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 rounded at the butt, 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.

This example Is definitely an upmarket example, with a high quality factory nickel plated finish, with a case hardened hammer and blued frame latch. Additionally, the grips are lovely solid mother of pearl, so this was clearly the revolver of a very fashionable individual. Maybe a "Madam" or an Exotic Dancer? As famous WWII General George S. Patton said once when someone stated that his famous revolvers were "pearl-handled":

“Son, only a pimp in a Louisiana whore-house carries pearl-handled revolvers. These are ivory.”

Well, if any revolver we've had could be said to be "PIMPED OUT", this is it!

The revolver bears ALL MATCHING serial numbers, with 81902 clearly marked on the cylinder, top latch, barrel, and on the bottom of the grip. The last serial number for this exact model was around 97,500, so we estimate production at 1885, with production ceasing in 1892. All Model 1 1/2 revolvers are pre-1898, and therefor considered antique. It has the full late production patent numbers on the top of the barrel strap still clearly legible:

SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS. U.S.A. PAT'D JAN 17 & 24. 65
JULY 11.65. AUG. 24. 69. FEB. 20. 1877. REISSUE JULY 25. 1871

There are also the correct further patent numbers closer to the frame latch: PAT'D APR. 20. 75 & DEC. 18.1877. The model 1 1/2 was in production for a total of 27 years, during which many advances were made in the design.

The revolver is in near excellent condition, and probably is the best example that we have ever handled. Almost all of the original nickel plating is retained, with just a few blemishes on the left side of the barrel, and all markings are fully legible, with no wear. The bore is in very good condition, showing little wear and a mostly bright finish, with some areas of light oxidation. The revolver cycles just fine, with no mechanical issues to note.

Included with the revolver is what looks to be an original box, with the Smith & Wesson instructions glued on the inside of the lid. It is in good condition, but definitely does show age, being not nearly as resilient to time as the revolver is.

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. A truly "Pimped out" example!

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: 1865-1892 - this example 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

IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to most US States and most U.S. territories.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.

Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to most addresses within the United States.