The Smith & Wesson No. 1 First Issue revolvers were the first Smith & Wesson revolvers and were manufactured c. 1857-1860. This revolver is the "Third Type" manufactured within the 1130-3000+ serial number range. It has a German silver blade front sight, "SMITH & WESSON. SPRINGFIELD. MASS." on top of the barrel, notch rear sight, patent markings on the cylinder, revolving recoil plate, bayonet style barrel latch, matching serial numbers on both grips and the butt, and assembly number ".4." on the barrel lug and face of the cylinder. The gutta percha case features the likeness of a No. 1 First Issue, patriotic and scroll motifs in the corners, small revolvers as the upper and lower borders, and "MANUFACTURED ONLY BY/SMITH & WESSON/SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS" on the lid; small revolvers as the border on the bottom, embossed scroll patterns inside the lid on the green lining, and a cartridge block (empty). Per the NRA Museums: "the firm later offered an optional gutta percha case for an additional charge of $1.25. Approximately 5,000 of these cases, which were produced by Littlefield, Parsons & Co., included a bas-relief design featuring the revolver and the Smith & Wesson name on the lid. These cases are rarely encountered today."

Good with 15% original silver plating, traces of original blue in the protected areas, aged patina on the silver and exposed brass, mostly smooth gray and brown patina on the balance of the steel, mild pitting, and general mild wear including some dings and scratches on the butt. The grips are very good and have mild lower edge wear, handling wear, and some light scratches. Mechanically fine. The case is very fine and has minor age and storage related wear, crisp designs, dark coloration overall, and minor contact wear on the interior. Provenance: Dr. Gerald Klaz collection.