The Smith & Wesson No. 1 First Issue revolvers were the first Smith & Wesson revolvers. This revolver is the "Sixth Type" manufactured in the latter part of the 1857-1860 production run of the First Issue revolvers and has a German silver blade front sight, "SMITH & WESSON. SPRINGFIELD. MASS." on top of the barrel, notch rear sight, matching serial numbers on the butt and inside of the grips, "2" stamped above the serial number on the butt, and "1" marked on various components. 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, 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."

Fine with 80% plus original silver plating exhibiting a mix of dark aged patina and lighter gray, 20% original blue finish, mostly smooth brown patina on the balance, some mild oxidation, and general mild wear. The grips are also fine and have minor edge wear, some light scratches, and mostly glossy surfaces. Mechanically fine. The case is very good and has crisp designs, a small chip on rear left corner of the lid, a faint crack in the bottom, and otherwise generally minor age and storage related wear. Provenance: Dr. Gerald Klaz collection.