Original Antique 1868 Smith & Wesson Model 1 1/2 Revolver 2nd Issue with Holster Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. The Smith & Wesson Model 1 1/2 was Smith & Wesson’s second .32 caliber revolver, intended to combine the small size and convenience of the Smith & Wesson Model 1 .22 rimfire with the larger caliber of the 6-shot “belt sized” Model 2, which was introduced in 1860. Chambered in .32 Rimfire, its cylinder held 5 shots. It was produced in three varieties from 1865 through 1892, with total production exceeding 223,000.

The second issue of the Model 1 1/2 can be identified by its fluted barrel and the rounded shape of the grip butt. Like the 1st Issue, it was also produced in blued steel and nickel-plated varieties, with most models having a 3 1/2-inch barrel. It is estimated that less than a thousand models were produced with a 2 1/2-inch barrel; these can be positively identified by the barrel markings located on the side of the barrel, as opposed to the markings on the top strap that were applied to 3 1/2-inch barrels.

This is a nice strong example of the Model 1 1/2, 2nd Issue Revolver with 3 1/2” barrel. Standard blued finish with rosewood grips. Produced by Smith and Wesson from 1868-1875, this was the firm’s final improvement of the .32 rimfire tip-up with the more stylish stream-lined barrel, fluted cylinder, and birds head grips.

2nd Issue guns were serial numbered consecutively after the 1st Issue, with numbers ranging from approximately 26,300 through 127,000. Serial number on this example is 86428 placing it mid-production around 1872.

Overall condition is very good with some original blued finish which breaks down to 80% on the frame and straps, 10% on the barrel, and 40% on the cylinder. Most 1 1/2’s lack much original blue across the barrel and cylinders. This is either due to heat expansion from firing which caused the blue to flake or uncleaned fingerprints from the owner grabbing hold of the barrel to tip-up and reload the cylinder. Either way, not many have survived with as much blue as this one.

Hammer, ejector pin, and trigger still show some of their original case colors. Rosewood grips are untouched and still retain 70% original piano varnish. Very good screws and pins throughout. Barrel is nice and tight to the frame. Action functions flawlessly. Nice bore with strong rifling that has a few minor spots.

Also included is an original leather holster still soft and supple. A nice example of a hard to find gun with original holster!

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. This gun may not be considered obsolete caliber in the UK.