My father, who turns 80 this October, called me last night to ask about selling his S&W Model 1. My stepmother sent me a photo of it displayed. I had no idea he even owned this antique, and I guess he doesn't want to pass it on to one of his 3 sons

Can anyone tell me how to best appraise the value of this rare, low serial number gun? Also, where is the best place to attempt to sell it?

He has some Belgian Browning shotguns I'm hoping he won't sell, but will instead perhaps hand them down to us

Thanks very much for any insight you might offer.

Welcome to the Forum. I started a post based on the assumption that the serial number was of the Model One, 1st Issue being 83, but you added a photo of a Model One, Third Issue. This model also started with a "1", but the valuation is certainly no where near the same as the first Model Ones manufactured. The Model One, 1st Issue, 1st Type would be worth north of $10,000, while the Model One, 3rd Issue is worth around $250! Sorry for the low estimate, but there were over 131,000 of this model made and with the blue finish showing lots of brown patina, collector value is low. That value assumes a gun in Very Good condition. The gun was manufactured most likely in 1868. Good luck to your father in selling his Model One.

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Gary
SWCA 2515

Oh, wow. He thought he had a 1st issue! He bought if from an old man several years ago who was selling several of his guns. My father is an avid sportsman, and loves his guns, but is no expert...haha. I'll break the bad news to him today. Can you help me explain to him why this is a 3rd issue, and not a 1st issue? I guess whomever put it in the frame thought it was also a 1st issue, made in 1857. Thanks much for your help!

Three things stand out immediately that says it isn't a first issue The grips are birdhead type not square butt. The cylinder is fluted should be non fluted and the frame sides should be rounded not flat. There are other things but those are the major ones.

The Model One has three distinct frame designs, hence the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Issues. The early First Issue had a segmented hammer, round sideplate and a rounded frame with a square butt. The second Issue has a larger flat sided frame/sideplate and a square butt, while the Third Issue has a fluted cylinder and a round butt as you see in your attached image.

Here are a couple of pictures of a 1st Issue and a 2nd Issue for comparison. Production dates for the 1st Issue was from 1857 to 1860; the 2nd Issue from 1860 to 1868, and the 3rd Issue from 1868 to 1881.

Attached Images

	Model One 1st.jpg (24.5 KB, 110 views)
	Model One 2nd.jpg (52.4 KB, 104 views)

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Gary
SWCA 2515

Man, I was puckered up to see #38.
still a nice little gun 3rd Model. Best

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Mike 2796
SoFo Bunch member

I think that perhaps the confusion here was that it IS a model 1 and with such a low serial number the average gun enthusiast might assume that it was a first issue.

Unfortunately, the two real easy give aways are the lack of the round disc shaped side plate and the curved "birds head" stocks. Only the model one first issue has this disc shaped side plate.

As others have stated, a one, one, one, of which there were only 213 produced would be worth very large dollars. Collectors recognize 6 variations of the model one first issue and separate them as "types". By the end of the 6th type production, there were 11,671 guns produced. Serial number wise they would fall into the following, 1-213, 214-1130, 1131-3000, 3001-4200, 4201-5500 and 5501-11,671. These are approximate numbers and may be off by a couple.

Since over 100,000 model one, third issues were produced, only the very high condition guns will bring big dollars.

Not sure what the ammo is in the shadowbox but these guns were built to shoot black powder and another reason why finding one in pristine condition today is rare. Might not be a good idea to try it with that ammo but without knowing what it is for sure, I can't say for certain. Others might have better information in that regard.

Hopefully dad didn't pay $10,000 for the gun.

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James Redfield
LM #497

Those .22 cartridges displayed appear to be modern manufacture. There is no oxidation on the lead and the cannelures appear to be a more modern design. If they are modern they are way too powerful for that revolver.

The revolver IS a First Model but it is the Third design change as stated; hence the 1st Model, 3rd Issue designation. Pristine examples may be found and, with antiques, condition is everything.

Has anyone in the family expressed interest in the firearms to your father? My father sold his collection and afterwards said that he didn't know we were interested in them.

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Mike Maher #283

Sorry, Mike, but I think that definition only muddies the water here. The standard references terminologies for this revolver include Model; Issue, and Type. This 7 shooter remains a Model One (or Model No. 1), 3rd Issue. Only the 1st Issue uses "Type" to differentiate the six early design changes.

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Gary
SWCA 2515

Man, you guys sure know your stuff. I'm definitely glad I came here first, before trying to sell it to someone as a 1st issue. I'm dreading the phone call I gotta make to my father tonight. I think he said he only paid like $250 for it, so no harm, no foul. He told me last night that the old man said it was worth a lot more, and so my dad tried to return it to him. He's as honest as the day is long, my father. The old man told him nah, he was just glad someone like my dad could enjoy having it. I think it is about time my brothers and I have a talk with our father about all his guns. He and his business partner had 4 full passes to the Masters for like 20 years, and then just turned them back in. Never asked any of us to go...just business customers. My youngest brother and I are die hard golf nuts, so it broke our heart. Better tell Daddy to save a few of his guns for his sons!

Gary, I think you misread my post. I agree that First Model, 1st Issue revolvers are defined by 'Types' to differentiate the six changes within that first series. "Type" wasn't used in my post.

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Mike Maher #283

I think he meant that you "typed" your post.

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James Redfield
LM #497

Judging from the lack of finish on the poster's Dad's Model 1, 3rd, I doubt it would bring #250 in today's down market for antiques. I recently sold through consignments on Gun Broker, several of these model ones, 3rd issue, with much more condition for less than $250. A Model One , First issue, First type ( serial number under 213) will likely bring close to $50K. Ed.

Just saw this post. I have serial number 84 ... if your family ever decides to part with this gun, please let me know. It would be really neat to have consecutive guns come back together after 150 years apart!

Mike

Would these guns have interesting destinations or would they merely show shipment to Storrs or Robinson in NYC???

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James Redfield
LM #497

84 shipped to Storrs in May 1868. I'd bet money that 83 was in the same lot.

Mike

Last year I sold one in about the same condition finish wise and in good functional condition. It brought about $175 on Gunbroker. FYI