Smith & Wesson Model 1 help

[bankjob]

Acquired this Model 1. Could anyone help me identifying it. From what I can tell May be a first or second issue? Serial number on butt, 6307. Thanks for your help.

 

[H Richard]

It is a 1st Model, but there are 5 "issues" of the 1st Model and I'm not that up on them, I'm sure one of our real experts will be along to pin it down for you. Nice find.

 

[mmaher94087]

You have a 1st Model, 1st Issue, 6th Type revolver. From Neal & Jinks book: serial number from 5500-5800 up to 11,000. Nice example of a full-plate revolver.

 

[bankjob]

Thanks any idea of fair value range, part of family estate may have to sell it soon

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Exc+ Exc ..Fine ..VG ..Good Fair Poor
4300 2100 1700 1200 800 .450 250

(Standard Catalog of S&W, 4th Ed., Page 76).

 

[mrcvs]

Nice firearm, but unfortunately renickeled. Originalli, this firearm would have had a silver plated brass frame with blued barrel & cylinder.

 

[bankjob]

Thanks for your help, appreciate it.

 

[murphydog]

It's a nice example of an early model 1. With something of this degree of rarity, a letter of authenticity from the SWHF would be a good idea; maybe it was nickel plated from the factory and worth 2-3 times a standard finish gun? Hope you don't need to sell it.

Edit to add: Here is the link to obtaining the letter.

Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation - Letter Process - Insuring that the rich history of Smith & Wesson will continue for generations to come

 

[mmaher94087]

From my experience, a 6th Type, full nickel plate is uncommon but not unheard of.

 

[mrcvs]

From my experience, a 6th Type, full nickel plate is uncommon but not unheard of.

Agreed! Also, the quality of the nickel finish of this revolver does not appear to be factory original; it looks like a later renickel.

 

[bankjob]

I really do t know much about it other than it has been in my wife's family since the 1900's they werent gun people other than military service. If I had to guess I would say it was not replated.

May have to get the letter from the foundation.

 

[mmaher94087]

A letter will (may) tell one the original configuration as it left the factory IF the invoice is readable. I agree that the finish on the brass frame doesn't appear to be up to the standards of Smith & Wesson but I see no evidence of a re-nickel either. If you request a letter be sure to include the photos and ask Roy Jinks his opinion of the plating. I'm sure he has seen a fair number of nickel plated examples from this era.

 

[bankjob]

Letter received. Thanks for the help.

w

 

[murphydog]

Nice to know in any case. Quick turn around from Mr. Jinks on he letter!

 

[S&WsRsweet]

Thanks for posting this fine old revolver ,maybe it can stay in the family.