Skip to main content
Rock Island Auction Company
AuctionsConsignmentBlogFAQNewsAbout Us
Create Account
Login
AuctionsConsignmentBlogFAQNews & EventsAbout Us
Login
Create Account

History Lives Here

Rock Island Auction Company
1-309-797-15001-800-238-8022[email protected]
RIAC Rock Island
7819 42nd Street West
Rock Island, Illinois 61201, USA
8:00am - 5:00pm, Mon - Fri
RIAC Bedford
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, Texas 76021, USA
8:00am - 5:00pm, Mon - Fri
Navigation
  • Auctions
  • Consignment
  • Blog
  • FAQ
  • News
  • About Us
More Info
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Job Postings & Careers
  • Contact
  • Order a Catalog
© 2025 Rock Island Auction Company. RIAC believes that this website is accessible to the widest possible audience pursuant to the guidelines of the Americans with Disability Act. Click here for more information.
Healthcare Transparency in Coverage.
  • Auction Catalog #82
  • Lot #1227
Lot #1226
Lot #1228

Lot 1227: Early Smith & Wesson No. 1 Lever Action Repeating Pistol

Rare Early Production Smith & Wesson No. 1 Lever Action Repeating Pistol

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: May 15, 2021

Lot 1227: Early Smith & Wesson No. 1 Lever Action Repeating Pistol

Rare Early Production Smith & Wesson No. 1 Lever Action Repeating Pistol

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: May 15, 2021

Estimated Price: $18,000 - $27,500
Price Realized:
Login to view
Login to view

Rare Early Production Smith & Wesson No. 1 Lever Action Repeating Pistol

Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson
Model: Volcanic
Type: Pistol
Gauge: 31 Volcanic
Barrel: 4 inch
Finish: blue/brown
Grip: rosewood
Stock:
Item Views: 2762
Item Interest: Active
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 180
Class: Antique
Description:

This Type I, No. 1 Lever Action Repeating Pistol was manufactured by Horace Smith and Daniel B. Wesson in Norwich, Connecticut c. 1854. This small frame No. 1 pistol is serial numbered 19 and has the early Type I features that include: (1) flat muzzle, (2) flat magazine lock spring, (3) single screw retaining spring and (4) very rare loading lever with finger spur. The pistol has a "four-inch" part round/part octagon barrel with integral six-shot magazine. The barrel has a nickel silver, pinch-top, front sight and the magazine has a steel, clam-shell shaped follower. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped: "SMITH & WESSON/NORWICH. CT." The right side flat is roll-stamped: "CAST STEEL", and the left side flat is roll-stamped: "PATENT". The iron frame has a small, half-circle cut at the front of the ejection port and a simple notched, flattened cylinder rear sight. The sideplates, top and rear of the frame, back strap and top of the hammer are decorated with the simple but well-executed S&W open scrollwork factory engraving. The two-piece, bag-shaped, rosewood grips have a high polish piano finish. The serial number is stamped on the left side of the frame beneath the grips, on the left side of the hammer and on the inside of both grips. All of the visible serial numbers match. The barrel has a brown finish, the iron frame is blued, and the hammer and lever are color casehardened. Smith & Wesson manufactured approximately 700 No. 1 lever action pistols. The first 100 pistols, like this example, were serial numbered 1-100; subsequent pistols were numbered in 100 gun lots with "A-F" following the serial number. No.1 pistols with Type I features and finger spur loading levers are very rare. Provenance: The Dr. Gerald Klaz Collection

Rating Definition:

Fine. This pistol is all original. The barrel has 50% of the thin brown finish with finish wear on the muzzle collar and edges. The markings on the top flats are sharp. The iron frame and sideplates show 40% of the delicate bright original blue finish on protected areas. Most of the original blue has faded to a mottled, gray-brown patina. The simple but well executed factory scroll engraving is deep and crisp. The hammer, trigger and lever retain 40% of the muted case colors. The grips are in fine overall condition and have 80% of the piano finish with scattered minor handling marks. This is an outstanding example of a rare, very early production, S&W No.1, Type I, Lever Action Repeating Pistol. It would be nearly impossible to find a better example of this rare and historically significant S&W Volcanic pistol.



Customer Product Questions

There are currently no customer product questions on this lot

    Related Items

    Lot #28: Smith & Wesson Model No. 1 1/2 First Issue Revolver

    Lot #34: Two Smith & Wesson No. 1 Single Action Revolvers

    Lot #882: Smith & Wesson First Model Single Shot Pistol in .38 S&W

    Lot #31: Smith & Wesson No. 2 Old Army Tip-Up Revolver

    Lot #29: Smith & Wesson No. 1 Second Issue Spur Trigger Revolver

    Lot #550: Early Production Smith & Wesson Model 1 1/2 Revolver