The Smith & Wesson Model No. 1 First Issue Revolvers were the first successful American metallic cartridge revolvers. They were manufactured in 1857-1860, and originally advertised as Smith & Wesson's seven shooter, not by any model number. Soon after its introduction, however, the Model 1 name was adopted. The Model 1 referenced the S&W Number 1 cartridge that was used in the revolver. Only a little over 200 of the original First Type version were manufactured. On these early revolvers the recoil plate rotates with the cylinder and has a small key on the left side of the recoil shield. They also have a "bayonet" style barrel catch. The revolver features a low rounded blade front sight, "SMITH & WESSON. SPRINGFIELD. MASS." on top of the rib, a notch rear sight, Rollin White's April 3, 1855 patent marking (faint) around the 7-shot cylinder, rounded profile brass frame, and matching extremely low serial number "5" on the butt, barrel lug, and both grip panels. This lowest serialized No. 1 First Issue First Type Revolver known in existence is pictured and identified as once being part of the famed William M. Locke collection in John Parsons' "Smith & Wesson Revolvers: The Pioneer Single Action Models" on page 15 and in Frank Sellers' "The William M. Locke Collection" on page 358.

Very good plus. The revolver has a smooth brown-gray patina with strong traces of original blue in the protected areas on the barrel. The brass frame has an attractive honey colored aged appearance with slight traces of age darkened original silver plating in the protected areas. The grips are also very good with a number of minor dings and scratches. Mechanically needs minor work as cylinder does not lock properly as it is missing the retention pin. An incredible rarity, seldom are Model One 1st Issue, 1st Types found for sale, especially single digit serialized examples! A rarity, previously owned William Locke, that is quite possibly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a serious S&W collector! Provenance: the William M. Locke collection and the Dr. Gerald Klaz collection.