Smith and Wesson -Rare Model One, First Issue w/ Low SN#-

This is a Smith and Wesson Model Number One, First Issue in .22 caliber with a seven-shot cylinder. Produced from 1857-60 with a total of 11,671 units. To the casual eye, it just looks like a small pocket revolver but back in 1857 was one GIANT LEAP forward in terms of American technology and innovation. For the first time, an American gun chambered a small copper capsule that held the primer, powder, and projectile, all-in-one...known as a self-contained cartridge. This could never have been accomplished without significant improvements in New England manufacturing. It was simple to load, very efficient, and solved a very significant shortcoming common to all muzzle loaders. It was waterproof!

Nowadays, ALL cartridges are what we casually refer to as "ammunition". The introduction of the Model One spelled the end for the ancient muzzle loader. While improvements were made to the ignition system...matchlock to flintlock to percussion, the basic concept of loose powder and ball dated back to the middle ages. Within ten years following the introduction of this gun, the muzzle loader was virtually extinct from production on the North American continent. That said, every cartridge gun ever produced here in America can derive its roots back to this little unassuming .22 caliber pocket revolver. So to put things into perspective, the S&W Model 1 was not only America's first cartridge revolver but also its very first cartridge gun.

This little Model One has one of the lowest serial numbers we've encountered. It's in the low 1,300 serial range and is classified as Model One, First Issue, 3rd Type. It's hard to believe this little gun was roughly the 1,300th cartridge gun made in the United States. Bear in mind, this was Smith and Wesson's very first revolver and the company was figuring things out as they were making these guns. During the three years S&W manufactured the Model One, several changes and improvements were made which can be broken down into six different types. For example, the first two types use a primitive spring barrel catch attached to the bottom of the frame known as a "bayonet latch". These 1st and 2nd variations are very rare and very expensive as they account for a combined total of the first 1,130 units. The 3rd type was produced from serial numbers 1,130 up to 3,000+...so roughly 2,000 examples. By the 3rd type, S&W had improved and simplified the barrel latch design with a small catch that was internally spring-loaded. Still, they hadn't figured out how to mill ratchets on the back of the cylinder...this was done within the recoil shield and the barrel mounts to a small shaft that's aligned with a tiny round key located on the face of the recoil shield. Like all S&W Model One's, the frame has a rounded profile with a small round side plate located on the left side. It also uses a fairly complex little two-piece hammer with a pivoting spur...whose job was to tilt back slightly and raise the cylinder stop (mounted to the top of the frame).

Overall, NRA Antique Very Good Condition with 60% original silver plate remaining on the brass frame and grip straps. The barrel and cylinder have aged to a smooth light gray that's turning to brown. Nice barrel address reads: SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD. MASS. Patent dates on cylinder are partially visible. All matching numbers throughout which include barrel, frame, cylinder, and grips. Very Good+ original grips are numbered to the gun with 25% original varnish remaining. Good functional screws and pins throughout. The mechanics on this little S&W are perfect with no weak springs or tired indexing. The fragile two-piece hammer is intact and functions perfectly. Barrel latches tightly to the frame. Barrel hinge is solid with no repairs. Finding a S&W Model One with such nice mechanics is not easy and can be very expensive to properly repair. Bore is in Good+ condition with its original wide three groove rifling intact.

This is a fantastic early S&W. We have personally never had a 1st or 2nd type as they are quite expensive but the good news here is that this early 3rd type is about as low of a serial number that you can find for an affordable price. I also think these guns are greatly undervalued in context to their historical significance. Part of this stems from the gun's small size. As Americans, we often fall into the mindset of "the bigger, the better."...i.e. The .50 caliber Winchester Model 1886 or the .44 Colt Walker Dragoon. You would be surprised at how many knowledgeable collectors will walk right by one of these at a show, not giving it more than a passing glance. Few seem to grasp that these are the cartridge equivalent to the Colt Paterson Revolver. The S&W Model One wasn't just the first .22, it was also the first cartridge revolver AND the first American weapon to use a cartridge. They are in my opinion one of the most underappreciated and undervalued antique American weapons on the market.

Item# 7001

SOLD