Original U.S. Smith & Wesson Engraved Model 1 3rd Issue .22 Short Revolver with Mother of Pearl Grips - Serial 75919

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 is a very interesting example, which looks to have been factory engraved and possibly originally nickel plated, or at least the barrel was, and was also fitted with lovely mother of pearl grips! The markings and engraving are still quite crisp, so it does not look to have been majorly cleaned or refinished at any point: it is all original wear. We can just see a few traces of the nickel plating on the frame, which is covered with great "bank note" style engraving, and there are no traces left on the cylinder, while the barrel still retains over 50% of the plating. 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 patent markings are located on the side of the barrel on this example, as with a shorter barrel there is not enough space on the top:-

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

The revolver bears serial number 75919 on the bottom of the grip, which would probably put production at around 1875-76, as about 9-10 thousand were made every year. There is also assembly number E 77 on the front of the cylinder and rear of the barrel assembly, however the grips cannot be removed at present, so we were not able to check the grip frame and/or grips for serial and assembly numbers.

The mother of pearl grips are in very nice condition, and they definitely look to be period, and not more recently fitted. There is some chipping and missing material on the right scale, particularly at the bottom, which also shows some old tape, which probably originally held on the broken piece, now missing. The revolver functions well, however the cylinder lock is weak, and also the hammer easily can be pulled back too far, which knocks the cylinder out of alignment. 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 near the cylinder end.

A very interesting engraved and customized example of an iconic early revolver design from the legendary Smith & Wesson! Ready to research and display!

Specifications: 

Years of Manufacture: 1868 - 1882
Caliber: .22 Short Blackpowder
Ammunition Type: Rimfire Blackpowder Cartridge
Barrel Length: 2 7/8 inches
Overall Length: 6 1/4 inches
Action: Exposed Hammer
Feed System: 7 Shot Revolver