Original U.S. Antique Smith & Wesson Model 1 3rd Issue Revolver in .22 Short with Excellent Bore - Matching Serial 4449

Original Item: Only One Available. The Smith & Wesson Model 1 was the first firearm manufactured by Smith & Wesson, with production spanning the years 1857 through 1882. It was the first commercially successful revolver to use rimfire cartridges instead of loose powder, musket ball, and percussion caps. It is a single-action, tip-up revolver holding seven .22 Short black powder cartridges. During the production run it was issued 3 times, with significant changes to each revision.

The Model 1, 3rd Issue represented a substantial redesign for the Model 1, with a fluted cylinder, a round barrel and a rounded "bird's head" style grip. Finishes included full nickel plating, full blued steel, and a "half plate" nickel/blue combo, and there were two barrel lengths offered by the factory. Variants include the "square" and "triangular" top strap design that changed around serial number 9,500. The 3rd Issue guns were produced from 1868 through 1882 with serial numbers from 1 through approximately 131,000

This example is fully blued version, though the finish has faded due to wear and age, and now it is only well-retained on the sides of the frame and on the cylinder. The other parts display a lovely aged mottled patina, with no signs of major past peppering or oxidation. These early Smith & Wesson designs are loaded by actually unhooking the bottom of the barrel so it could swivel upwards allowing the entire cylinder to be removed in order to reload. Fitted with spur trigger, these were an extremely convenient little multi shot revolver ideal for a lady or gambler. It is still fully marked along the top of the barrel:-

SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS. PAT.APR.3.55 JULY.5.59 DEC.18.60

The revolver bears serial number 4449 on the bottom of the grip and on the inside of the right grip scale, which would probably put production at around 1870-71. There is also assembly number 30 on the grip frame, barrel, and cylinder. That makes this a very desirable "ALL MATCHING" example, with no major parts swapped out over the years!

The grips are in excellent condition, and look to be made possibly made from Rosewood, as they have very dark grain streaks not seen on American Black Walnut. They still retain almost all of the original factory varnish, showing only light wear with no cracks or chips.

The revolver functions flawlessly, and the action is really "tight as a drum". The hammer pulls back crisply, with no slop, the cylinder indexes correctly, and the cylinder lock is solid. It's very rare that we see one of these revolvers without any finicky behavior in the action. The revolver breaks open easily, and locks securely closed, with the frame hinge solid with no wobble. The bore is in excellent condition, showing a bright finish with clear lands and grooves. There is just a bit of past oxidation and fouling visible, now cleaned away.

A fantastic "All Matching" example of an iconic early revolver design from the legendary Smith & Wesson, ready to display! If you were looking for a night tight example, this is it!

Specifications: 

Years of Manufacture: 1868 - 1882
Caliber: .22 Short Blackpowder
Ammunition Type: Rimfire Blackpowder Cartridge
Barrel Length: 3 1/8 inches
Overall Length: 6 1/2 inches
Action: Exposed Hammer
Feed System: 7 Shot Revolver