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Smith and Wesson Model One, 1st Issue Revolver, World's First Cartridge Gun
Guns International #: 101183004 Seller's Inventory #:
Category: Antique Revolvers - Cartridge - Smith & Wesson Revolvers - Antique
Seller's Information
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Seller: Brent Wilburn
Company: Antique Arms, Inc.
Member Since: 11/19/15
First Name: Brent
Last Name: Wilburn
State: Georgia
Zip: 30052
Country: United States
Phone: (678) 471-1432
Phone2: (678) 471-1432
Premium Seller
Number of Active Listings: 45
Total Number of Listings: 584
Seller: Private Seller
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Payment Types Accepted: Money Order, Certified Check
Description:
This is the world's first commercially successful cartridge gun; the Smith and Wesson Model One Revolver which was introduced in 1857. Standard seven-shot revolver in .22 rimfire short with 3-3/16" barrel. When new, these came standard with a two-tone finish...silver-plated brass frame, and blued barrel/cylinder with varnished rosewood grips. Smith and Wesson designed this gun around the 1855 Rollin White Patent for a Bored Through Cylinder. Control of the White patent gave Smith and Wesson basically a decade and half monopoly and head start on the manufacture of cartridge revolvers. This lasted into the early 1870's when President Grant refused to renew the patent, resulting in an flood of cartridge revolvers appearing on the American market. Because of its small size, it's rather easy to overlook Smith and Wesson's first revolver, but did you know that virtually every modern weapon produced today can trace its roots back to the little Model One? Of the 11,600 Model Ones produced, there are six variations mainly dealing with improvement to the barrel latch, cylinder ratchet, and rifling. This one is a Type 4, which has an improved barrel latch, small revolving recoil shield with internal ratchet, and three groove rifling. Serial number is in the 3200 range. According to S&W dates of manufacture, we believe this revolver was produced in the month of December 1858. Many of these Model One, First Issues saw use in the Civil War. As they pre-date the war by 1-3 years, many went South and saw use by Confederate soldiers and Union soldiers as well. Although they were under-powered, the cartridges were waterproof which suited a soldier's life out in the elements for much of the war perfectly.
Overall Condition grades to NRA Antique Very Good Condition with 95% original silver plating remaining on the brass frame and gripstraps. The barrel and cylinder are a light grey patina with legible markings, good edges, and smooth overall with the exception of some minute scattered corrosion...possibly cleaned a very long time ago. Top of barrel rib has a good legible Smith and Wesson address. Cylinder has nearly all of the tiny April 3 1855 and July 15, 1858 Patent Dates. 100% all matching numbers and assembly numbers. Fine original rosewood grips show just traces of varnish with 90% original piano varnish remaining. . Mechanically, these early S&W's are like 150-year-old watches...they have fragile springs. This one still cocks, indexes, locks up, and the barrel is still tightto the frame. The hinge is solid with no cracks. Good bore with early 3 groove rifling and no rings or bulges. A rare chance to buy one of the world's first cartridge gun.
Note: As noted in the Smith and Wesson book by S&W historian Roy Jinks, This weapon was designed over 150 years ago to fire a .22 rimfire cartridge that was originally lightly loaded with black powder and a copper case. Due to the nature delicate brass hinge design, thin-walled cylinder made of early steel, and brass frame, this revolver cannot sustain the pressures associated with modern smokeless ammunition. Over the years, we have seen a number of these rare and historically important weapons destroyed by owners attempted to fire them with modern ammunition. This is being sold as an antique collectible only.
SOLD
Antique: Yes
Manufacturer: S&W
Model: Model One, First Issue
Caliber Info: 22
Finish: Blued/Silver Plated