The copy of the factory letter states the revolver was shipped from the factory on February 25, 1869 and delivered to W.C. Dodge of Washington, D.C. and confirms the 3 1/2 inch barrel, full plate finish, factory engraving, and smooth rosewood grips. This was one of two factory engraved Model 1 ½ First Issues in this shipment. William Castle Dodge (1827-1914) was a highly influential 19th century inventor and patent lawyer. He was one of the foremost and least appreciated figures in the development and adoption of repeating and breech loading firearms. His patents were used on the S&W Model 3 revolver. Dodge came to Washington, D.C., in 1860 after previously being a '49er and frontier farmer and was the doorkeeper of the U.S. House of Representatives. He is listed as one of the assistant marshals at Abraham Lincoln's inauguration. During the Civil War, Dodge was a U.S. Patent Office examiner until he resigned in early 1864 and established his own patent agency. The war is said to have spurred his interest in firearms advancements, particularly breech loading and repeating firearms. He is the author of "Breech-Loaders versus Muzzle-Loaders; or, How to Strengthen Our Army and Crush the Rebellion with a Saving of Life and Treasure" (1864) which gives the Henry rifle particular praise. His book included advertisements for New Haven Arms Co. and his new patent agency, and the latter included Oliver Winchester in his references. He was one of the men responsible for helping Oliver Winchester modify the Henry rifle into the famous Winchester Model 1866 as discussed on pages 117 and 142-143 of "Evolution of the Winchester" by McDowell and also served as Winchester's lawyer for patents. He was recognized within his lifetime for his contribution to firearms and ammunition designs. "Historical and Commercial Sketches of Washington and Environs" (1884) notes that he invented "valuable improvements in firearms and ammunition" including the automatic extractor used by Smith & Wesson and in Europe, "eight or nine improvements upon the celebrated Remington military rifle and double-barreled breech-loading shotgun, and others." It also references his innovative cartridge filling machine that was ordered by the government after the Washington Arsenal explosion in 1864. This machine made loading cartridges faster, more uniform, and safer. He received a gold medal from the King of Italy and an appointment as Knight Commander of the Order of Isabella the Catholic from the King of Spain in relation to his inventions, and his firm is noted as having "had entire charge of the patent business of several large manufacturing firms, among which may be mentioned E. Remington & Sons, the Winchester Repeating Arms Co., Hall's Safe and Lock Co., besides many others." His patents were influential in the genesis of the Smith & Wesson Model No. 3 revolvers. Smith & Wesson bought his patent numbers 45,912 and 45,983 in 1869. Dodge also held U.S. Patent 114,653 for automatic ejection when the revolver was opened. This was one of the standout features of the First Model American. He is known to have presented some of the latter, including a No. 3 American and a Model No. 3 Russian Third Model revolvers previously sold by Rock Island Auction Company as well as a Volcanic pistol-carbine owned by him. His son William W. Dodge also patented improvements in firearms. The factory scroll engraving on beaded background decorates the barrel at the muzzle and breech, cylinder, and frame along with flourishes of scrolls on the back strap and butt. The right grip panel is numbered to the gun. The revolver is fitted with a set of rosewood grips. Provenance: Firearms inventor W.C. Dodge; Property of a Gentleman

Very fine, retaining 70% untouched original nickel finish with a smooth dark gray patina on the balance. The engraving is crisp. The grips are fine with handling marks and much of the original varnish remaining with flakes and scattered dings visible overall. The action cycles, but the cylinder does not lock. A historic factory engraved Smith & Wesson Model 1 1/2 First Issue revolver shipped to 19th century firearms inventory W.C. Dodge who played an important role in S&W revolver design.