Model 1, 1st Issue Revolver
This was the first metallic-cartridge arm produced by Smith & Wesson. It is a small revolver that weighs about 10 oz. Chambered for .22 Short rimfire cartridge. Octagonal barrel 3.25" long. Holds 7 cartridges. Barrel and non-fluted cylinder pivot upward upon release of the latch under the frame. Has a square butt with rosewood grips. Oval brass frame is silver-plated. Barrel and cylinder are blued. Barrel is stamped with company name and address; patent dates also appear. Sides of frame are rounded on the 1st issue. Other characteristics which distinguish the more valuable 1st issue from later issues include a perfectly round side plate and a hinged hammer spur. Smith & Wesson manufactured approximately 11,000 of these revolvers between 1857 and 1860. Since this was the first of its kind, it is not difficult to understand the need for the number of variations within this model designation. Many small improvements were made on the way to the next model. These variations are as follows:
1st Type
Serial range 1 to low 200s. Revolving recoil shield, bayonet type catch on frame. They are too rare to make a meaningful estimate. Depending on condition, might sell in the low- to mid-five figures. Rare; values are speculative.
| NIB | Exc | V.G. | Good | Fair | Poor |
| $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 |
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2nd Type
Serial range low 200s to 1130. Improved recoil plate.
| NIB | Exc | V.G. | Good | Fair | Poor |
| $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 |
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3rd Type
Serial range 1130 to low 3000s. Bayonet catch dropped for spring-loaded side catch.
Courtesy Jim Supica, Old Town Station
| NIB | Exc | V.G. | Good | Fair | Poor |
| $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 |
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4th Type
Serial range low 3000s to low 4200s. Recoil shield made much smaller.
| NIB | Exc | V.G. | Good | Fair | Poor |
| $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 |
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5th Type
Serial range low 4200s to low 5500s. Has 5-groove rifling instead of 3.
| NIB | Exc | V.G. | Good | Fair | Poor |
| $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 |
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6th Type
Serial range low 5500s to end of production at about 11670. A cylinder ratchet replaced revolving recoil shield.
| NIB | Exc | V.G. | Good | Fair | Poor |
| $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 |
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