Page 170 - Auction84-Book1

LOT 318
Smith & Wesson Model No. 1 First Issue Third Variation Revolver with Gutta Percha Case - Serial no. 1208, 22 RF Short cal., 3 3/16 inch solid rib bbl., blue/silver finish, rosewood grips. This is one of the first 100 of the Smith & Wesson Model 1 First Issue of the Third Type which saw
the removal of the “bayonet latch” and
the implementation of the spring loaded
barrel catch. The top of the barrel rib is
stamped with the one-line Springfield
address, and the cylinder has the patent
dates marking. The barrel and cylinder are
numbered to the gun. The frame is silver
plated, while the remaining parts are blue.
Fitted with varnished rosewood grips which
are numbered to the gun. Complete with
an original Smith & Wesson gutta percha
case with decorative carved lid with image
of a No. 1 revolver and “MANUFACTURED
ONLY BY/SMITH & WESSON,/SPRINGFIELD
MASSACHUSETTS”. The inside of the lid has
decorative wine colored velvet, and there is
red velvet on the bottom and
a cartridge block.
CONDITION: Fine. The revolver retains 40%
original blue finish with the balance a smoot
brown patina. There is limited fine pin point pitting. The frame retains 95% original silver plating which has an attractive aged appearance showing some light blistering. The grips are fine with much of the varnish remaining and some scattered minor handling marks. Mechanically excellent. The case is fine with minimal handling/storage evidence. The velvet shows some high spot wear.
Estimate: 2,750 - 4,250
LOT 319
LOT 320
Cased New York Engraved Smith & Wesson Model No. 1 1/2 Second Issue Spur Trigger Revolver with Pearl Grips - Serial no. 85346, 32 RF cal., 3 1/2 inch solid rib bbl., nickel/gold/silver finish, pearl grips. This revolver displays beautiful floral scrollwork engraving and punch dot backgrounds on the sides
of the barrel, between the
cylinder flutes, behind the
hammer, and on the sides of
the fame. The extractor rod and cylinder are silver plated and gold washed. The hammer and trigger are casehardened, the grips are smooth pearl, and the remaining components are nickel plated. “28” is marked on the back of the barrel lug, and the cylinder is numbered “33.” The serial number is on the butt and the left grip. The rib has the one-line address and patent marking. Comes in a deluxe period French fitted case. CONDITION: Very fine. 98% of the original nickel plating, 90% gold plating in the cylinder flutes, traces of gold on the rod, strong silver plating on the cylinder, and significant case colors on the hammer remain. There are some light minor marks from handling and storage and some very slight spotting. The engraving and markings are very crisp. The grips are also very fine and have bright colors, minor handling marks, and clean edges. The action functions fine. The case is fine with minor wear overall. An exceptionally nice and fine New York engraved Model 1 1/2 in a neat and interesting period dealer case.
Estimate: 2,500 - 4,000
LOT 321
English Proofed Smith
& Wesson Model No. 2
Army Revolver - Serial no. 69514, 32 RF cal., 5
inch solid rib bbl., blue finish, walnut grips. Round blade front
sight with notched top strap rear sight. The top of the barrel rib is marked
with the one-line address, and the cylinder is marked “PATENTED APRIL 3,
1855, JULY 5, 1859 & DEC 18, 1860.” around the center. Six shot round unfluted
cylinder marked with alternating “Crown/V”“Crown/GP” proofs between the cylinder stops. The left barrel flat is also stamped with a stacked “Crown/GP” over “Crown/V”. Casehardened checkered hammer and smooth grips on a square butt.
CONDITION: Fine as period refinished retaining 90% plus blue finish. The
cylinder remains in original condition and is now a mottled brown over
patina. The right side of the frame has a hand done inscription “Customs
Kingstone” which has been brushed over. The hammer exhibits vibrant
flashes of original case colors. The grips are excellent as period revarnished.
Mechanically fine.
Estimate: 1,800 - 2,750
LOT 322
Antique Smith & Wesson .32 Double
Action 4th Model Revolver with
Factory Letter - Serial no. 150674, 32 S&W cal., 3 1/2 inch
solid rib bbl., blue finish, hard rubber grips. The factory letter
confirms the 3 1/2 inch barrel, blue finish and checkered black
hard rubber grips and with shipment dated on October 18, 1890 to
E.K. Tryon Co., Philadelphia, PA. Original German silver front sight and matching serial numbers are on the butt, cylinder,
barrel and barrel latch.
CONDITION: Very fine, retaining 90% original blue finish with a smooth brown patina on the balance. Nearly all original case colors remain on the hammer and trigger. The grips are excellent with crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. Early blue finished .32 DAs like this gun are rarely found in this high condition.
Estimate: 1,200 - 1,800
h
Very Fine Smith & Wesson No.
3 Third Model Russian Single
Action Revolver with Factory Letter - Serial no. 48165,
44 Russian cal., 6 1/2 inch solid rib bbl., nickel finish, walnut grips.
This variation of the Smith & Wesson No. 3 is also known as the “Model
1874,”“Cavalry Model,” and “New Model Russian”. 41,138 were manufactured
primarily under contract with the Russian, Turkish, and Japanese governments.
Others were produced for the commercial market including a special group of
3,000 numbered in their own range that were not marked “RUSSIAN MODEL.”
Interestingly, both the Turks and Japanese were at war with the Russians in this
period. Unfortunately for Smith & Wesson, the Russians liked the revolvers but did
not like the price, so they had them reverse engineered and manufactured by their
government arsenals and some European manufacturers. The resulting loss of sales
nearly bankrupted the company. The included factory letter indicates this revolver
was manufactured in 1876. This model is easily identified by the large thumbscrew
on the top strap, integral front blade sight, trigger guard spur, and humpback grip strap. The barrel is marked with the long one line patent ending with “RUSSIAN MODEL” flanked with Maltese crosses on the rib. The butt has the serial number, “P,” and “1874” in a box along with a lanyard ring. The full serial number is also stamped on the underside of the right grip panel, and the matching assembly number “794” is stamped on the barrel, barrel latch, cylinder, and right side of the grip straps. The left grip panel has a lightly hand scratched “P” near the top, and the right has a coarser “F.” CONDITION: Very fine. 97% plus of the original nickel plating remains. Most of the loss is on the cylinder which also has a drag line. There are some spots of light dull frosting on the cylinder flats. The hammer and trigger guard retain strong original case colors. The grips are very fine with minor scratches. The action functions fine, and the markings are crisp. Estimate: 3,750 - 5,500
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