{"product_id":"original-u-s-antique-smith-wesson-model-1-third-issue-revolver-in-22-short-serial-3437","title":"Original U.S. Antique Smith \u0026 Wesson Model 1 Third Issue Revolver in .22 Short - Serial 3437","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. The Smith \u0026amp; Wesson Model 1 was the first firearm manufactured by Smith \u0026amp; Wesson, with production spanning the years 1857 through 1882. It was the first commercially successful revolver to use rimfire cartridges instead of loose powder, musket ball, and percussion caps. It is a single-action, tip-up revolver holding seven .22 Short black powder cartridges. During the production run it was issued 3 times, with significant changes to each revision.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Model 1, 3rd Issue represented a substantial redesign for the Model 1, with a fluted cylinder, a round barrel and a rounded \"bird's head\" style grip. Finishes included full nickel plating, full blued steel, and a \"half plate\" nickel\/blue combo, and there were two barrel lengths offered by the factory. Variants include the \"square\" and \"triangular\" top strap design that changed around serial number 9,500. The 3rd Issue guns were produced from 1868 through 1882 with serial numbers from 1 through approximately 131,000\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis example is fully blued version, and it still retains much of the original finish, especially on the action. It bears serial number \u003cstrong\u003e3437\u003c\/strong\u003e on the bottom of the grip and on the inside of the right grip scale. This would probably put production at around 1870-71. It also has assembly marking \u003cstrong\u003eB 0\u003c\/strong\u003e on the grip frame, the rear of the barrel, and on the cylinder. This definitely appears to be an \"All Matching\" example, unmessed with over the years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese revolvers are \"tip up\" types, and are loaded by actually unhooking the bottom of the barrel so it could swivel upwards allowing the entire cylinder to be removed in order to reload. Fitted with spur trigger, these were an extremely convenient little multi shot revolver ideal for a lady or gambler. Fully marked along the top of the barrel:-\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ccenter\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSMITH \u0026amp; WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS. PAT. APR.3.55 JULY.5.59 DEC.18.60\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/center\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe grips are in very good shape, with a lovely color and the expected patina of age. The grain pattern suggests that these may actually be rosewood, a very desirable hardwood.  These have most of the original factory \"piano varnish\" present. The revolver is tight with firm lock-up and the action functions well, with good indexing and a crisp dry fire. We did not notice any of the usual finicky behavior we often see on these old revolvers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA very nice example of an iconic revolver design from a very well-known maker, ready to display!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYears of Manufacture: 1868 - 1882\u003cbr\u003eCaliber: .22 Short Blackpowder\u003cbr\u003eAmmunition Type: Rimfire Blackpowder Cartridge\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBarrel Length: 3 1\/8 inches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOverall Length: 6 1\/2 inches\u003cbr\u003eAction: Exposed Hammer\u003cbr\u003eFeed System: 7 Shot Revolver\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39559834927173,"sku":"ONCM21079","price":650.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/products\/ONCM21079__01.jpg?v=1633132710","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-antique-smith-wesson-model-1-third-issue-revolver-in-22-short-serial-3437","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}