Model 1 Second Issue

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MJM1876

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Hello all great site you have here.

A friend recently passed and his wife asked me to inventory his gun safe. Tucked away in a sock was a Model 1 Second Issue (as per research in my History of S&W book and this site), and I believe it was his dads. There's an oddity in the serial number as the first digit, which is a "2" is sideways to the remaining 4 digits. The "2" was confirmed under the grip as part of the SN...the gun is also engraved on one side "Presented by CJ Betzer" and on the other "JJ Betzer Circleville." Im thinking about getting a letter, thought I would run the SN and engraving by this group to see just how unusual it is or isnt. Would either the SN or the engraving enhanch or hurt the value?

Thanks for looking

Mark

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Welcome to the Forum. The Model 1 was shipped from the factory around 1862 give or take a couple years. As for value enhancement, the serial number would not add anything, but if the engraving was factory, it could double the value of a standard Model 1. You should add pictures of the engraving, since there are several experts who can tell you if it is factory engraving by just viewing photos.

A factory letter can also add value to an antique S&W, since it is a verification of configuration when it left the factory. Many collectors will letter any and all guns they collect, so it is certainly worth the money to validate the revolver and if it is factory original engraving add significant value.
 
OK - now I see that it is inscribed and not engraved with any ornate scroll-work. Can't make out the name, but it apparently was given by somebody? Does it state anywhere who it was given to? Known and famous people associated with any firearm can make it quite valuable. Could have been a Civil War award, or pretty much any occasion, but odd that the person giving it away is the only name on the revolver.

I see from the pictures that the Model 1 is in poor condition. The ejector rod under the barrel is either loose or bent. The original cylinder stop in the top of the frame is missing and looks to be replaced by something that will not help the gun to function properly. There is a large loss of silver over the brass frame, which lowers value and the wood stocks look either sanded down and refinished or have shrunk to not fit the frame anymore. Unless the revolver can be traced to a person of some fame or fortune, it will most likely sell as a parts gun for under $200.
 
Thanks Glowe

The side in the picture says "Presented by CJ Betzer" and on the other "JJ Betzer Circleville." Ive been doing some online research, and Betzer is a popular family name in the Circleville, OH area.

Thanks aain

Mark
 
As glowe said, the gun is in poor condition and has little value except to a Betzer family descendent as a family heirloom. I'm assuming the widow, nor her deceased husband have no connection to the Betzers, correct? If it's still a popular family name in Circleville, you should have no trouble connecting with a few of them and maybe start a bidding war for the widow's benefit! Good luck, Ed.
 
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