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 an very good example of the Model 1 1/2, 1st Issue Revolver with 3 1/2" barrel. Standard blued finish with 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 Smith & Wesson address and patent dates are still easily readable on the top strap:

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 13518 placing it mid-production around 1866-67. 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 •• 10 on the grip frame, rear of the barrel, and front side of the cylinder.

Overall condition is very good, with an honest worn patina overall. The original bluing has been worn away by age and cleaning, and the metalwork now shows a mottled stained patina overall, with just a bit of peppering in places. 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, retaining most of the original "piano varnish" finish, with just a bit lost on the sides and bottom. Very good screws and pins throughout. Barrel is nice and tight to the frame, and the action functions almost flawlessly. The bore is very good, with a bright finish, clear lands and grooves, and some small spots of fouling and oxidation.

A very nice example of a classic rimfire revolver, ready to display!

Specifications:

Years of Manufacture: circa 1865-68
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.

IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.

Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.