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S&W Old Model 1 1/2 Presentation .32Cal Revolver

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:25.00 USD Estimated At:1,800.00 - 2,600.00 USD
S&W Old Model 1 1/2 Presentation .32Cal Revolver
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Offered to you in this lot for bidding is a circa 1866 Smith & Wesson First Issue "Old Model" 1 1/2, two-tone silver plated presentation revolver, chambered in .32 rim fire short. To reload the weapon, the barrel was tipped up, the cylinder was pulled forward and out of the frame and then the empty shell casings could be poked out by use of the ejector rod under the barrel. It was a simple and sturdy design that worked well. The pistol is accompanied by a letter of provenance from the Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation's Roy G. Jinks. The letter states; “The revolver about which you inquired in your letter of recent date is a Model 1 ½ First Issue, which is also called the Old Model 1 ½, and was chambered for the .32 Rim Fire Short cartridge. This model was introduced in April, 1865 and was designed as a medium caliber pocket revolver. It was manufactured in blue or nickel finish and with 3 ½” or 4” barrel lengths. The Model 1 ½ First Issue was a popular pocket revolver of travelers, gamblers and many individuals as a house gun. It was replaced in 1868 by the Model 1 ½ Second Issue which was of a more popular style. The total production for the Model 1 ½ First Issue was 26,300 revolvers. We have researched your Smith and Wesson Model 1 ½ First Issue, caliber .32 Rim Fire Short, revolver in company records which indicate that your handgun, with serial number 16879, was probably shipped from our factory on September 28 1866 and delivered to Mr. A. Burt no address listed. It appears that it was picked up directly from Smith & Wesson. The records indicate that this revolver was shipped with a 3.5 inch barrel, two-tone finish plated & blue finish, and smooth rosewood grips. The records just list the finish as plated and list what type plating was completed.”. The backstrap of the revolver reads; Henry Heath from his friends at Crescent Mills Russell, MASS" in gorgeous period script, All that is known about Henry Heath, is that the Crescent Mills was a paper mill, near Russell, Massachusetts during the time of production for this revolver. And little is known about the original recipient of the revolver - Mr. A. Burt. Additionally, the firearm shows correct early markings, reading; "Smith & Wesson. Springfield, MASS. - PAT'D. APR.3. JULY 5. 1859. & NOV.21.1865." on the top of the barrel. The plating mentioned in the letter refers to the silver plated frame of this special order revolver. Silver and gold plating were offered by S&W on a special order, extra cost basis, and are rarely encountered. Interestingly, this example was a two-tone finish with a silver plated frame, and a blue'd cylinder and barrel. Overall, this 152 year old pistol shows a natural state of uncleaned preservation, with a naturally aged patina on the blue'd and silver plated finish components, and gorgeous rosewood grips. Additionally, the pistol shows very-good mechanical condition for such a firearm, displaying excellent condition, with a tight action and break, and a rifled bore in truly fine condition. Combined with the aforementioned information with, and a very low production number, this particular revolver would make an outstanding collectable handgun, by one of Americas oldest, and most trusted gun manufactures. This pistol qualifies as a Antique Hand Gun, and does not require FFL Transfer or NICS Background Check. Serial Number: 16879.