Model 1, Type 2?

[oldrdawg]

I'm new to collecting and the forum, so please exercise patience and forgiveness. I just purchased what I was told is a Model 1, Type 2 revolver but it has the serial number 3 (single numeral) on the butt and on the "wheel" of the revolver. I thought the serial numbers for Type 2 revolvers picked up where the Type 1 left off and, therefore, a Type 2 could not properly have such a low serial number. Thoughts?

 

[mmaher94087]

olderdawg,

Welcome, we don't bite and would be glad to help.

I suspect there is a problem with the identity and nomenclature of your purchase. A few questions will clarify which model and type revolver you have. It seems that you have a revolver as you referenced a "wheel" which would be correctly called a 'cylinder'.

Do the barrel markings say 'Smith & Wesson, Springfield, Mass? Are the sides of your revolver flat? Or, are they curved (oval)? Does it have a flat bottom to the grip frame? Or, is it rounded? What caliber? .22 or .32 or .38, and lastly .44?

 

[oldrdawg]

Hit by the Learning Curve

Here comes the learning curve . . . It does NOT say Smith & Wesson on the barrel, instead it has hallmarks that indicate London or Birmingham. I have a sneaking suspicion I just purchased an English knock-off.

 

[merl67]

Welcome to the forum your suspicions are correct it is a knockoff as it should be marked with Smith and Wesson on the barrel.

 

[mmaher94087]

Beautiful piece! I, too, believe it is a copy. S&W sent a letter to the British distributors telling them NOT to send these period revolvers to Smith & Wesson for repair. They were very close copies but not quite exact. Great piece.

 

[opoefc]

Don't be disappointed! Collecting copies of the Model 1 , as well as infringements on the Rolin White patent, is a very interesting field and much harder to find nice specimens, like this one. Most British made copies I've had or seen were very well made and equivalent in every aspect to a genuine Smith & Wesson. Your copy is equal in value, at the minimum, to a S&W. Enjoy! Ed.

 

[H Richard]

Welcome to a captivating hobby. If you do not yet have one I suggest you purchase a copy of the "Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson", by James Supica and Richard Nahas. It is often referred to as the bible. In addition the book History of Smith & Wesson by Roy Jinks gets very in depth.

Just an FYI, you referred to your gun as a 1st Mod, 2nd type. In "Collector speak" that would be incorrect, as there were 6 "types" of the 1st Model, 1st Issue. Your gun (is a copy) of a Model 1, 2nd Issue.

Probably clear as mud, but therein lies all the variables that make S&W collecting so interesting.

 

[oldrdawg]

Can anyone direct me to any information or research relating to the English manufacturers of these copy pieces?

 

[first-model]

Can anyone direct me to any information or research relating to the English manufacturers of these copy pieces?

I've been collecting and researching Model 1's for some time now, and I've yet to come across any authoritative source of information on these English copies. Some years back I tried to research them myself, but I came up with virtually nothing.

We know of their existence, and I'm sure there's some good speculation about who actually manufactured them. Beyond that, though, there's not a lot to say.

If you ever decide you want to "trade up" to a real Smith & Wesson Model 1, let me know. I've been looking to add one of these British knock-offs to my Model 1 collection.

Mike

 

[mmaher94087]

I, too, have a British knockoff that is such a nice copy that parts interchange with a legit S&W . There are no markings anywhere except the Birmingham proofs. I wish I had the answer to the manufacturer.

 

[oldrdawg]

I suppose I should take comfort in the fact that mine is such a close copy that it was offered as an actual Smith & Wesson . . . despite not having Smith & Wesson on the barrel, having English hallmarks and having a single digit serial number that a Model 1, 2nd issue cannot have.

 

[oldrdawg]

I, too, have a British knockoff that is such a nice copy that parts interchange with a legit S&W . There are no markings anywhere except the Birmingham proofs. I wish I had the answer to the manufacturer.

Is there a serial number?

 

[mmaher94087]

Mine is a #2 Army, SN. 2654.