An estimated 131,000 New Model No. 1 or Model No. 1 Third Issue was manufactured by Smith & Wesson from 1868 until 1882. This example has the standard blade and notch sights, the one line address and patent marking on the top of the grip, serial number on the butt, checkered grips with "VVII" carved on the undersides, and "DAVID L. SMITH/From his Friends/Phila/Mar. 19th 1872" inscribed on the side plate. The consignor's notes indicate it was given to one of their ancestors who worked as a guard at the Philadelphia Mint.

Fine as period inscribed and plated. 90% plus of the nickel plating remains. There is some slight pitting. There is primarily brown patina where the finish has flaked. The front sight is slightly trimmed. The grips are very good and have mostly crisp checkering, some smoothing on the raised sections, some small cracks on the right panel, and an attractive aged patina. The action functions fine, and the primary markings and inscription are clear.