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LOT 197
Stunning Smith & Wesson Model No. 1 Second Issue Revolver with Rare “Stand of Flags” Gutta Percha Case - Serial no. 24293, 22 RF cal., 3 3/16 inch solid rib bbl., blue/silver finish, rosewood grips. Manufactured from 1860 to 1868. Offered here is a extremely high condition, museum quality example of S&W’s famed Model No. 1 Second Issue Revolver complete with rare and highly sought after “Stand of Flags” Gutta Percha case. The top of the barrel rib has the standard one-line Springfield address. The frame is plated in silver, and the barrel and cylinder have the high polish blue finish. The revolver wears a standard
set of varnished rosewood grips. The right grip panel is numbered to the gun. Matching assembly marks appear on the grip frame, cylinder, and barrel. The accompanying S&W “Stand of Flags” Gutta Percha case 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. 1on the lid. Out of these two case styles, the “Stand of Flags” is the rarest.
CONDITION: Excellent. The barrel and cylinder retain 95% plus bright original high polish blue finish. The frame retains 98% original silver plating. The grips are also excellent with some minor handling marks and nearly all of the original varnish remaining. Mechanically excellent. The case is very fine with a couple hairline cracks on the exterior, vibrant royal purple lining and faded bottom lining showing some typical high spot wear. 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 stunning 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 Mac McCroskie Collection.
Estimate: 7,000 - 10,000
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