Smith and Wesson Model 1-1/2, 2nd Issue with Original Holster

This is a nice early Smith and Wesson Model 1-1/2 Tip-Up Revolver in Caliber .32 Rimfire made from 1868-1875. Serial Number is in the 107,000 range towards the end of production in 1875. Standard 3-1/2" Round Barrel, five-shot fluted cylinder, nickel plated finish, original wooden grips with birds-head shaped handle. This one even has its original holster that's a bit tattered and worn but you see the outline of this little gun in the leather which is kind of neat. Smith and Wesson built the 1-1/2 as an intermediate sized pocket revolver to go between the Model 2 Army (also in .32 Rimfire) and it's smaller Model 1 Pocket Revolver which was in .22 short. The first version of the 1-1/2 came out in 1865. Known as the 1st Issue, it looked like a scaled down No. 2 Army with shorter barrel and grip and came with a solid round cylinder, square grip, and octagonal barrel. In 1868, Smith and Wesson came out with this revolver, the 2nd Issue, which has a much more streamlined rounded appearance. Production lasted until 1875 as the Model 1-1/2 and the Model No 2 were phased out in favor of top break frame in center-fire calibers but in terms of the early days of the American West, the 1-1/2 and its cousins were very much a part of the American Frontier and played an important part in the development of the rimfire metallic cartridge.

This one is what some collectors call a "Dirty Nickel Gun" where the metal surfaces are a combination of original nickel and a dark brown patina. High end collectors will scoff a bit at these but to more sophisticated types of collectors, they are like art with mother nature painting the canvas through time, age, and use. No two are ever quite alike and many of them have been ruined over the years by people polishing them. This one is about as untouched of an example as you'll find. It has about half of its original nickel remaining on the frame and barrel, maybe 15% nickel on the cylinder with the rest aged to a pleasing smooth soft patina which took many years to acquire. Nice original wood grips with no cracks, chips, or repairs and 35% original varnish remaining. The bore is just fair with decent rifling but a couple noticeable small spots of pitting. Action works correct, barrel latches tight to frame with no wiggle. Nice barrel address on top rib.  Matching assembly #s on barrel, cylinder, frame and grips correctly serial numbered to the gun.

Item# i435

$465