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Engraved & Silver-Plated Smith & Wesson No. 1 Second Issue Revolver with Gutta-Percha Case

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:1,400.00 USD Estimated At:NA
Engraved & Silver-Plated Smith & Wesson No. 1 Second Issue Revolver with Gutta-Percha Case
serial #45507, 22 RF, 3 1/4” ribbed octagon barrel with a moderately oxidized bore showing evident rifling. The barrel of this attractive revolver retains perhaps 60-65% original silver finish mostly flaked to gunmetal gray along the sides and top of the rib and showing a little old pitting near the breech, otherwise with strong silver taking on an attractive tarnish. The cylinder has mostly toned to gunmetal gray showing some scattered old pitting. The frame retains about 92% silver finish showing some very mild edge wear toning to ocher brass, scattered light handling marks and the silver again taking on a very nice tarnish overall. The small parts have mostly toned to a mild gray patina and a few of the screw heads show light slot wear. The revolver is engraved in near full coverage with lovely finely detailed flowing foliate scrollwork, no doubt the work of Nimschke, with tiny punch-dot shading. The scroll along the frame shows areas intertwining and overlapping and the cylinder shows an attractive twisting scroll motif. The smooth mother-of-pearl grips are scratch-numbered to the gun and remain in very fine condition showing some very small light chips along the edges and a few more mild handling marks. The barrel and cylinder are matching the frame by assembly number, the small screw atop the cylinder stop/rear sight is missing and barrel-to-frame fit shows a little bit of play. The hammer functions well and timing is good though the cylinder does not lock correctly. The original dark brown gutta-percha case with image of revolver remains in about good condition showing an older repaired Y-shaped break through the lid, dings along the edges and some smaller scattered cracks, the lid and base showing a moderate gap at the hinge point. The motifs along the lid otherwise remain intact and strong. The interior shows some tears along the base lining and a small hole at the bottom right edge through the case, the revolver supports are not present save for the muzzle rest and a part of the cartridge block is chipped. The embossed lid liner is mostly intact, a small square portion having been cut out for some reason at the top right corner. While the case has somewhat been through the rough-and-tumble, this remains a very nice ensemble, the revolver quite attractive and desirable. (13C11739-107) {ANTIQUE} (2000/3000)