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LOT 3281
Fine and Exceptionally Scarce Gutta Percha Cased New York Engraved Smith & Wesson Model Number One 1st Issue 2nd Type Revolver with Distinctive Bayonet Latch - Serial no. 423, 22 RF cal., 3 3/16 inch solid rib bbl., blue/silver finish, rosewood grips. Offered here is a highly desirable S&W Model Number One 1st Issue 2nd Type revolver with a New York Engraving and with an equally rare S&W gutta percha case. The revolver features the rare “bayonet” or flat spring barrel latch found only on first approximately 1,130 Model Number One 1st Issue revolvers (1st and 2nd Type). The revolver also has the revolving recoil plate attached to the frame. The barrel rib has the one-line address, the cylinder has the 1855 patent marking, and matching serial numbers are on the butt, both grip panels, barrel, and cylinder. The New York engraving consists of floral patterns on the sides of the frame and butt. The S&W gutta percha case features a decorative relief lid showing an image of a No. 1 revolver and “MANUFACTURED ONLY BY/SMITH & WESSON,/SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS”. The inside of the lid has decorative purple velvet, the bottom of the case is lined in brown velvet, and the case contains a cartridge block holding 55 rounds and a cleaning rod. CONDITION: Fine. The barrel retains 60% original blue finish thinning to a brown. The cylinder has a smooth brown-gray patina. The frame retains 20% retailer applied silver plating. The engraving is crisp. The grips are fine with some high edge wear and some minor handling marks. The cylinder does not always lock when the hammer is cocked; otherwise, action is fine. The case is very good with a few cracks and scattered chipping on the sides and typical high spot wear on the lining. A fine example of an rarely encountered period retailer engraved Smith & Wesson Number One 1st Issue 2nd Type revolver with an equally scarce S&W gutta percha case. Provenance: The Dr. Gerald Klaz Collection. Estimate: 5,000 - 7,000
LOT 3283
Rare Documented 2nd
Quality Marked Smith
& Wesson Model No. 1
2nd Issue Revolver with
Factory Letter - Serial no. 95665, 22 RF cal., 3 3/16 inch solid rib bbl., blue/silver finish, rosewood grips. Manufactured from 1860 to 1868, this Model 1 2nd Issue revolver has the rare “2D QUALTY” marking on the sides of the barrel. This marking indicated
there were slight casting flaws when the revolver was manufactured. The manufacturing flaws did not affect the mechanical function and they were sold at a discount. Approximately 4,402 of these types of revolvers feature the “2D QUALTY” marking. Fitted with rosewood grips with the left panel numbered
to the gun. The included S&W factory letter
confirms the “2D QUALTY” marking and blue and
silver finish. The revolver was part of a shipment of 50 2nd
Quality type revolvers shipped to William Patton of Springfield, MA on June 6, 1866. CONDITION: Very good. The barrel and cylinder have a mottled gray patina (darker on the cylinder). The frame retains 95% original silver plating with some high edge wear. The sideplate has been refinished. The grips are excellent showing some scattered minor handling marks with most of the original varnish remaining. Mechanically fine. Estimate: 1,500 - 2,250
LOT 3282
Factory Engraved Smith & Wesson New
Model No. 3 Target Revolver with Pearl Grips - Serial no. 25933, 44 S&W Russian cal., 6 1/2 inch solid rib bbl., blue finish, pearl grips. Gustave Young factory engraved with his classic floral scroll pattern and bordering found on numerous other factory engraved S&Ws of the 19th century. The top of the barrel rib is marked with the two- line address/patent, reissue dates marking, target sights, and matching serial numbers are on the butt, cylinder, barrel and barrel latch. CONDITION: Very fine, retaining 99% plus of the modern professionally reapplied blue finish showing very minimal handling evidence. The grips are
158
excellent with fiery colors. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The Dr. Gerald Klaz Collection.
Estimate: 3,000 - 5,000