Manufactured c. 1857, this is a rare example of a very early Second Type Smith & Wesson No. 1 First Issue revolver. Much of the available Smith & Wesson literature lists the First Type No. 1 revolvers spanning from serial number 1 to approximately 213, however the writer believes this to be incorrect, and instead ending right around serial number 200. This example has the distinctive "bayonet" barrel latch visible on the front bottom of the frame but lacks the visible key fastening the recoil plate which was a defining feature of the First Type. The single line Smith & Wesson address is on top of the barrel rib and matching numbers are present on the toe, barrel lug, front face of the cylinder, and inside both grips. The distinctive round sideplate of the First Issue No. 1 revolvers is visible on the left of the frame. Provenance: The Dr. Gerald Klaz Collection

Very good, the iron showing a mixture of grey and brown patinas with some scattered patches of light pitting and the brass showing an attractive antique patina with a series of minor dings near the sideplate. The dark grips are also very good with a few minor chips near the bottom edge of each panel. The front sight blade has been reconfigured. The cylinder locking portion of the rear sight is broken off allowing the cylinder to spin freely, otherwise mechanically fine.