stand of Flags” is one of two types of Gutta Percha cases commonly recognized; the other showcases a relief image of a Model No. 1 on the lid. Out of these two case styles, the “Stand of Flags” is the rarest. CONDITION: Very good. The barrel and cylinder have a dark mottled patina with scattered light pitting. The frame retains 40% aged darkened original silver plating. The engraving is crisp. The grips are also very good with a chip on the bottom at the frame pin (right panel), some handling marks, and attractive aged mellow appearance. The cylinder does not lock, otherwise the action functions properly. The case is very fine with a couple hairline cracks on the exterior and lining showing some typical high spot wear and fading. The delicate nature of these cases meant that many did not survive. Finding one in such high condition like this example is becoming difficult. A documented factory engraved S&W Model No. 1, Second Issue Revolver made even more desirable with a rare S&W “Stand of Flags” Gutta Percha case.
Provenance: The Gary Burghoff Collection.
94 Estimate: 1,000 - 1,500
LOT 1102
Rare Documented First Production Attributed Factory
Engraved Marlin No. 32 Standard 1875 Revolver Serial Number 1 - Serial no. 1, 32 RF cal., 3 inch solid rib bbl., nickel finish, synthetic
grips. Around 19,500 No. 32 Standard 1875 revolvers were manufactured by Marlin
between 1875 to 1887, and offered here is the first production attributed revolver of this model, serial number 1. The
revolver was on display at the NRA National Sporting Arms Museum from 2013-2022 and is pictured in the book “Guns of the NRA National Sporting Arms Museum” on page 200. Serial number “1” appears on the grip frame, barrel and cylinder. The factory engraving consists of floral scrollwork on a punch dot background on the frame, dot and line motifs on the back strap and around
SERIAL NUMBER 202
the hammer, and zig-zag line motif on the barrel and cylinder.
CONDITION: Fine. The frame retains 90% plus original nickel plating, the cylinder retains 20% nickel plating mostly in the flutes, and the barrel retains traces of original nickel plating in the protected areas with a smooth gray patina on the balance. The engraving is crisp. The period synthetic grips are also fine with a few tiny stress lines. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The Supica Collection.
SERIAL NUMBER 1