Original Excellent U.S. Smith & Wesson Model 1 3rd Issue Nickel-Plated Presentation Revolver with Sealed 100 Rd. Box of Cartridges – Matching Serial 45553 Original Items

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 magnificent barely used 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. Per the story we received when we purchased this lovely revolver, it was:

Presented to James M. Keen from Colonel Walter P. Warren in Troy, New York, January 10th 1871.

The story is that this was originally written on the back of a wooden presentation box, which unfortunately was ruined by mildew and mold. We believe that this is a reference to Walter Phelps Warren, of which there were several generations residing in Troy, New York. Unfortunately we do not have any further provenance than word of mouth, but there is definitely some nice research potential in this little pistol.

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 45553 on the bottom of the grip and on the inside of the right grip scale, which would probably put production at around 1871-72, as about 9-10 thousand were made every year. There is also assembly number Q66 on the left grip frame, rear of the barrel 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 almost all of the original factory “piano varnish” applied to them, and show no major damage. Functionally, the revolver is as close to new as one is going to see, and has no mechanical deficiencies. The bore is excellent, with a bright finish and crisp lands and grooves, and we can see little evidence that the pistol was ever fired, as one might expect for an item they were presented with.

The revolver comes complete with a sealed 1870s box of .22 short cartridges by the Union Metallic Cartridge Company. The box is in very good shape, having faded a bit over the years, but still very solid.

A great barely used example of an iconic early revolver design from the legendary Smith & Wesson, complete with a box of original cartridges. With the great back story this revolver has, it is more than ready to research and display!

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