{"product_id":"original-u-s-antique-smith-wesson-nickel-plated-model-1-2nd-issue-32-rimfire-revolver-with-ivory-grips-serial-69600","title":"Original U.S. Antique Smith \u0026 Wesson Nickel Plated Model 1 ½ 2nd Issue .32 Rimfire Revolver with Ivory Grips - Serial 69600","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is an American classic, first introduced in 1865 and produced continuously until 1892. The Smith \u0026amp; Wesson Model 1 ½ was Smith \u0026amp; 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\u0026amp;W, with total production exceeding 223,000.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe First Issue Model 1 ½ had an non-fluted cylinder and a flat bottomed \"square\" grip, and was chambered for .32 rimfire ammunition, and approximately 26,000 were produced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe second issue of the Model 1 ½ can be identified by its fluted barrel \u0026amp; 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 ½-inch barrel. It is estimated that less than a thousand models were produced with a 2 ½-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 ½-inch barrels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a very good example of the Model 1 ½, 2nd Issue Revolver with a 3 ½\" barrel, desirable factory nickel plated finish with fantastic aged ivory grips. 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 \u0026amp; Wesson address and patent dates are still easily readable on the top strap:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e✠ SMITH \u0026amp; WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS. PAT. APR.3.55. JULY.5.59 \u0026amp; NOV.21.65 ✠\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2nd Issue guns were serial numbered consecutively after the 1st Issue, with numbers ranging from approximately 26,300 through 127,000. Serial number on the bottom of the grip of this example is \u003cstrong\u003e69600\u003c\/strong\u003e, placing it in mid-production around 1870-1871. There is also assembly number \u003cstrong\u003eT 4\u003c\/strong\u003e on the grip frame, rear of the barrel, and rear cylinder. The ivory grips both have what looks to be serial number \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e98676\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e written on the inside, so it is possible that they were taken from a later revolver, or the number may have nothing to do with the serial number sequence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverall condition is really very good, with a lovely lightly worn patina that shows it was well cared for over the years. Overall the nickel plating is well retained on most components, with very little missing on the frame or barrel. The cylinder has wear to the plating on the edges of the flutes, with the front having lost most of it. Most of the Model 1 ½'s we have had were blued, so having a plated example with this much original finish is a real treat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe hammer and trigger show a nice light gray patina, with some of the original case hardening visible, mostly on the hammer. The ivory grips are lovely, with a great aged look showing just a bit of light stress cracking and no major damage. Very good screws and pins throughout, and the barrel is nice and tight to the frame, with no side to side wobble, even when open. Action functions flawlessly, with none of the finicky behavior we sometimes see on revolvers of this age. The bore is in very good condition, showing a partly bright finish with strong lands and grooves. There is some past fouling and oxidation, now cleaned away, but overall this is well above average for a black powder era revolver.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA lovely nickel plated example of a classic American rimfire revolver, with some beautiful ivory grips! Ready to research and display!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYears of Manufacture: circa 1870-1871\u003cbr\u003eCaliber: .32cal\u003cbr\u003eAmmunition Type: Rimfire Cartridge\u003cbr\u003eBarrel Length: 3 ½ inches\u003cbr\u003eOverall Length: 7 ½ inches\u003cbr\u003eAction: Single\u003cbr\u003eFeed System: 5 Shot Revolver\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNOTE: 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42627583836229,"sku":"ONJR25MARA035","price":795.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONJR25MARA035__01.jpg?v=1743772008","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-antique-smith-wesson-nickel-plated-model-1-2nd-issue-32-rimfire-revolver-with-ivory-grips-serial-69600","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}