{"product_id":"original-u-s-antique-smith-wesson-nickel-plated-model-1-3rd-issue-revolver-in-22-short-with-pearl-grips-serial-74305","title":"Original U.S. Antique Smith \u0026 Wesson Nickel Plated Model 1 3rd Issue Revolver in .22 Short with Pearl Grips - Serial 74305","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 in lovely condition, and definitely has been \"dressed up\" over the years. It is now nickel plated with lovely mother of pearl grips, however close examination shows cleaning marks on the sides of the revolver under the plating, so it was re-plated aftermarket. There would not really be any way to tell whether it was originally blued or nickel plated, other than contacting Smith \u0026amp; Wesson. These early Smith \u0026amp; Wesson designs 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:-\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ccenter\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e✠ SMITH \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 revolver bears serial number \u003cstrong\u003e74305\u003c\/strong\u003e on the bottom of the grip, which would probably put production at around 1877-78. The mother of pearl grips are almost certainly not factory, and are not number marked. There are also no visible assembly numbers on the cylinder and frame, most likely worn away before the revolver was nickel plated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe mother of pearl grips are in excellent condition, and show just a bit of wear and staining around the edges. The revolver action functions well, with accurate indexing, a good cylinder lockup, and crisp dry fire. The cylinder lock is a bit intermittent however, and sometimes does not lock when the hammer is fully cocked. The cylinder also can be rotated by hand when the hammer is fully forward. The bore still shows clear rifling, with a mostly bright finish that shows just a bit of oxidation in areas, especially near the chamber.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA lovely dressed up example of an iconic early revolver design from the legendary Smith \u0026amp; Wesson, 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":40677163565125,"sku":"ONJR23HA029","price":795.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONJR23HA029__01.jpg?v=1697489845","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-antique-smith-wesson-nickel-plated-model-1-3rd-issue-revolver-in-22-short-with-pearl-grips-serial-74305","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}