Original U.S. Antique Smith & Wesson Model 1 1/2 2nd Issue Revolver in .32 Rimfire - Matching Serial 103760

Original Item: Only One Available. This is an American classic, first introduced in 1865 and produced continuously until 1892. The Smith & Wesson Model 1 1/2 was Smith & Wesson's second .32 caliber revolver, intended to combine the small size and convenience of the .22 caliber Model 1 with the larger caliber of the 6-shot "belt sized" Model 2, which was introduced in 1860. Chambered in .32 cal, its cylinder held 5 shots. It was produced in three varieties, termed "issues" by S&W, with total production exceeding 223,000.

The First Issue Model 1 1/2 had an non-fluted cylinder and a flat bottomed "square" grip, and was chambered for .32 rimfire ammunition, and approximately 26,000 were produced.

The second issue of the Model 1 1/2 can be identified by its fluted barrel & cylinder, as well as the rounded "birds head" shape of the grip butt. Like the 1st Issue, it was also produced in blued steel and nickel-plated varieties, with most models having a 3 1/2-inch barrel. It is estimated that less than a thousand models were produced with a 2 1/2-inch barrel; these can be positively identified by the barrel markings located on the side of the barrel, as opposed to the markings on the top strap that were applied to 3 1/2-inch barrels.

This is a lovely example of the Model 1 1/2, 2nd Issue Revolver with 3 1/2" barrel. Standard blued finish with dark rosewood grips. Produced by Smith and Wesson from 1868-1875, this was the firm's final improvement of the .32 rimfire tip-up with the more stylish stream-lined barrel, fluted cylinder, and birds head grips. The original Smith & Wesson address and patent dates are still legible on the top strap:

✠ SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS. PAT. APR.3.55. JULY.5.59 & NOV.21.65 ✠

2nd Issue guns were serial numbered consecutively after the 1st Issue, with numbers ranging from approximately 26,300 through 127,000. Serial number on this example is 103760 placing it in later-production around 1873-1874. This number is found on the bottom of the grip, as well as on the inside of the right grip scale. There is also assembly number 9 v v on the right grip frame, back of the barrel (faint), and cylinder. That makes this a very desirable "ALL MATCHING" example, with no major parts swapped out over the years!

Overall condition is very good, with a lovely worn patina from age and use. The bluing is well retained on the rear and bottom of the frame, however it is worn away above the cylinder, and the barrel and cylinder itself now show an oxidized patina, with some signs of past peppering. Most 1 1/2's lack much original blue across the barrel and cylinders, making this a relatively typical example. This is either due to heat expansion from firing which caused the blue to flake or uncleaned fingerprints from the owner grabbing hold of the barrel to tip-up and reload the cylinder.

The hammer, ejector pin, and trigger show a nice gray patina, with some of the original case hardening visible, especially on the hammer. The rosewood grips are lovely, retaining about 50% of the original "piano varnish" finish. Very good screws and pins throughout, and the barrel is nice and tight to the frame. Action functions flawlessly, with none of the finicky behavior we sometimes see on revolvers of this age. It indexes correctly with a solid cylinder lock, and it has a crisp dry fire. The barrel unlatches correctly, allowing the cylinder to be reloaded, though the latch itself sometimes get stuck stuck in the up position. The bore is very good, with a mostly bright finish showing clear lands and grooves, with some areas of past oxidation and fouling, particularly near the forcing cone.

A lovely patinated example of a classic revolver, ready to display!

Specifications:

Years of Manufacture: circa 1873-74
Caliber: .32cal
Ammunition Type: Rimfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 3 1/2 inches
Overall Length: 7 1/2 inches
Action: Single
Feed System: 5 Shot Revolver

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