A Brazilian 1917 was my first
My first S&W was a Brazilian 1917, bought in April of '86 for $225. I probably paid way too much for it, they were commonly available for $150 at the time, but I didn't know that.
My second S&W was... another 1917. Bought this one in '89 for $125. It was a US Army that had been poorly refinished (buffed shiny and bright blued) so it became my knockaround gun and I've shot it quite a bit.
Next was a 642 .38 Special, which I eventually gave to a girlfriend. Hope she still has it.
I bought yet another 1917 in '92 for $125, but the finish on it was all mottled and messed up. It was still mechanically good so I had it refinished about 10 years ago. The gunsmith did a very good job on it.
(I've also bought a couple of Colt 1917s, but don't like them as well as the Smiths.)
At last count I have about 55 Smiths, from the .22 Long Ladysmith to the .500 S&W.