Original U.S. Antique Smith & Wesson Nickel Plated Model 1 ½ 2nd Issue .32 Rimfire Revolver with Ivory Grips - Serial 69600

Original Item: Only One Available. This is an American classic, first introduced in 1865 and produced continuously until 1892. The Smith & Wesson Model 1 ½ 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 ½ 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 ½ 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 ½-inch barrel. It is estimated that less than a thousand models were produced with a 2 ½-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 ½-inch barrels.

This is a very good example of the Model 1 ½, 2nd Issue Revolver with a 3 ½" barrel, desirable factory nickel plated finish with fantastic aged ivory 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 easily readable 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 the bottom of the grip of this example is 69600, placing it in mid-production around 1870-1871. There is also assembly number T 4 on the grip frame, rear of the barrel, and rear cylinder. The ivory grips both have what looks to be serial number 98676 written on the inside, so it is possible that they were taken from a later revolver, or the number may have nothing to do with the serial number sequence.

Overall condition is really very good, with a lovely lightly worn patina that shows it was well cared for over the years. Overall the nickel plating is well retained on most components, with very little missing on the frame or barrel. The cylinder has wear to the plating on the edges of the flutes, with the front having lost most of it. Most of the Model 1 ½'s we have had were blued, so having a plated example with this much original finish is a real treat.

The hammer and trigger show a nice light gray patina, with some of the original case hardening visible, mostly on the hammer. The ivory grips are lovely, with a great aged look showing just a bit of light stress cracking and no major damage. Very good screws and pins throughout, and the barrel is nice and tight to the frame, with no side to side wobble, even when open. Action functions flawlessly, with none of the finicky behavior we sometimes see on revolvers of this age. The bore is in very good condition, showing a partly bright finish with strong lands and grooves. There is some past fouling and oxidation, now cleaned away, but overall this is well above average for a black powder era revolver.

A lovely nickel plated example of a classic American rimfire revolver, with some beautiful ivory grips! Ready to research and display!

Specifications:

Years of Manufacture: circa 1870-1871
Caliber: .32cal
Ammunition Type: Rimfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 3 ½ inches
Overall Length: 7 ½ inches
Action: Single
Feed System: 5 Shot Revolver

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