1175B

VERY RARE SMITH & WESSON NO. 1 LEVER ACTION PISTOL.

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:3,000.00 USD Estimated At:6,000.00 - 10,000.00 USD
VERY RARE SMITH & WESSON NO. 1 LEVER ACTION PISTOL.
SN E15. Cal. 31. Very rare pistol, the forerunner to the Henry rifle and therefore the Winchester dynasty. Patented in 1854 by Horace Smith & Daniel B. Wesson, they were only in production from about 1854-1855, with a total of only about 1,700 pistols produced in two models. Only about 1,200 of that production was in the 31 caliber. Pistol has a 4-1/8" oct to rnd bbl that has integral magazine tube and full ribs with pinched post front sight and fixed pinched post rear sight in top flat of receiver. Mounted with 2-pc bag-shaped rosewood grips, matching numbered to this pistol. Frame & sideplates are typically engraved in light foliate arabesque patterns with foliate patterns on top side flats of the frame & sideplates, over chamber area, on back edge of hammer & back strap. SN is found on left side of butt strap, on an exposed part in the lever slot and inside the grips. No additional disassembly was effected to check for other matching parts. Octagonal section of the bbl has the standard markings of "CAST-STEEL" on right side flat, "PATENT / FEB 14 1854" on left side flat and "SMITH & WESSON / NORWICH, CT" on top flat. CONDITION: Very good to fine, all matching as noted. No orig finish remains being an overall blue/gray metal patina with scattered fine pinprick pitting and light discoloration. Grips have nicks & dings and are sound retaining most of their orig varnish. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore. 4-48123 JR336