I saw a S&W Model One 3rd issue at a LGS shop today. It appeared to be missing the hammer, and the tag said "non-functional". What struck me was the overall very good condition. It looked to be original blue and factory walnut birds head grips in very nice condition. I did not get to handle it and I had nothing with which to snap a pic. It was marked $299. Nineteenth century Smiths are not in my "wheelhouse" and I just thought I would mention it here. If anyone would like the LGS info, just PM me.

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Y. B. Ord & A. Ree

Price is a bit high, as functional ones can be found at or close to that price. I suspect parts would be hard to come by.

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Randy

$299 is way steep for a 1-3 that is missing its hammer. $100 would be pushing it, and that's assuming that the cylinder and barrel are decent.

The best part to salvage out of a Model 1 is the split spring that goes under the cylinder stop. These are as scarce as hen's teeth and, in good condition, should sell from $50 to $75.

Mike

I know it's unlikely but I can't tell you how many times I've seen parts guns with rare features. That's why a photo is absolutely a pre-requisite in my opinion to evaluate an Antique firearm. Also, a missing hammer doesn't always put an antique into the "Parts gun" category.

Even Model 1-3's have rare features like the rare short barrel? That will increase it's value considerably. In fact a "short barrel" variation is worth the $299 price tag and then some.

You just never know until you actually see it.

Murph

If the barrel roll marks are along the side of the barrel, then it's a short barrel model. But given that the barrel and cylinder are matched on these guns, one won't be of much value without the other (unless you want to assemble a franken-gun).

A Model 1 that's missing a cylinder will be mostly useful for the lockwork and springs.

mike

Unfortunately, in the quest for the ultimate, complete specimen, there can be casualties or unintended consequences that include the dismemberment of those antique revolvers that are now classified as scarce or rare. I believe those were cannibalized when they were looked upon as "just an old Smith". I have a .32 SA frame, 90%+ finish, with the "cam" type mainspring feature that has been a past organ donor.

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Mike Maher #283

I think I would put that early 1 1/2 32cf together if I was you Mike. Lots of parts out there. I know it wouldn’t match but the frame by itself doesn’t compare to an assembled gun in value. Assembled on the early frame as a non matching early variation would attract that part of collectors who want an early example but don’t want to pay full price for it. Or can’t afford it. They are out there!

Murph

Apologies to the OP for the thread drift. I don't worry much about invested funds but I believe that I'd put more money into parts than this one would ever be worth. As with the OPs 1,3, I believe that the cost of the hammer and shipping plus the original $300 (assuming the split spring was intact) would be a break-even proposition. I recommend waiting for a complete example; even if one has to pay a few dollars more. For me, the only way this 1,3 would make sense is if one had the parts already sitting in a drawer wasting space. I'll check my parts drawers....

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Mike Maher #283