looking for information

[probie2356]

Hi Everyone,
I`M new to the forums here. I have got old smith and wessons that were gave to me and im seeking info on these. Any info will be nice, not sure of anything about these or values but would like to know. The first one is what i think is a model 1 1/2 by just looking at pics online. It is a 5 shot looks like .32. Breaks from bottom. everything works great on it. Blueing isnt in good shape, but gun is in great shape, no dents dings or breaks and good bore. top of barrell says smith and wesson, springfield mass on top line. bottom line says patd apr 3 1855 & july 5 1859.. bottom of frame has the number 11xxx. not sure if that number helps or not. Also the inside of the grip has 11xxx in it. The second gun is a .22 7 shot. the top of barrell has the smith and wesson on it and patd dates of oct 24, 1890 and aug 14 1900. blueing is really bad but has a nice old look to it. everything functions great on it. bottom of fram has the number 12xxx on it.inside grip has 12xxx on it. just looking find out what i have, the models and maybe what they could be worth. thanks for all help. i x out last 3 numbers on serial, not sure if you need those, of if safe to publish, so just let me know. thanks for all help.

 

[probie2356]

hope the pic is ok.

 

[probie2356]

Hope someone here can help. I have read lots of post here, and some very good people in here. Best looking forums by far.

 

[alaskavett]

7 shot 22 is Lady smith. And the other does look like a early 1 1/2 too me. Both interesting guns.Do not try to shoot 22 LR's in the Lady smith. Kyle

 

[probie2356]

Thanks Kyle, no I dont plan on shooting either one. Ill leave my shooting to newer stuff. Thanks for the info on the lady smith. What we think is a 1 1/2 I think I may pay the 50 bucks for the letter on it. If its worth it anyway. These are my first old guns. So really not up on these firearms.

 

[murphydog]

Welcome to the Forum. The (larger) tip-up model 1 1/2 is in .32 Rimfire and dates to 1866-'67, and the 2nd model Ladysmith is probably 1909-'10. Ammo for the .32 is difficult to find, and given these were both made in the black powder era the Ladysmith probably shouldn't be fired either. It uses the equivalent of the .22 Long, and as Kyle noted many tried using .22 LR ammo in these and split the forcing cones.

I am not aware of current values on these, but someone else will be along to help you on those. If you could tell the story of how you acquired them, we are always interested to read about that.

 

[H Richard]

Murphydog is right on with the 1965 - 1866 time frame. It is a No. 1 1/2, 1st Model. The condition would probably be graded as "Good". Antique's are rated somewhat different than modern revolvers. There were 26,300 of them made between 1865 - 1868. It is common for the frame bluing to be much better preserved than the blue on the barrel. I am not sure why, but I think something to do with the difference in the type of metal used in the two different parts, and/or heat treatment before bluing. The SCSW3 book lists the value in good condition as $225. There were two issues, the 2nd issue had a round butt grip and a round barrel, with about 100,700 of them made between 1868 - 1875.

I'll let someone else more familiar with the Ladysmith tell you about it.

 

[probie2356]

Thanks Ricjard and Murphydog. That was very helpfull info on this 1 1/2. I know im going figure out how to get the letter for sure. The lady smith is up in the air till I know more. Murphydog, well the story behind these guns is I work with a guy that needed a gun worked nothing major just some details. He was so happy he brought me a bag full of old guns. Im cleaning some up for him. Well he gave me all the old stuff. Which included the 2 in the picture and lots of smith top breaks. So I am excited learning about these. Im now a new collector, well collector may be extreme but I got a fever now. There mainly all smith and wessons in the bag, with a few iver johnsons, some taurus. But he got them all from his family in the pawn business, so no real attachment to his family for him. Well maybe not a real good story on how I got these, but I feel like I got a horseshoe up you know where. Thanks for all the help so far guys.

 

[probie2356]

I just talked to a guy that informed me that I may be surprised in what I have with the lady smith. So I guess I was wrong thinking the 1 1/2 was the prize of the lot. But I like it the best anyway. I

 

[probie2356]

Anyone know much about the lady smith? Thanks in advance for any help

 

[Old 44 Guy]

Probie; Nice old S&W's. Enjoy them.