19th Century Smith And Wesson Pistol Inquiry - The Firearms Forum

michaelv · 01-08-2011, 04:15 PM

I want to identify and appraise a Smith and Wesson Pistol that measures about 8" long. On the top of the barrel, is the S and W mfg info plus dates "rated Apr 2 July 9 1859 & Nov 21, 1885" Under the handle, there are some alphanumerics that look like [022[ I can't tell what the [ is.

I don't know how the trigger compartment functions.

The trigger pulls back and the barrel spins, but sticks a bit.

Thank you for any help.

kobsw · 01-08-2011, 05:22 PM

What you have there is a Smith & Wesson model 1 1/2 Tip-up (1 1/2, 1st issue).

The gun is chambered in .32 rimfire and is single action. It has an octagonal barrel, 5 shot non-fluted cylinder and spur trigger.

Note: This is the only model out of s&w's 6 original tip-ups with a cylinder stop at the bottom of the frame.

It's a square but w factory rosewood grips. The finish was likely blued.

This s/n range is 1 to 26300 with nearly that many guns made.

Value as always depends on what a buyer is willing to pay but I would expect between $100 - $150.

Nice bit of history you have add it to your collection and enjoy.

Best, kobsw

Jim K · 01-08-2011, 07:10 PM

Because its overall condition is so poor, I recommend keeping the gun as a wallhanger; any money or effort spent on repairs or restoration would be wasted.

Jim

michaelv · 01-08-2011, 07:55 PM

Thanks for the info!

Mike

01-08-2011, 04:15 PM	#1
michaelv Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 13	19th Century Smith And Wesson Pistol Inquiry I want to identify and appraise a Smith and Wesson Pistol that measures about 8" long. On the top of the barrel, is the S and W mfg info plus dates "rated Apr 2 July 9 1859 & Nov 21, 1885" Under the handle, there are some alphanumerics that look like [022[ I can't tell what the [ is. I don't know how the trigger compartment functions. The trigger pulls back and the barrel spins, but sticks a bit. Thank you for any help. Attached Images -->

01-08-2011, 05:22 PM	#2
kobsw V.I.P. Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: PA Posts: 73	Re: 19th Century Smith And Wesson Pistol Inquiry What you have there is a Smith & Wesson model 1 1/2 Tip-up (1 1/2, 1st issue). The gun is chambered in .32 rimfire and is single action. It has an octagonal barrel, 5 shot non-fluted cylinder and spur trigger. Note: This is the only model out of s&w's 6 original tip-ups with a cylinder stop at the bottom of the frame. It's a square but w factory rosewood grips. The finish was likely blued. This s/n range is 1 to 26300 with nearly that many guns made. Value as always depends on what a buyer is willing to pay but I would expect between $100 - $150. Nice bit of history you have add it to your collection and enjoy. Best, kobsw Last edited by kobsw; 01-08-2011 at 05:25 PM..

01-08-2011, 07:10 PM	#3
Jim K Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 6,408	Re: 19th Century Smith And Wesson Pistol Inquiry Because its overall condition is so poor, I recommend keeping the gun as a wallhanger; any money or effort spent on repairs or restoration would be wasted. Jim

01-08-2011, 07:55 PM	#4
michaelv Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 13	Re: 19th Century Smith And Wesson Pistol Inquiry Thanks for the info! Mike