Short Barreled Model 1 1/2

glowe · #1 09-26-2011, 05:23 PM

I have been browsing this forum for a couple of years and finally have time to do some posts. This is great site with a ton of good information, and that is why I am coming to you with a question.

Over the weekend, I picked up a cheap short barreled S&W Model 1 1/2. This gun is missing a front sight and has rust spots and discolored metal. I will be able to machine a new sight and I think it is steel, since my other short barreled Model 1 1/2 sight is magnetic.

As I undeerstand from research conducted, this pistol is quite rare, with some quoting the total number manufactured was in the hundreds.

I only have auction photos, but should give an idea of the areas I am talking about.

I know many will say don't touch it, but would like opinions on a light cleaning of the rust spots to enhance the appearance. Would appreciate any thoughts on how (or not) to clean up this little pocket pistol.

mrcvs · #2 09-26-2011, 06:36 PM

I wouldn't clean this up as I think it looks good as it is.

Are you sure this is a short-barreled gun, or is it possible that the reason the front sight is missing is that someone cut the barrel shorter?

glowe · #3 09-26-2011, 06:46 PM

The barrel address is present and stamped on the side of the barrel. Here is a closeup. Hard to see with the dark metal in that area.

twaits · #4 09-26-2011, 09:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glowe

The barrel address is present and stamped on the side of the barrel. Here is a closeup. Hard to see with the dark metal in that area.

Interesting. Is there a slot in the rib where the front sight was?

opoefc · #5 09-26-2011, 10:00 PM

Outside of a brisk cleaning rubdown with aluminum wool and a little gun oil to remove any dirt or rust remaining, there's not a whole lot that can be done to improve the image of a nickel gun that has lost some nickel plating and the dark grey patina set in. A refinish would destroy most of the collector value. The gun is rare, and is what it is. I would clean it and leave it alone, myself. Ed.

glowe · #6 09-27-2011, 08:53 AM

twaits - I have not received the pistol yet, but my other short barreled Model 1 1/2 appears to have the front sight blade inserted in the top rib. No retaining pin like S&W top-breaks, so may have been soldered into the slot??

Ed - I was thinking along the same lines, using 4F steel wool and cleaner to do what is easy, but not to remove the remaining nickel for sure. I am not familiar with aluminum wool - is it easy to obtain?

opoefc · #7 09-27-2011, 03:41 PM

Most hardware or home improvement stores carry the aluminum wool, or use a Brillo pad, or similar. Aluminum is softer than steel wool and will not scratch a metal surface. Fine steel wool is OK for gentle use, but be cautious with pressure as too much will scratch nickel plating. Ed.

moosedog · #8 09-27-2011, 09:31 PM

Neat little old gun. Congradulations.
Bronze wool works really well also. You can get it from Brownell's or order it from Homax at homaxproducts.com

glowe · #9 09-30-2011, 10:15 AM

I have cleaned up my latest addition to my S&W collection and wanted to share the results. I think is is worth every bit of the $150 I paid at auction!

Used Bronze and aluminum wool and the rust and discoloration came right off. A couple of coats of Pledge on the grips show them off as fine. Frame nickel is mostly intact, with most of the finish loss on the barrel and cylinder.

I have taken pics to show the results. My cased short barreled Model 1 1/2 now has a brother.

H Richard · #10 09-30-2011, 10:29 AM

Those are outstanding. I don't have any "short barrel" 1 1/2's, but I do have a 1 1/2 first issue that has no evidence it has ever been fired. And it has a few friends.

and friends