What's this Model 1 Worth

[Nalapombu]

Hey all,

My buddy ran across this in a country store out in the sticks today and wanted me to check and see what it was worth. Not knowing a whole lot, I told him I would.

It appears to be a Model 1. He said it was in 22short and the serial number is 31571

The only thing that stood out to me was the ejector rod as it doesn't look original.

What would you guess? Anything you can pass on about this piece would be appreciated.

Thanks

Nalajr

 

[glowe]

Looks like a Model 2, 32 rimfire to me. Is it a 6 shooter? Model 1s were 7 shot and Model 1 1/2s are 5 shot. Looks like some strange extractor rod replacement.

 

[H Richard]

I agree with Glowe, that is not a 22 short, it looks like a Number 2 in .32 RF, 6 shot. The Mod 1 1/2 would not have a barrel that long.

 

[Nalapombu]

Hey all,

Thanks for the help. I too thought upon seeing it that the barrel looked longer.

I just talked to him and asked him to clarify. He said he is POSITIVE it is a 22. He said it is NOT in 32. He said they looked like 22 LONGS.

He said it is a 7 shot.

He said the box of ammo said 22 swf or wfs...he wasn't exact on that.

That's what he said of the pistol just now.

What do you think?

What would it be worth with the mismatched rod?

Thank you.

Nalajr

 

[mmaher94087]

My vote: Number 2 Army. Possibly sleaved to .22 RF. I think the ejector rod was used as a corkscrew? Interesting. Mike #283

 

[glowe]

Mike - problem is the owner restated that it is a 7 shot. I will venture the guess that the owner sent the wrong pictures?? I could also guess a foreign copy, but I think it looks way to authentic to be a copy.

Nalajr - here is what a Model 1 looks like and is the only 7 shot tip-up made by S&W. The Model 1 also took only 22 short ammo. 22 Long or LR would not chamber.

 

[deadin]

A sleeved No. 2?? That would account for the skinny ejector rod......

 

[opoefc]

I'll go with Dean. It's definately a Model 2 Army that's been sleeved in .22RF and the cylinder being longer than a Model 1, it could chamber .22 Long Rifle, and of course, it would need the skinny homemade ejector rod to remove spent .22 cases. The gentlemen probably miscounted the number of chambers. Ed.

 

[Nalapombu]

Yeah something is wrong here. I know my buddy didn't send the wrong pic as he snapped it when the guy took it out of the case and was giving him the details of it. It was the only gun like it the old guy had and was telling him stories about it on how it was the first gun S&W made and so forth.

I'll talk to him today and see if he can remember any more details.

Does the serial number I provided give any more clues to it's identity?

Thanks all.

Nalajr

 

[deadin]

Does the serial number I provided give any more clues to it's identity?

Not really. That number could be on a Model 1 2nd or 3rd Issue, a Model 1 1/2 2nd Issue or a Model 2.

 

[Nalapombu]

OK,

Thanks guys.

I just talked to him and he is going back to the area where the pistol is at next week. I told him you all wanted MORE INFO and BETTER PICS. What do you all want me to have him get if the gun is still there where he goes back?

Thanks again for all your help.

Nalajr

 

[deadin]

Clear close-ups of both the front and back of the cylinder.
Same for the barrel. Try to show any signs of a reline.

 

[Nalapombu]

OK I'll tell him.

Lets assume it is a Model 2 instead of a Model 1. In the condition you all have seen it, what would it be worth and what would be a GOOD DEAL to buy it at?

Are those numbers relatively close as to what it would be if it was a Model 1?

Thanks

Nalajr

 

[opoefc]

Value is related to how much original condition remains, whether it's a Model 1 or Model 2, or any other model. With alterations this Model 2 appears to have, the value to a collector would be zero, however as a novelty perhaps someone would pay $75 to $125, or as a project gun to remove the linings and restore the gun to .32RF caliber, perhaps about the same, however if the barrel rifling has been bored out to install a liner, then it's not worth the effort to restore it. Ed.

 

[glowe]

The reality is that there are probably lots of people who would pay too much just to have a 22rf Model 2. If it were at auction, I bet there would be enough interest and money to fetch $200 or even more. I have seen too many altered and chopped up Smiths sell for way too much in my opinion. Besides, nothing that even resembles a revolver sells for under $100 today.

 

[mmaher94087]

It's got to be a #2 Army. I've never seen a three-pin Model 1. Mike #283

 

[Nalapombu]

If my buddy is wrong and it is a Model 2 in 32 like you all say it is and everything on it is original except the funky ejector rod, what would it be worth then?

Thanks
Nalajr

 

[glowe]

OK, now we can answer your questions. That revolver would have shipped around 1864, so could have been a private purchase for use in the Civil War. The ejector rod can be easily machined to replace the gadget under the barrel. It would be worth an extra $100 right now if it had a proper replacement rod. I would say almost all the original finish is gone, so maybe $350 - $400 as is today.

 

[Nalapombu]

Updated Pics of MODEL 1....

Hey all.
My buddy got more pics of the pistol I posted and asked about the other day. Here they are.

 

[Nalapombu]

Another pic of the model 1. Gonna have to do a reply for each.