I am just getting into the early S&W's and initially found it very confusing trying to make sense of it all.

So if I am getting this right, there are eight (8) different versions of the model 1 that collectors are interested in.

You have the one, one, one; the one, one, two; the one, one, three; the one, one, four; the one, one, five; the one, one, six; the one, second and the one, third.

Then you get into the 1 1/2 but I'll save that for the next chapter.

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James Redfield
LM #497

You are correct, and the way you stated it also makes for a fancy dance routine .

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Thanks for clearing that up.

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Mike
S&WCA #3065

Technically, I know of 8 variants of the 1-2 and 9 variants of the 1-3, but you've got to be a hardcore collector to get into those.

Mike

OK Lucy, you got some splaining to do!! I had not heard of variations of the 1,2 and the 1,3. Lay it on me...

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James Redfield
LM #497

• Model 1, 2nd Issue, 2 Patent Dates, Straight side plate, Flat Trigger Spring, Blue and Silver Finish
• Model 1, 2nd Issue, 2 Patent Dates, Round Side Plate, Flat Trigger Spring, Blue and Silver Finish
• Model 1, 2nd Issue, 2 Patent Dates, Round Side Plate, Coil Trigger Spring, Blue and Silver Finish
• Model 1, 2nd Issue, 2 Patent Dates, Round Side Plate, U-Shaped Trigger Spring, Blue and Silver Finish
• Model 1, 2nd Issue, 3 Patent Dates, Round Side Plate, Large Barrel Marking, Blue and Silver Finish
• Model 1, 2nd Issue, 3 Patent Dates, Round Side Plate, Small Barrel Marking, Blue and Silver Finish
• Model 1, 2nd Issue, 3 Patent Dates, "Full Plate" nickel plating on barrel and frame and cylinder (special order)
• Model 1, 2nd Issue, 3 Patent Dates, stamped "2ND QUAL'TY"

• Model 1, 3rd Issue, Square top strap, Nickel Finish, Standard Length Barrel
• Model 1, 3rd Issue, Square top strap, Blued Finish, Standard Length Barrel
• Model 1, 3rd Issue, Square top strap, Nickel Finish, Short Length Barrel (unconfirmed)
• Model 1, 3rd Issue, Square top strap, Blued Finish, Short Length Barrel (unconfirmed)
• Model 1, 3rd Issue, Round top strap, Nickel Finish, Standard Length Barrel
• Model 1, 3rd Issue, Round top strap, Blued Finish, Standard Length Barrel
• Model 1, 3rd Issue, Round top strap, Nickel Finish, Short Length Barrel
• Model 1, 3rd Issue, Round top strap, Blued Finish, Short Length Barrel
• Model 1, 3rd Issue, Half Plate Finish (special order)

This doesn't include engraved guns. And, there may be multiple variants of the 3rd Issue half plate guns (short barrel vs long barrel, etc.).

Mike

James
Unless you fall into a 1st 1st, or a 1st 2nd, be prepared to mortgage the farm. The last 1st 2nd I had sold for over 10K. That was from a now departed SWCA member and that was over 20 years ago. If you need fast cash, you have my number and you know what I like.

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Don Mundell

Even the more common Model 1, 1st Issue guns fetch a pretty penny. A complete set of 3rd to 6th variations would easily run upwards of $7,500—more if the guns were in really superb condition.

And, as Don said, the 1st and 2nd variants will go well into the 5 digits. I'm not sure if a Model 1 has ever hit 6 digits, but I'm sure the day is coming.

Mike

As Mike said, "This doesn't include engraved guns." Then there's the stocks; Pearl, Ivory and Rosewood. Has anyone found the two 1st, 2nd's that are rumored to have solid silver frames?

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Mike Maher #283

Sorry Don, I've told you before, I don't do back rubs!!!

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James Redfield
LM #497

James
I do know where there is a 1st 1st 1st in it's original cardboard box. It is in mint condition. I believe it also has an unused gutta percha Union case.
It can be had for some serious coin.

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Don Mundell

Hello Don.
If there is ever an opportunity, it would be wonderful to see pics of the gun you mention.
Mike

Don, just for the curious, how much is serious coin?

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Mike 2796
SoFo Bunch member

There are two Model Ones for sale online that have GP cases. I don't remember exactly which version they are but they are not 1,1,1's. Asking prices are $7,500 and $6,500 respectively. IIRC the $6,500 gun is earlier than the $7,500 gun but the latter is in better condition.

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James Redfield
LM #497

My seat-of-the-pants instinct tells me that a 1-1-5 or 1-1-6 in average condition could probably be had for around $1,500 each. 1-1-3 and 1-1-4 would be more in the $2,500 to $4,000 range. For a 1-1-1 or 1-1-2, a good one is going to be well into the five digits.

YMMV, as it always does.

Mike