Japanese Model 1 1/2 S&W

[Junksterr]

Looking for someone's expertise.

Edited: after searching the group I have found posts from the past related to my S&W.

.32 rim fire, model 1 1/2, serial number 16xxx.
All original, finish is worn, still will fire and about 45 rounds of ammo.

I have spoken with several avid collectors/gun shops, I know what the pistol is, this is about where it came from and who it belonged to.

If you can help me or point me in the right direction it would be greatly appreciated.

Looking to see what needs to be done to maintain what I have, and learn the rest of the history behind the piece itself.

 

[mmaher94087]

Welcome. Go back one page and look for the S&W Historical Foundation. Click on 'Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation' and at the top one should find the letter request. Enter the data requested and you are a step closer to finding whatever you are looking for. Good luck.

 

[Junksterr]

Thank you, also updated the post after searching the group.

 

[mmaher94087]

A self-cover booklet, "The Japanese Chose Smith & Wesson", is very informative. It has history, photos and serial numbers of many S&W revolvers that were shipped to Japan.

 

[wlw-19958]

Hi There,

A self-cover booklet, "The Japanese Chose Smith & Wesson", is very informative. It has history, photos and serial numbers of many S&W revolvers that were shipped to Japan.

I've been looking for a copy of this book but so far, all I can find
is a Kindle version. I'm not knocking Kindle per se, I just want a
regular hold-in-your-hands copy. I hate the Kindle screen and
I just like a regular book or booklet (I guess I'm a bit of a
bibliophile).


Cheers!
Webb

 

[Junksterr]

What is the rarity of these model S&W's?

I can only find 2 or 3 in old posts searching the group. Until I made this post I had never seen another. Had a pawn shop tell me he had 100's in his time dealing just like mine.

 

[iby]

1 1/2

Yours is the only one I have seen with the Japanese marks on the barrel
the 1 1/2 1rst model is kind of uncommon compared to the 2nd model
Nice
.

 

[mmaher94087]

The "undoubtedly understated" number of Old Model (1st Model) 1 1/2 revolvers shipped to Japan, from 1868 - 1870, was 220 units according to FC Allan etal, Author, The Japanese Chose the Smith & Wesson, p52.

 

[Junksterr]

Buying the book to read later...

 

[Junksterr]

Downloaded the form to send the info off.

Is there a way to actually copy the Kanji symbols accurately?

 

[mmaher94087]

Your photo is fairly clear and might be sharp enough for translation. One could highlight the symbols with white lacquer paint, but I believe the best way is to locate a Samuri sword collector and have them translate the symbols directly from the barrel. I had three of mine done this way.

The 'pawn shop' probably had 100's of the S&W Model 1 1/2's but not many (if any) with the Japanese markings.

By the way, welcome to the forum.

 

[glowe]

Welcome. The Japanese Chose Smith & Wesson by author Frank Allan seems to be available here. http://www.castle-thunder.com/tjctsaw/

Secure a piece of thin paper over the spot and rub hard with finger to imprint the paper into the stampings. Strip the wood off a lead pencil and using a soft lead, rub it on the paper until the characters are clearly seen. Assuming the bore is clean, all you need to do is to oil all surfaces with a good quality synthetic oil and put away. Synthetics do not evaporate quickly, so it will last for a long time in storage.

 

[Junksterr]

Mr. Maher, got a idea where to start finding a sword collector? I'm South Carolina/Georgia area

 

[Junksterr]

Glowed,
Thank you for the link and advice on rubbing for copying the symbols.

It is oiled, no pitting, grips are in great condition, and bore is smooth and clean.

 

[mmaher94087]

Junksterr, I found my translator(s) at large shows like the Las Vegas Antique Arms show which was held in conjunction with the Blade Show. Try a Google search of Japanese sword collectors or even The Nambu Collectors.