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LOT 3192
Early Production Smith &
Wesson No. 1 First Issue Second
Type Spur Trigger Revolver with
Early “Bayonet” Style Latch
Inscribed to M.J. Fitch of Almont, Michigan -
Serial no. 1012, 22 RF cal., 3 1/8 inch solid rib bbl.,
blue/silver finish, rosewood grips. Manufactured c. 1857-1858, this
is an example of a Second Type Smith & Wesson No. 1 First Issue
revolver. These No. 1 First Issue revolvers are considered to be the first successful
American metallic cartridge revolver with a bored through cylinder. This example has
the distinctive “bayonet” barrel latch visible on the front bottom of the frame and lacks
the visible key fastening the recoil plate which was a defining feature of the First Type, while still having the revolving recoil plate. The barrel rib is unmarked, and matching numbers
are present on the toe, barrel lug, front face of the cylinder and inside both grips.
The patent date is faintly rolled on the cylinder in a single
line. The distinctive round sideplate of the First Issue No.
1 revolvers is visible on the left of the frame. The butt is
hand-engraved “M.J. Fitch/Almont Michigan”. A Detroit Free
Press article from September of 1864 lists an M.J. Fitch as a
lieutenant in the second company of the 30th
Michigan Regiment.
CONDITION: Fine, retains 40% of the attractively aged silver
finish, the balance having thinned to expose an attractively
aged brass and a smooth grey patina on the iron. The grips
are very good with some scattered light handling marks.
Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The Dr. Gerald Klaz Collection.
Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500
LOT 3193
Cased New York Engraved Smith & Wesson
Model Number 1 Second Issue Revolver - Serial no. 110238, 22 RF cal., 3 3/16 inch solid rib bbl., nickel finish, antique ivory grips.
Manufactured from 1860 to 1868. This cased example features 75% coverage New York style broad floral scroll on a punch dot background. Matching assembly mark on the cylinder and barrel (illegible
on grip frame). Both grip panels are numbered to the gun. Comes with a period correct partitioned case containing a case key and an empty UMC cartridge box featuring a S&W No. 1 Revolver picture label.
CONDITION: Excellent, retaining 95% plus original nickel plating with loss mostly on the cylinder and hammer. The engraving is crisp. The grips are very fine showing some typical age lines and attractive color and grain. Cylinder does not lock properly when the hammer is cocked. The case is fine showing some minor handling/storage marks and typical high spot wear on the lining.
146 Estimate: 2,500 - 3,750
LOT 3194
Excellent Cased Smith & Wesson Model No. 1 Second Issue Revolver - Serial no. 24859, 22 RF cal., 3 3/16 inch solid rib bbl., blue/silver finish, rosewood grips. Manufactured in 1860-1868. The barrel rib has the one-line address, and the cylinder has the patent marking. The right grip panel is numbered to the gun. Matching assembly marks are on the grip frame, barrel, and cylinder. The period case contains a cartridge block holding a full count of 52 rounds and a cleaning rod.
CONDITION: Excellent. The barrel and cylinder retain 95% plus bright original high polish blue finish. The frame retains nearly all of the attractive age darkened original silver plating. The grips are also excellent with some minor handling marks and nearly all original varnish remaining. Mechanically excellent. The case is very good with a couple hairline cracks on the lid, minor handling/storage marks, and typical high spot wear on the lining.
Estimate: 2,500 - 3,750
LOT 3195
Cased Smith & Wesson Model No. 2 “Old Army” Revolver - Serial no. 54118, 32 RF cal., 6 inch solid rib bbl., blue finish, rosewood grips. Manufactured after 1865. The barrel rib has the one-line Springfield address, and the underside of the barrel has London proofs. Slight traces of the patent marking remain on the cylinder. The right grip panel is numbered “52346.” Matching assembly marks are on the grip frame and barrel. The cylinder lacks a visible assembly mark. The period partitioned case is lined in red wine velvet and contains a cartridge block holding 10 rounds, an additional 50 cartridges held in a modern plastic holder, case key, and brass cleaning rod. CONDITION: Very fine, retaining 70% bright original high polish blue finish on the frame and barrel with the balance a smooth brown patina. The 70% cylinder is refinished and the left recoil shield has a flattened damaged edge. The grips are fine with high edge wear, minor handling marks, and most of the original varnish remaining. Mechanically excellent. The case is very good overall with a stabilized crack on the lid, minor handling/storage marks, and worn lining. Estimate: 3,000 - 4,500