S&W Model 1 1/2?

[rayj101]

Hi All,

I just bought this S&W Model 1 1/2. I've searched this forum and have learned a lot about the S&W Models 1, 2 and 3 as well as the various "Issues" defining collector's categorizing.. However I haven't run across much about the 1 1/2.

Anyway any info you guys can offer would be appreciated!!

SN is 121250, gun is totally "gray", can't tell if originally blued or nickled, sn is stamped on inside right grip.

Mechanically ok although a tad off in indexing if cylinder is disturbed while in battery. I have some BB caps and may fire a few off, while keeping an eye on line up of cylinder.

Hope to get a S&W Letter later. Past experience is that these letters usually only indicate a shipment to a distributor but, I feel, still can enhance the interest/ worth of the pistol.

Hope the pics download!

Ray

 

[Göring's S&W]

Well learning about the 1 1/2s won't help much, because the gun you have is a 7 shot, 22 short, tip up revolver, birds head butt, round barrel, which are the features for a model 1, 3rd issue. 1 1/2s were a reduced frame size originally for the 32 rimfire when S&W realized they could make the 32 revolvers smaller than the model 2 aka "old army." The 1 1/2s were 5 shot, whereas the model 2s are 6 shot.

There were basically 3 main 1 1/2s, the old model 32rf (square butt, unfluted cylinder, tip up) the new model in 32rf (birds head butt, fluted cylinder, tip up) and then there was the 1 1/2 centerfire top break, which fired the 32 S&W. The 1 1/2 centerfire had a round ribbed barrel, birds head butt and fluted cylinder.

Your model, the model 1 3rd issue, was made from 1868 to 1881, and your gun probably was made in the late 1870s. You are right in regards to what a letter will show. In addition, your gun has the standard barrel length and grip type.

 

[rayj101]

Hi Jim,

Thanks! I was kinda/sorta sure that this wasn't a 1 1/2 but went by the seller's description.

I appreciate your giving me the date range.

Thanks again, Ray

 

[rayj101]

Hi All again,

I found an article by Rick Hacker, American Rifleman, 10-17-2011 which discusses the Model 1, 3rd Issue.

He wrote that there were no factory records for this model. Am I misreading this and he means for that particular serial numbered pistol described in the article there aren't records or did he mean the entire production run?

No biggie as I am sure Mr. J would simply return letter payment but it does take this old guy some effort to photo, form fill and mail.

http://www.americanrifleman.org/articles/s-w-model-1-third-issue/

Any info?

Ray

 

[opoefc]

Rick Hacker's knowledge of Smith & Wesson is some what limited, in my opinion, which I am basing on what I've read that he wrote. I've never met the gentleman, so I've never had the opportunity to cross examine him. His articles in the American Rifleman are what is called "fillers" in the journalistic world, containing brief facts and info. from what's already been published in various printed material and provide the magazine with material that is sometimes informative to casual readers who enjoy a short synopsis about an old gun. In depth research to provide previously unknown data is not his bag. Ed.