Manufactured circa 1857-1858, this revolver has the rare "bayonet" or "flat" style barrel latch found only on the Model 1 1st Issue, 1st and 2nd Type revolvers. Smith & Wesson only manufactured approximately 900 of these Model 1, 1st Issue, 2nd Type revolvers. The top of the barrel rib is marked with the one-line address and the patent dates are marked around the cylinder. The matching serial number is marked on the butt, front face of the cylinder, back of the barrel lug and stamped inside of the left grip panel. Blade front and notch rear sights, silver plated brass frame with blue remaining parts and fitted with smooth rosewood grips.

Fine. The barrel and cylinder have a smooth brown patina with 25% of original blue finish in the protected areas. The frame retains 75% of the original silver plating. The grips are very good showing a hairline stress crack on the bottom, worn high edges and some minor handling marks. Mechanically fine. These early Smith & Wesson "Bayonet-Style" Flat Latch models were the very first metallic cartridge revolvers produced with a bored-thru cylinder. They are incredibly rare and are among the most highly sought after 19th Century Revolvers produced by any manufacturer and are seldom ever seen.