Model 1 (first or second issue)

[Hobie]

I just had a lady in the shop with a S&W Model 1 which came out of New York state (near Newburgh). Supposedly this was used/carried by a Lieutenant Colonel of some New York regiment during the war. Like most such tales which are distorted by time, this might not be exactly correct as the serial is 77xxx. Condition is good, it will function correctly, but there is some corrosion.

I don't have my Catalog here with me, and I was wondering, what sort of things one should really look for on these?

 

[opoefc]

The serial number of 77XXX is prety close to ruling the gun out of being around during the Civil War. 1865 production ran fron serial # 59,212 to # 83,170, so that would put # 77XXX in late 1865. Too late for Civil War use. The serial number only appears on the butt and inside the right grip panel on these guns, however the assembly/work number/symbol should be matching on frame, cylinder & barrel, and single patent date on the cylinder, if the gun is all original. Usual vararity would be a silver plated frame, blue barrel & cylinder, and rosewood laquered grips. Ed.

 

[deadin]

Like most such tales which are distorted by time, this might not be exactly correct

How true! I have a Mod. 1 1/2, 2nd Issue that, according to family legend belonged to an ancestor that had been a policeman in McKeesport, PA. In tracing the family back we found that, yes, there was such an ancestor and he was a policeman. Unfortunately, he was killed in the Civil War and the gun wasn't shipped until 1870.