Boxed, engraved Mod 1, 3rd

[Smiths4evr]

Last weekend, I ran across a boxed, engraved, Model 1, 3rd Issue with what appears to be an original box of cartridges. The box appears to be a factory presentation case.

The cartridge box is not full, the top has separated from the rest of the box, and the lead bullets are starting to turn to dust. This dust is seen on the left side of the presentation case.

The revolver is in great condition with pearl stocks. Serial No is 93858. What is likelihood the engraving is factory? Any ideas of value on this package?

TIA.

[Breakaway500]

Looks to be a beauty. The case does not appear to be old.A letter may be the only way to determine if it is a factory engrave.If it's as clean as it looks..and original, in the $1.5k+ range.

[JSR III]

All old lead bullets will eventually form that white crud. If it bothers you just wipe it off with a cloth covered in bullet lube.

Cases were made by the factory and many distributors also had them made up for customers. Unless it is maker marked somewhere you will probably never know where it was made or by whom.

Unfortunately, many of the minute details that we collectors of today obsess over were just not important back then and therefore the information was not recorded for posterity.

Still a very neat item and deserving of a good home.

[H Richard]

My eye's seem to see a gold finish, or is it just the light. Gold finish's were not unheard of back then. Neat peace!

[opoefc]

No in house engravers where on the payroll at S&W when this gun was made, so orders for engraved guns were either done by the distributor ( J.W.Pond, most likely) or by local engravers in Springfield. The case could be period, but also may be of a later vintage, however it presents the gun very well. Ed.

[OLDSTER]

Stunning !!!

[Smiths4evr]

Originally Posted by H Richard

My eye's seem to see a gold finish, or is it just the light. Gold finish's were not unheard of back then. Neat peace!

It's just the light. The finish is nickel and looks like new. The rear third of the bore appeared tarnished slightly, but there was no pitting in the bore and rifling is undisturbed. The cylinder has no powder marks anywhere.

[mmaher94087]

Dave, great survivor. I love the tip up and top breaks. FYI as a point of order: the "boxed" should be CASED. Nice find!

[Smiths4evr]

Originally Posted by opoefc

No in house engravers where on the payroll at S&W when this gun was made, so orders for engraved guns were either done by the distributor ( J.W.Pond, most likely) or by local engravers in Springfield. The case could be period, but also may be of a later vintage, however it presents the gun very well. Ed.

Ed,

As always, your input is much appreciated! It clears up some of the question marks on this package.

[nutsforsmiths]

I bought this engraved blued example of a 1st, 3rd many years ago, serial number 72596. I sent for a factory letter and it came back stating it was shipped from the factory in 1872 as an engraved pistol.

I had many conversations with Dave Carroll about this pistol, and he, and others who know more about these models than I do, pointed out that saying it was shipped from the factory as an engraved gun could mean that it either was sent out to be engraved and then came back to the factory before shipping (most likely), or it could have actually been done at the factory and then shipped out (very rare).

Yours looks to be in amazing shape.