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 very good example of the Model 1 1/2, 2nd Issue Revolver with a 3 1/2" barrel in .32 Rimfire. It features a lovely nickel-plated finish, which looks to possibly be factory, as the markings are still crisp. The original rosewood grips are lovely, and fit the revolver well. As a real treat, the revolver comes in a custom wooden case, lined on the inside with brown velvet plush material, and with a wooden insert drilled to store 45 cartridges. It measures 8 7/8" x 4 3/4" x 1 9/16", and has a great look.

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 41934 placing it early-production around 1869-70. 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 H 0 on the grip frame and barrel, while the cylinder is marked with F 4., so it was swapped out a some point. This was very common to see, as it takes second to swap out a cylinder.

Overall condition is really very good, with a lovely lightly worn look that shows it was well cared for over the years. The nickel plating is very well retained, except around the rear of the barrel / front of the cylinder, as this is the area most exposed to the corrosive black powder. There is about 1/2" of the nickel plating missing on the rear of the barrel, and some missing around the cylinder. The hammer, ejector pin, and trigger still retain much of the nickel plating as well. The rosewood grips are lovely, though they look to have been refinished at some point.

Very good screws and pins throughout, with no missing components we can see. The barrel to frame connection does have some wobble at the hinge. The action functions, but it is definitely finicky, indicating that this revolver saw a lot of use during its career. The cylinder lock is not firm, and the hand has trouble engaging the ratchet, so the revolver often does not cycle. 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, which are often completely shot out.

A very nice nickel plated example of an early cartridge revolver, complete with a custom wood case! 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

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