Original Antique U.S. Smith & Wesson Model 1 1/2 1st Issue Revolver in .32 Rimfire with 3 1/2″ Barrel – Matching Serial 5870 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is an American classic, first introduced in 1865 and produced continuously until 1892. 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 .22 caliber Model 1 with the larger caliber of the 6-shot “belt sized” Model 2, which was introduced in 1860. Chambered in .32 cal., its cylinder held 5 shots. It was produced in three varieties, termed “issues” by S&W, with total production exceeding 223,000.

The First Issue Model 1 1/2 had a smooth cylinder and a non-fluted barrel, as well as a flat bottomed “square” grip. Models were available in blued or nickel-plated finishes, and the majority were produced with 3 1/2 -inch barrels. A less common 4-inch barrel variety was also sold. Chambered for .32 rimfire ammunition, approximately 26,000 were produced. The later second issue of the Model 1 1/2 can be identified by its fluted cylinder and barrel, as well as the rounded “birds head” shape of the grip butt.

This is a lovely example of the Model 1 1/2, 1st Issue Revolver with 3 1/2″ barrel, with the standard blued finish and finished rosewood grips. Produced by Smith and Wesson from 1865-1868, this was the firm’s first iteration of the .32 rimfire tip-up, a more utilitarian design that the later 2nd issue. The original early Smith & Wesson address and patent dates are still easily readable on the top strap (Later 1st issue guns would display an 1865 patent date.):

SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS.
PAT’D. APR. 3.1855. & JULY 5.1859.

1st Issue guns were serial numbered sequentially, with numbers ranging from 1 to approximately 26,300. Serial number on this example is 5870, placing it quite early in production, probably about 1866. This number is found on the bottom of the grip, as well as on the inside of the right grip scale. There is also assembly number 5 5 4 on the grip frame, rear of the barrel, and front side of the cylinder (faint). That means that this is a fantastic “ALL MATCHING” example, with no parts swapped out over the years.

Overall condition is very good, still showing some of the original bluing on the rear frame. There finish is worn and patinated on the cylinder and on the barrel, except in the protected areas. 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.

The rosewood grips are in very good shape, though they have lost a most of the original “piano varnish” finish on the sides. It has very good screws and pins throughout. Barrel is nice and tight to the frame, and the action functions well, though it does have some issues with the cylinder lockup if the hammer is pulled back too quickly.

The bore is in very good condition, showing clear lands and grooves and a partly bright finish. There is however definitely some past powder fouling and oxidation, so this is definitely a revolver that saw a good amount of use during its service life. The revolver breaks open easily for reloading, with the hammer releasing the cylinder and no issues to note.

A very nice example of a classic rimfire revolver with all matching numbers. Ready to display!

Specifications:

Years of Manufacture: circa 1866
Caliber: .32cal
Ammunition Type: Rimfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 3 1/2 inches
Overall Length: 7 1/2 inches
Action: Single
Feed System: 5 Shot Revolver

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country’s antique gun laws prior to ordering.