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 had a fluted cylinder and barrel, and a more comfortable and attractive rounded "bird's head" style grip. This version saw production of around 100,000.

The Third Issue was quite a departure from the previous two, and is actually officially termed the "Model No. 1 1/2 Single Action Revolver". Unlike the first two issues, this was a top-break design, consistent with the design of the Safety Hammerless or S&W .38 Single Action. It can be readily distinguished from the first two issues by the large hinge in the front of the frame below the barrel, and the lack of an ejector rod. The grip is a lovely rounded "bird's head" style, and is similar in appearance to that on the 2nd Issue. Most importantly, this revolver marked the debut of the .32 S&W centerfire cartridge. Approximately 97,000 were made before production stopped in 1892.

This example bears matching serial numbers, with 77679 clearly marked on the cylinder, top latch, barrel (by the latch), and on the bottom of the grip. That makes this a very desirable "ALL MATCHING" example, with no parts swapped out over the years! It still bears original hard rubber composite checkered grips, which bear the Smith & Wesson "SW" monogram at the top, with strong checkering. It looks like the revolver was on display for some time resting on one side, as while both grip scales are still black on the interior, the right side is faded to a brown color on the outside.

The revolver really is in nice condition, with a lovely nickel plated finish. There is some sign of past oxidation and buffing in areas, so portions of the revolver were most likely re-plated at some point due to wear. The trigger, frame latch, and hammer were also left blued on factory plated examples, and they are plated now. The refinish was done quite well, and all of the markings are still clearly legible, small as they are. The top of the barrel strap has the numerous patent dates, many of which are the same patents utilized on other Smith & Wesson revolvers:

SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS. U.S.A. PAT. JAN.17 & 24.65
JULY 11. 65 AUG. 24. 69 FEB. 20 1877. REISSUE JULY 25. 1871

It is also marked over the cylinder with additional patent dates:

PAT'D APR. 20. 75
DEC. 18 1877

The revolver cycles great, with a smooth action, and a crisp dry fire. The cylinder lock however does not currently present correctly, so the indexing is definitely off, and it does not lock up, even at full cock. The bore is in very good condition, showing a bright finish with clear lands and grooves. There is some wear, as well as minor powder fouling and oxidation in some spots scattered through the bore. The revolver breaks open correctly, with the ejector presenting correctly and snapping back when the action is opened all the way.

The included original Smith & Wesson box is in good condition, showing the expected wear from age. It indicates that it is for a .32 DEPARTURE in NICKEL with a 3 inch barrel, so it is not quite the correct box for the pistol, but they were about the same size, and would easily have been swapped out at the point of sale.

These small pistols were a favorite of Gamblers and Ladies of the Night: these little revolvers saved a lot of souls no doubt. ANTIQUE and ready to display, from the old West.

Specifications:

Years of Manufacture: circa 1885
Caliber: .32 S&W
Ammunition Type: Centerfire Blackpowder Cartridge
Barrel Length: 3 1/2 inches
Overall Length: 7 1/2 inches
Action: Single
Feed System: 5 Shot Revolver