SMITH & WESSON S&W MODEL NO. 1 3rd ISSUE 22 SHORT BLACK POWDER ANTIQUE

For Sale: SMITH & WESSON S&W MODEL NO. 1 3rd ISSUE 22 SHORT BLACK POWDER ANTIQUE

$ 250

Listed In: Antique Firearms

Add Listing To Favorites

Smith & Wesson S&W Model No. 1 3rd Issue .22 Short Black Powder Revolver Antique 1868 - 1882

Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: Number One, 3rd Issue

Serial Number: 25538

Year of Manufacture: 1868-1882

Caliber: .22 Short, Black Powder

Action Type: 7-Shot, Single Action, Tip-Up Revolver

Barrel Length: 3 3/16”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a rounded blade set into the rib of the barrel. The rear sight is a notch in the cylinder stop.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are smooth rosewood panels. The interior of the right panel is stamped with the serial number. There are some scattered areas of finish wear. There are some little nicks, scuffs, and scratches. There are some scattered light handling marks & a hair line crack running up the middle of the left panel. Overall, the grips are in about Fine condition as Antique.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is dull and the rifling is pronounced. There are areas of pitting and erosion. Most antique firearms have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the use of black powder. When fired, black powder reacts corrosively. NRA Antique Firearm Conditions Standards are quite lenient for bores. In some cases the NRA standards disregarded the bore’s condition for collectors firearms.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains almost none of its original metal finish. The finish is a mottled discoloration and uniform patina. There are some light nicks and scratches. There are some scattered areas of frost. There are a few areas of pitting and erosion. There are other areas of moderate wear. The markings range from clear to worn. Overall, this revolver is in about Good condition as Antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly but the cylinder will not lock up after fired with the trigger down. The barrel a wigglley at the top of the farme & needs a shim. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary and a trip to a gunsmith to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: The Smith & Wesson Model 1 was the first firearm manufactured by Smith & Wesson, with production spanning the years 1857 through 1882. It was the first commercially successful revolver to use rimfire cartridges instead of loose powder, ball, and percussion caps. It is a single-action, tip-up revolver holding seven .22 Short black powder cartridges. One could say this started it all, the first practical cartridge revolver, the first S&W revolver. It has seen its fair share of use over the decades, but it should still make a nice addition to a Smith & Wesson or early cartridge handgun collection. Please see our photos.