Lot 1338: Smith & Wesson No. 1 1/2 First Issue Revolver

The accompanying factory letter confirms the rare 4 inch barrel (standard length was 3 1/2 inches), blue finish and rosewood grips, shipped on April 10, 1866 and delivered to William Read & Son, Boston, MA. S&W historian Roy Jinks has written in past S&WCA journal that only 50-75 4 inch barrel examples of this model were produced. The right grip panel is numbered to the gun. Matching assembly numbers are found on the grip frame, cylinder and barrel.

Fine, retaining 70% original blue finish with a smooth brown patina on the balance and a couple patches of pitting. The grips are very fine with some minor handling marks and nearly all original varnish remaining. Mechanically excellent. A very rare and hard to find variation in the Model 1 1/2 series.