1-1/2 First Issue

[wlw-19958]

Hi There,

Here are a couple of 1-1/2 First Issues. One is a very early
made one (Serial # 102). Internally, there are some
differences (which I will post pics of later). Still, they are
nice examples.

Cheers!
Webb

 

[wlw-19958]

Hi There,

Here are some pics of the internals. If you look carefully at the
cylinder stop bolt, the one from number 102 has an elongated
slot next to the finger that is acted upon by the cam in the
hammer. The other one is from number 18629 and lacks this
slot.

Cheers!
Webb

 

[wlw-19958]

Hi There,

Another difference is the cam that acts upon the stop bolt. This
cam is in the lower part of the hammer. In the pic, the head of
the cam is machined with a step. This step works in conjunction
with the spring to keep the cam from rotating (see pic 2). The
later production the step was changed to a slot which is an
improvement (pic 3). I wonder at what serial number these
changes came in. Anyone with information on this or other
1-1/2 related topics are welcome to respond.

Cheers!
Webb

 

[iby]

Thanks for posting the pictures.
The engineering is interesting

 

[Patbar]

I have a 1 1/2 first issue which is nickeled, and this seems to be original.

Since the process appeared on handguns in the 1860's, I suppose that this model was among the firsts to be proposed with this finish.

 

[wlw-19958]

Hi There,


That is a very nice example. If you wouldn't mind, what serial
number is it? If I recall correctly, the 1-1/2 came out in April
of 1865. I don't know when S&W started offering Nickel plating
as an optional finish.

Have you ever taken it down? The two I have had broken parts
and I had to make replacements. Number 102 had a poorly made
replacement bolt spring and 18629 had a broken cam.

Cheers,
Webb

 

[mmaher94087]

"I don't know when S&W started offering Nickel plating as an optional finish." Although S&W did not plate guns inhouse at this time, the option was available probably through Adam's Plating. I have a lettered Model 1, 1st Issue, 1st Type, full plate that was shipped in a 40-unit order to Storrs in 1857.

 

[Patbar]

Hi There,


That is a very nice example. If you wouldn't mind, what serial
number is it? If I recall correctly, the 1-1/2 came out in April
of 1865. I don't know when S&W started offering Nickel plating
as an optional finish.

Have you ever taken it down? The two I have had broken parts
and I had to make replacements. Number 102 had a poorly made
replacement bolt spring and 18629 had a broken cam.

Cheers,
Webb

Hi Webb,

The serial number of my gun is 12733. I have taken it down and all the parts are original and in good condition.

 

[Patbar]

"I don't know when S&W started offering Nickel plating as an optional finish." Although S&W did not plate guns inhouse at this time, the option was available probably through Adam's Plating. I have a lettered Model 1, 1st Issue, 1st Type, full plate that was shipped in a 40-unit order to Storrs in 1857.

I assumed that the finish of my gun was original because the hammer is case hardened and the trigger is blue, which is not often the case when it is a second hand job, as all the parts are generally nickeled.

But I read just this morning that the process permitting to obtain a bright nickel finish was licensed in 1872 by a Mr. Adams. So, the 1 1/2 first issue having been produced from 1865 to 1868 in 26,300 units and mine's serial number being 12733, I doubt now than its finish is original.

 

[Patbar]

Here are my four S&W 1 1/2 : first issue - transition issue - engraved 2nd issue and break down model.

 

[H Richard]

1 1/2's were an interest of mine several years ago. Just such a nice size carry pistol. These graced a display over my roll top dest for many years.

 

[M Brown]

Anybody have a cylinder stop and spring for S&W early model no 1 1/2?

 

[glowe]

I bought a nickel Model 1 1/2, that shipped in 1867, from Jim Supica years ago. He stated that the gun was full plate, meaning that everything was plated including hammer and trigger. Not sure about that, but it shows very well. I used to collect tip-ups almost exclusively, since I had no worries about shipping directly to my home. Since I shot everything I owned, it also helped that 32RF ammo was readily available from Navy Arms and CCI made CB Shorts for the Model 1 revolvers.

 

[WestWorld1876]

I'm new to this forum. I have a &W model 1 1/2 and am looking for a few missing parts. I need the proper Cylinder Stop Assembly (with spring) and the Hand. Any ideas out there I have contacted Numrich but no parts for this early model.

 

[mmaher94087]

West, first, welcome to the forum. Second, you should start a new thread as any replies will be lost by adding to this thread. Click back two screens to the start of the Antique section of this forum and towards the top left there is a "New Thread" button where you can start a new thread that won't get lost.

To your question: which Model are you inquiring about? .32 RF, Tip-up? First Model with square butt or 2nd Model with the Bird head grip? It could possibly be the .32 CF, Top Break? Please let us help.