Rock Island Auction Co. prides itself on establishing a tradition of presenting historic pieces of steel canvas artistry to the public. Whether a Colt or Winchester or Smith & Wesson, these deluxe arms have captivated collectors throughout the world. Today we continue to build on that tradition by presenting the NRA Silver Medal award winning, factory engraved, 4 inch barrel S&W Model 1 1/2, First Issue Revolver. This grand work of 19th century S&W artistry has impeccable collector pedigree with ownership that reportedly began with Horace Smith (1808-1893), firearms inventor and co-founder of Smith & Wesson. It is the only reported known example of a factory engraved of this model type with a 4 inch barrel. The standard barrel length for this model was 3 1/2 inches. This is one of two factory engraved Model 1 1/2 pistols commissioned as S&W exhibition pieces engraved by S&W's first full time factory engraver, F.W. Martin, and purchased by Horace Smith. In the accompanying factory letter the revolver is stated as being manufactured in April 1866 and a factory record for this serial number is not available. The open factory record for this serial number adds credibility to Horace Smith owning the gun since the arm was not shipped to an S&W distributor and instead it was purchased directly by Horace Smith. S&W historian Roy Jinks noted in the factory letter for this arm, “It is interesting to note that Horace Smith purchased two engraved pearl grip Model 1 1/2 First Issues on June 16, 1866. One of the revolvers was $30.00 and the second one slightly more elaborate for $40.00. Unfortunately, serial numbers were not given nor were the finishes listed.” Years later, Jinks identified the first arm as no. 15653 (3 1/2 inch barrel), which is pictured and identified in Jink’s “Artistry in Arms: The Guns of Smith & Wesson” on page 60. In this publication, Jinks explained that no. 15653 was “engraved by F.W. Martin in July, 1865, as an exhibition handgun. The style of the engraving, however, did not satisfy the two partners [Horace Smith and Daniel B. Wesson]—the gun was never exhibited.” No. 15653 remains in the S&W factory collection. Its close proximity to no. 15653 (only two digits away), open factory record, and factory embellishments of engraving and pearl stocks as laid out by Jinks in the factory letter makes no. 15655 a strong contender as the second Model 1 1/2 purchased by Horace Smith on June 16, 1866. More evidence is needed to link this Model 1 1/2 to Smith, and that evidence comes by way of Charles A. Hall’s handwritten ledger that documented his personal firearms collection. As Jinks explained in the factory letter, “The positive proof is some documentation from Horace Smith to [previous owner] Mr. Charles A. Hall.” Ownership of this historic piece of S&W history is as follows. No. 15655 was given by Horace Smith to Edward Hall who in turn gave it to his brother Charles of Ashfield, Massachusetts. After his death in 1931, Charles’ firearms collection was received by his nephew Addison S. Hall. This particular S&W ended up in the hands of Addison’s dentist, Dr. Elbert Stallard. Arnold Mills, a patient of Dr. Stallard, later purchased the revolver with receipt included, and in 1985, also purchased Charles Hall’s collection ledger from the Hall estate, bringing the revolver and ledger together once again. Charles’ ledger described receiving no. 15655 and the Hall family association with Horace Smith. The revolver is number 44 in the ledger. The notation is as follows: “Ed gave me the very handsome pearl handle silver plated .32 cal. Smith and Wesson revolver of a very early pattern. Mr. Horace Smith of Smith and Wesson was a very good friend of ours. Papa and Mama used to visit them and they, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, came up to see us and stay few days. They were very nice people.” Charles further wrote that his father and Horace Smith traded in horses. The revolver was awarded the coveted "10 Best" Silver Medal Arms Award, "one of a maximum of ten certificates awarded each year to arms of outstanding historical value, or beauty, or rarity, selected from displays of the NRA's Affiliated Gun Collector Organizations," in 2010. The silver medal was No. 484, and the medal is included. The revolver is pictured and identified as “Horace Smith’s personal 1 1/2 Old Model #15655” in the “Roll of Honor” centerfold to the November/December 1987 issue of Man at Arms (pages 32-33). The caption noted that this “pistol is the only known engraved 4 inch barrel version of this model.” Charles Hall’s firearms collection is discussed and pictured in an article to an undated, unknown gun collector magazine. The photos show no. 15655 and the ledger as well as an image of Addison Hall, presumably from the 1950s/60s. In general, a Model 1 1/2 revolver with a 4 inch barrel is rarely encountered as standard barrel length was 3 1/2 inches and factory engraved examples are nearly impossible to find. The factory engraving and 4 inch barrel make for an exceptionally rare combination of features. In fact, S&W experts and students of antique firearm artistry note this revolver as the only known example to exist in this configuration. F.W. Martin’s factory engraving consists of broad scrollwork on stippled background, along with scattered cross hatching and blossom patterns. The engraving is highly unusual for its panel scene on the cylinder. This scene features a standing fox dressed in a pantaloons hunting outfit complete with a festooned hat and holding a pistol on a surrendering rabbit. The barrel and frame are plated in silver. The cylinder is plated in gold. The revolver wears a set of highly attractive pearl grips. The left grip panel is hand numbered to the gun. Matching assembly numbers appear on the grip frame, cylinder, and barrel. The accompanying modern replica case was built by Frank Klay of Klay Associates best known for Colt Model 1851 cased sets. Klay designed this case after a period correct deluxe veneer case for a 3 1/2 inch Model 1 1/2 First Issue revolver provided by S&W expert and author Vern Eklund. No 4 inch barrel cases are known to exist. The case contains a cartridge block holding 28 rounds and a cleaning rod. Provenance: Horace Smith; Edward Hall; Charles Hall; Addison S. Hall; Dr. Elbert Stallard; The Arnold L Mills Collection; The Roger Muckerheide Collection; NRA 10 Best Silver Medal Arms Award; Property of a Gentleman

Exceptionally fine. The barrel and frame retain 97% original silver plating. The cylinder retains traces of original gold in the recesses of the engraving. The engraving is crisp. The grips are excellent with highly attractive fiery colors. Mechanically needs work. The case is excellent. A grand work of 19th century S&W artistry that is well deserving of the finest private or public collection. Its potential ownership by S&W co-founder Horace Smith adds to its desirability as a one-of-a-kind piece of S&W heritage.