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 an non-fluted cylinder and a flat bottomed "square" grip, and was chambered for .32 rimfire ammunition, and approximately 26,000 were produced.

The second issue of the Model 1 1/2 can be identified by its fluted barrel & cylinder, as well as the rounded "birds head" shape of the grip butt. Like the 1st Issue, it was also produced in blued steel and nickel-plated varieties, with most models having a 3 1/2-inch barrel. It is estimated that less than a thousand models were produced with a 2 1/2-inch barrel; these can be positively identified by the barrel markings located on the side of the barrel, as opposed to the markings on the top strap that were applied to 3 1/2-inch barrels.

This is a lovely example of the Model 1 1/2, 2nd Issue Revolver with 3 1/2" barrel. Standard blued finish with dark rosewood grips (Maybe ebony?). Produced by Smith and Wesson from 1868-1875, this was the firm's final improvement of the .32 rimfire tip-up with the more stylish stream-lined barrel, fluted cylinder, and birds head grips. The original Smith & Wesson address and patent dates are still easily readable on the top strap:

SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS. PAT. APR.3.55. JULY.5.59 & NOV.21.65

2nd Issue guns were serial numbered consecutively after the 1st Issue, with numbers ranging from approximately 26,300 through 127,000. Serial number on this example is 37379 placing it early-production around 1868-69. 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 6 on the right grip frame, barrel, and cylinder. That makes this a very desirable "ALL MATCHING" example, with no major parts swapped out over the years!

Overall condition is really very good, with a lovely lightly worn patina that shows it was well cared for over the years. Overall the bluing is well retained on most components, with some fading to plum and gray on the barrel due to use and wear, while the cylinder has lost most of the finish on the sides, while the front and rear are still dark. 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. Either way, very few have survived with this much original finish still intact.

The hammer, ejector pin, and trigger show a nice gray patina, with some of the original case hardening visible, especially on the hammer. The rosewood grips are lovely, retaining much of the original "piano varnish" finish. Very good screws and pins throughout, and the barrel is nice and tight to the frame. Action functions flawlessly, with none of the finicky behavior we sometimes see on revolvers of this age. The bore is very good, with a mostly bright finish, clear lands and grooves, and spots of light oxidation and fouling. Definitely a great bore for a black powder era revolver!

A lovely example of a classic revolver, ready to display!

Specifications:

Years of Manufacture: circa 1868-69
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.