Please help me ID this pistol:

JT Custom Guns · #1 10-07-2018, 11:05 AM

Hello All and Thank you for taking the time to read and hopefully ID this pistol I got in from an estate liquidation:

It is a Smith & Wesson model 1 1/2 (I think?)
The s/n: is 5931
The finish is a deep blue, similar to that of a colt python
with case hardened hammer & trigger.
The Front sight is silver, and look too new to be original

The grips are Black, look like plastic, but upon removal almost look like wood and have the number "411" written in pencil on the right side grip.

The box is walnut, and there appears to be an original S&W label tact nailed on the back.
There is a small wrench in the box with flat blade screw driver on one end and open end wrench on the other.

Not sure if this is an original or possibly refinished model and would like any input as to production date, value, ect.

Thank you!
JT

murphydog · #2 10-07-2018, 11:47 AM

Welcome! Best I can do with the photos is this appears to be a .32 Single Action and it appears original. Detailed closeup photos would help for more information.

mmaher94087 · #3 10-07-2018, 11:50 AM

Your revolver is a .32CF Single Action, AKA 1 1/2 New Model .32CF. To avoid confusion, the .32 Single Action name should be used as there are several model 1 1/2 revolvers in .32 RF and then the .32 CF too. The tool is a wrench for the .38 Single Action, 1st model; AKA Baby Russian and is quite scarce and valuable by itself. The blue finish on the .32 Single Action is not often encountered as most were nickel plated.

JT Custom Guns · #4 10-07-2018, 11:51 AM

Any where I can look the serial number up for production date or exact model?

mmaher94087 · #5 10-07-2018, 11:58 AM

Supica & Nahaus, the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, 4th Edition. The book will give production dates as: from/to. Specific date information will require a letter.

JT Custom Guns · #6 10-07-2018, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mmaher94087

Your revolver is a .32CF Single Action, AKA 1 1/2 New Model .32CF. To avoid confusion, the .32 Single Action name should be used as there are several model 1 1/2 revolvers in .32 RF and then the .32 CF too. The tool is a wrench for the .38 Single Action, 1st model; AKA Baby Russian and is quite scarce and valuable by itself. The blue finish on the .32 Single Action is not often encountered as most were nickel plated.

Would this be a "second issue"?

opoefc · #7 10-07-2018, 01:23 PM

Some references call the rimfire models " 1st Models" and the centerfire guns " 2nd models" but that is incorrect. You have a .32CF New model 1 1/2. There is no 2nd model. The 411 stamped on the right grip is the serial number of the gun that they grips were originally on. They are replacement grips for your gun, done by a prior owner. You have a nice S&W with a dealer case. If the blue is original, that's even better. The instructions tacked to the case are from the inside top lid of an original S&W box, as you probably know. As Mike said, the small tool ( combo wrench & screw driver ) is from a .38SA. Serial number 5931's production date would be approximately 1878-79. Ed.

mmaher94087 · #8 10-07-2018, 01:34 PM

No. This is where the confusion begins. The 1 1/2 Model designation started with the .32 RF. There was an 'old' model aka the 1st model, issue or change. Then came the 'new' model, aka 2nd model, issue or change. Both of these were .32 RF, Tip-up revolvers. When S&W introduced the .32 CF, Top Break design they called it the 'New Model' 1 1/2. In light of the number of times the 1 1/2 designation has been used, it is best to use the .32CF Single Action name.

JT Custom Guns · #9 10-07-2018, 03:49 PM

Thank you all for the valuable info.!

Can anyone est the value on this.....????

Wiregrassguy · #10 10-07-2018, 04:08 PM

Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass! The grips are hard rubber, not plastic. As far as value goes, that's going to be tough. It is a very desirable gun in top condition with custom box and the original takedown tool. I think you'd need an auction to establish market on it. You probably already have offers to consider. There is a pricing guide in the Standard Catalog, 4th Ed.

KEN L · #11 10-08-2018, 04:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JT Custom Guns

Hello All and Thank you for taking the time to read and hopefully ID this pistol I got in from an estate liquidation:

It is a Smith & Wesson model 1 1/2 (I think?)
The s/n: is 5931
The finish is a deep blue, similar to that of a colt python
with case hardened hammer & trigger.
The Front sight is silver, and look too new to be original

The grips are Black, look like plastic, but upon removal almost look like wood and have the number "411" written in pencil on the right side grip.

The box is walnut, and there appears to be an original S&W label tact nailed on the back.
There is a small wrench in the box with flat blade screw driver on one end and open end wrench on the other.

Not sure if this is an original or possibly refinished model and would like any input as to production date, value, ect.

Thank you!
JT

What you have is a .32 single action top break, and probably dates to around July 1878. Awesome find, congratulations!

Jaxenro · #12 10-08-2018, 07:16 PM

Fantastic find is the finish original to the gun?

JT Custom Guns · #13 10-08-2018, 07:40 PM

Yes!
The finish is original and it appears the gun is un-fired.......

Jaxenro · #14 10-08-2018, 09:12 PM

Quite a few were bought and kept in a bedside or office drawer and never fired. I’d ask if you bought it for resale but I think this one is out of my price range

Jtown · #15 10-08-2018, 09:18 PM

Beautiful, if it is original finish it was kept in someone's sock drawer and never saw daylight.
Walt