History of S&W Model 1, 3rd Issue Age?

[keithylton]

Acquired a nice looking Model 1,Third Issue and wanted to know it's mfg date? And is there something missing from the Cylinder catch, there a hole on top of it? (the flat piece in front of the hammer) It just seems real flimsy, goes up an down and seems to only be using it's weight and gravity to slip into the cylinder lock cutouts.

Info I have for it:
1. Tip-Up SA Revolver
2. S# 114755
3. 22 short, 7 shot fluted cylinder
4. 3 3/16 barrel - round barrel with flutted top rise
5. Fixed sight on barrel
6. Has strain screw on front grip strap
7. Spur type trigger
8. Bird's head wooden grip with SN inside
9. Has Mfg marks: G44 on cylinder and frame
10 Etched on Barrel: Smith & Wesson Springfield, Mass. Pat Apr 3.55, July 5.59 Dec 18.60 or Dec 1860

Thank You

 

[mmaher94087]

Your 1st, 3rd appears to be in above average condition for a revolver made circa 1870. The 'problem' with the cylinder stop is two-fold. There should be a small flat spring under the cylinder catch which holds it locked in battery. I believe yours is either broken or missing. The second is that the "split spring" is missing from the under side of the cylinder catch along with its attaching screw. The split spring is the hard part to find. The screw and flat spring can be made by a competent gunsmith or machinist but the split spring is a bugger to make successfully and costly to buy should one find one for sale.

 

[glowe]

With that serial number, your Model 1-3 was manufactured in 1867. Neal & Jinks book, page 26, refers to manufacturing dates. Interesting to note that there were supposedly 131,163 of this model made, but the table notes that serial number 128,000 is the estimated last serial number??

I have a schematic of the Model 1-2 that will help you visualize what Mike is explaining. Lift the cylinder stop and look from behind, you should be able to see the split cyllinder stop striker when present. The cylinder stop flat spring is held in place by the small pin over the cylinder. Parts are tough to find for these 150 year old guns. Many people will purchase low quality donor guns and scavenge parts. The condition of your tip-up might warrant such a project. Great close-up photos!

 

[keithylton]

Mike and Gary, you two are the bomb!
I couldn’t have received better answers. Thank you again.
Paid just under $180.00 for it as it just looked so cool and wasn’t a 32RF that seem to be everywhere on these small revolvers.
Keith

 

[first-model]

Keith, the Model 1 split spring is the Achilles Heel of these guns. I buy "junker" Model 1's just to get these springs, which are now as scarce as hen's teeth.

Your gun appears to have pretty good finish (given its age), but I do note that the lines on the top strap don't quite line up with the cylinder stop. This suggests that the stop may have been replaced at some time. All the same, it's a pretty gun that would show well in any collection.

As for serial numbers: I have Model 1, 3rd Issues with 130xxx, 131xxx and 132xxx serial numbers, so they went *at least* as high as 132xxx.

Mike

 

[H Richard]

These tiny little guns grow on you. I just recently added a #1, 1st issue, so I have completed a mini collection of 1st models including a 1st issue, 2nd Issue, and 3rd Issue.

My 3rd Issue # is 48122 and it shipped Mar, 1871.

 

[JSR III]

Model 1 replacement parts can sometimes be found at Numrich. Unfortunately I just checked and everything is out of stock. For future reference refer to the following:

Screw $5.85 Product #1230580
Spring $3.55 Product #1230560
Cylinder stop split spring $27.30 Product #1230610

Merry Christmas and good luck with your restoration.

 

[DocB]

Mine at 131XXX letters to January 1875. Yeah, I had it lettered even though it's not worth much. Just curious. Plus, the third issue is easily the best looking of the three, and they never turn up for sale around here.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Check seller aonepawninc on eBay for old parts.

 

[keithylton]

Very nice! A true keeper collection

 

[keithylton]

Numrich is the “Bomb” Was just there and was able to complete my Springfield 1903 as I was looking at there parts, Thanks!

 

[keithylton]

Keith, the Model 1 split spring is the Achilles Heel of these guns. I buy "junker" Model 1's just to get these springs, which are now as scarce as hen's teeth.

Your gun appears to have pretty good finish (given its age), but I do note that the lines on the top strap don't quite line up with the cylinder stop. This suggests that the stop may have been replaced at some time. All the same, it's a pretty gun that would show well in any collection.

As for serial numbers: I have Model 1, 3rd Issues with 130xxx, 131xxx and 132xxx serial numbers, so they went *at least* as high as 132xxx.

Mike

So Mike, are you saying that the split spring is Interchangeable with all 3 Type Model 1’s? Or do I need to look for the Model 2 Type 3 only?

 

[first-model]

So Mike, are you saying that the split spring is Interchangeable with all 3 Type Model 1’s? Or do I need to look for the Model 2 Type 3 only?

I think what you're asking is if the split spring is interchangeable between the 2nd and 3rd Issue guns (the 2nd Issue being the older style with the square butt grip and non-fluted cylinder, and the 3rd Issue being the newer style with the round butt grip and the fluted cylinder). I actually don't know the answer to this, since I've never put springs from those two guns side-by-side. My guess is that they are interchangeable, but I'd want to closely compare them before making any purchases.

Smith & Wesson was also known to make engineering changes to the gun throughout the production run, and it's possible that there were undocumented changes to the split spring that are presently unknown to collectors. So, if you're buying a junker to salvage parts for another, know that there's always a chance that you could discover one of those undocumented variations.

The Model 2 is an entirely different gun, and I know that the split springs from those guns are not interchangeable with the Model 1. The Model 2 follows the same basic design as the Model 1, but it's a bigger gun.

Mike

 

[model3sw]

I like when the letters on these old S&Ws, manufactured prior to 1862, show as shipped to a Confederate State.

 

[first-model]

I like when the letters on these old S&Ws, manufactured prior to 1862, show as shipped to a Confederate State.

Have you ever seen a Model 1 not letter to Storrs/Robinson in New York? Now that's a gun I'd love to see ...

Mike

 

[crossv]

Actually, you have seen one Mike although you might not have realized it. The attached letter is for a Mod 1 delivered in Springfield as an order of one with special characteristics that lead us through census records to attribute it to the wife of George Cooke, pastor of North Church, Amherst, since the case is marked "Nellie Cooke". A pretty neat little model one, owned by a progressive women in 1860.

 

[first-model]

Actually, you have seen one Mike although you might not have realized it. The attached letter is for a Mod 1 delivered in Springfield as an order of one with special characteristics that lead us through census records to attribute it to the wife of George Cooke, pastor of North Church, Amherst, since the case is marked "Nellie Cooke". A pretty neat little model one, owned by a progressive women in 1860.

Oh shoot, you're right! I forgot about that gun ... and what a gun it is. Everything about it is fantastic.

Mike