Smith and Wesson No. 1, 1st Issue Revolver

This is a rare and historic S&W Model Number 1, First Issue revolver in .22 rimfire. This was Smith and Wesson's very first revolver and the first American-made weapon to hold a cartridge. Thanks to their purchase of the Rollin White Patent for bored-through cylinders, the company had a lock on the cartridge handgun market until the 1870's. Every gun we see today that holds a cartridge can trace its roots back to this little S&W.

However, at the time S&W was clearly learning the ropes on how to build their first cartridge revolver when they manufactured these from 1857-60. During that three year span of production, S&W manufactured approximately 11,600 units which can be broken down into six types based on improvements the company made as they improved the design. This particular revolver is in the 7,800 serial range which makes it a 6th type or Number 1, 1st Issue, 6th type.

Overall condition grades to NRA Antique Good+ condition. Serial numbers and sub-assembly numbers are all matching which includes the frame, barrel, cylinder, hammer, and grips. See photos. The brass frame has traces of original silver plating in the protected areas...about 5% overall. The barrel has worn to mostly a light gray patina with some tiny traces or original blue under the rib. Nice sharp barrel address across the top of the rib reads simply: SMITH & WESSON. SPRINGFIELD MASS. The cylinder has patent dates that run up to June 15, 1858...therefore we can place its date of production sometime between mid-1858 and 1860. There is a small area of light pitting on the cylinder which interrupts some of the tiny patent markings...but overall, they're mostly legible. The grips are in Fine condition retaining 80% original varnish. One of the weak points on these first issue guns are the mechanics. After 150+ years, their tiny mechanisms are usually worn out. The last one of these 1st Issues we had cost us over $500 to get back into working order. Fortunately, this one is in perfect working order with strong mechanics. The cylinder indexes properly and locks up exactly where it's supposed to. Two piece hammer is also intact and works properly, flipping up the locking bolt when the pivoting spur is retracted. Bore is good with its original 5-groove rifling intact...no rings or bulges. There is a small repair to the barrel hinge on the left pillow block. These brass hinges were infamous for cracking and someone long ago did a masterful repair by splicing in a new pillow to the left side. Probably better than when new. It's almost unnoticeable unless you really look for it. See photo. Barrel latches up tightly to the frame. Front sight is the original. Screws and pins are all in good conditon. These early S&W's were designed for very weak black powder cartridges...the design is not robust enough to withstand any kind of modern .22 ammunition. Sold as a historical collectible only.

Item# 7002

SOLD