INSCRIBED SMITH AND WESSON MODEL No. 1 SECOND ISSUE REVOLVER

$850.00

Quantity Available: 1

Item Code: 1179-110

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This is a very fancy example of the Smith and Wesson 7-shot .22 caliber rimfire “tip-up” revolver using a nickeled frame, mother-of-pearl grips and inscribed backstrap. This is a Second Issue Model No. 1, which used a top mounted hinge to let the barrel tip up for the user to remove the cylinder and poke out the empty shell casing using rammer pin mounted under the barrel before reloading. The Model No. 1, produced from 1857 to 1860, was the first of Smith and Wesson’s long line of metallic cartridge firearms and went through several variations or “issues.” The Second Issue picked up serial numbering from the First Issue at about 11672 and took the number up to about 128000 from 1860 to 1868. Its main difference from the First Issue was its flat frame and (for most of the production) an irregularly shaped side plate. This one is serial number 67256, putting about midway in the production run, and bearing not only the 1855 and 1859 patent dates on the cylinder, but the company’s 1860 patent date, which began appearing about serial number 20,000.

This pistol is professionally engraved on the butt strap, “Chas. D. Ludwig,” and was not only fully plated in nickel, but fitted with mother-of-pearl grips. The plating is about 85 percent intact, with some wear spots and scattered flaking showing some spots of light and dark gray steel, and some faint brass on the edge of the recoil shield, but still attractive. The left grip is excellent. The right shows some vertical chips on the side from the rear lower edge that extend about half way up to the grip screw. The barrel address (SMITH & WESSON.SPRINGFIELD.MASS.,) cylinder patent dates, and the serial number on the butt strap are crisp. Mechanics function well.  Bore is slightly dirty, rifling is fair.

We have not firmly identified Ludwig, but think there is a very good chance this is Charles D. Ludwig of St. Louis, Missouri, who served as a private in the home guard, a sergeant in the state militia cavalry and then as a lieutenant in the Union 49th Missouri and was Assistant Provost-Marshal in Missouri in 1864 dealing with Confederate bushwhackers and guerrillas. The pistol has only his name on it, and no military rank, but given the nature of the conflict in that state, with frequent ambushes and murders, a small pocket pistol for personal defense or a last resort might be expected.  [sr][ph:m/L]

DISCLAIMER: All firearms are sold as collector's items only - we do not accept responsibility as to the shooting safety or reliability of any antique firearm. All firearms are described as accurately as possible, given the restraints of a catalog listing length. We want satisfied customers & often "under" describe the weapons. Any city or state regulations regarding owning antique firearms are the responsibility of the purchaser. All firearms are "mechanically perfect" unless noted, but again, are NOT warranted as safe to fire.

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