Original U.S. Antique Smith & Wesson Nickel Plated Model 1 3rd Issue Revolver in .22 Short - Matching Serial 122696

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 lovely light barely example is the nickel-plated version, and is the best we have ever seen, retaining the nickel plating almost completely. The markings are all still crisp, so this was not a re-finish: it is all original. 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. The markings along the top of the barrel are crisp and clear:-

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

The revolver bears serial number 122696 on the bottom of the grip and on the inside of the right grip scale, which would probably put production at around 1880-81, as about 9-10 thousand were made every year. This is very close to the end of production, making this probably the youngest example we have had. There is also assembly number Z 0 on the left grip frame, rear of the barrel barrel, and front of the cylinder. There is also the letter H on the rear of the barrel and front of the 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 most of the original factory "piano varnish" applied to them, and show no major damage. The revolver functions beautifully, with a crisp action, solid cylinder lockup, and accurate indexing. We did not notice any of the finicky behavior we often see on early cartridge revolvers such as these. The bore is in very good condition, showing a bright finish with crisp lands and grooves. There is just a bit of past wear and fouling, now cleaned away.

A great lightly used nickel-plated example of an iconic early revolver design from the legendary Smith & Wesson!

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