Smith model 1

telh74 · #1 10-06-2018, 06:02 PM

Just got the Smith Wesson model 1 second issue nickel plated complete approx 1861

I put out 400 for it the condition is great these seem to be all over the place with price but I think I did ok

Is the all nickel more harder to come by the then the others?

Wrangler Rich · #2 10-06-2018, 06:38 PM

I think you did great.
I found one a few months ago. I have a post on mine a page or so down.

The experts will be along shortly and give you more information if you put the serial number out there.

WR

telh74 · #3 10-06-2018, 06:43 PM

The serial number is 183xx

H Richard · #4 10-06-2018, 07:14 PM

As far as I can tell, it looks pretty nice, b ut is the hammer and trigger also nickled? If that is all original finish the $400 price was a good deal. I have a soft spot for #1's, it took me several years to fill the #1, 1st issue, (3rd type) slot in my little small 3 gun collection of #1's.

1st Issue, 2nd Issue, and 3rd Issue.

mmaher94087 · #5 10-06-2018, 08:17 PM

"Is the all nickel more harder to come by the then the others?". Generally speaking, Yes, they seem harder to come by. I don't know if it is because the full-plate was a 'Special Order' only or if the perceived scarcity is a product of not being a popular finish or if there was a cost issue that people couldn't afford. Nice 1st, 2nd.

iby · #6 10-06-2018, 11:29 PM

I always believed that the standard finish on 1st 2nd was silver frame and blue barrel and cylinder.
rarely seen nickle

H Richard · #7 10-07-2018, 09:47 AM

iby, it seems that nearly every other 1st, 2nd I have seen were nickle frame and blued barrel & cylinder also. The "book" does mention, "or a full plating in nickle".

iby · #8 10-07-2018, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by H Richard

iby, it seems that nearly every other 1st, 2nd I have seen were nickle frame and blued barrel & cylinder also. The "book" does mention, "or a full plating in nickle".

Book (SCSW) says silver frame.
I think a full nickel plated one would be scarce.

iby · #9 10-07-2018, 01:08 PM

P.S.
It looks like the OP's gun is Nickel on everything.(hammer trigger ejector)
Is this possibly factory??

mmaher94087 · #10 10-07-2018, 01:38 PM

iby, Yes. Factory plate. Although, I believe the plating was subcontracted at the time these revolvers were manufactured.

iby · #11 10-07-2018, 03:10 PM

thanks Mike
While I had the "book" open I was looking at the #1 values.(2006 edition)
They look like they have remained the same except for maybe the 1st 1st models.
Is it a misprint or why is the 1st 4th valued more than the 1st 3rd?
I don't think the high condition prices are realistic

cjwils · #12 10-07-2018, 06:28 PM

I cannot be sure from the photos, but my hunch is that it has been re-nickled. Can't be sure what the original finish was. Can the OP provide close-up photos that show the nickle in the lettering, and maybe the nickle in some dents?

mmaher94087 · #13 10-07-2018, 08:24 PM

iby asked: "Is it a misprint or why is the 1st 4th valued more than the 1st 3rd?". I believe it comes down to scarcity of the revolver. There were only 258 of the 1st Model, 1st Issue (rounded frame), 4th Type revolvers manufactured. There were 131,163 1st Model, 3rd Issue revolvers.

cjwils, I, too, would like to hold the revolver in my hands to evaluate but I believe this to be an original finish on this one. I see no evidence of a refinish.. for once.

iby · #14 10-08-2018, 10:36 PM

mike
I should have said 1st 1st 4th and 1st 1st 3rd

mmaher94087 · #15 10-09-2018, 12:03 PM

I misread my notes and the numbers produced stated above are wrong. However, I still believe the scarcity is the driving factor for the price difference. 1,1,3: ~2900 manufactured. 1,1,4: ~1200 manufactured. I know that I looked for the 1,1,4 for a long time before I found one.

Drm50 · #16 10-09-2018, 12:46 PM

I've had 3 in last couple years. 2 were nickel and were both on
shoddy side as far as finish. I had around $250@ in them. I got
a refinished one in blue 3rd with birds head grip that was in very
nice shape right here on forum. I think it was $150, maybe less
because it was in multiple purchase. When see around here at
shows if functional they want at least $400 for them. And blue
ones are few and far between.

mmaher94087 · #17 10-09-2018, 07:57 PM

"..a refinished one in blue 3rd with birds head grip..". The 1st Model, 3rd Issue revolvers are priced all over the place depending on condition as you have noted. Your statement is correct in my opinion.

To clarify, Iby was referring to the 1st Model, 1st Issue, 3rd Type which has the rounded sides of the frame, circular side plate and are not commonly found.

H Richard · #18 10-10-2018, 10:11 AM

The way I read the book, the 1st, 1st,3rd had 1870 made. (S/N 1130 to 3000). I have trouble evaluating the one I have, it has about 75% of the silver plating, and about 70% of the bluing, but has quite a few minor bumps and nicks, and initials carved in the left grip panel. (see picture above). I feel it should rate Antique Fine, but hesitate to list it that way.

mmaher94087 · #19 10-10-2018, 11:52 AM

Third time's the charm?? Agreed; ~1870 made. I didn't proof read close enough.

iby · #20 10-10-2018, 08:03 PM

H Richard
The book says 30% blue for "fine" No call out for silver.
I guess your is "fine"
Value shown is $3000
I don't think they have been going for that lately
Mike

H Richard · #21 10-11-2018, 09:46 AM

Mike, I agree, I don't see this one bringing $3000, but I would like to see it (someday) get in the $1800 - $2000 range. I have tentatively set around 7 years from now to start getting rid of my collection. All depends on health, once you get past 75 you can't make any real long term plans.

first-model · #22 11-07-2018, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by H Richard

Mike, I agree, I don't see this one bringing $3000, but I would like to see it (someday) get in the $1800 - $2000 range. I have tentatively set around 7 years from now to start getting rid of my collection. All depends on health, once you get past 75 you can't make any real long term plans.

Unless there's something wrong with it that I can't see from the picture, I would consider $1,800 a fair offer for that 1-1-3.

Mike