One of the highest condition first issue Model 1s in existence, the barrel of serial number 3,949 bears a striking roll mark that offers clues about this revolver’s extraordinary journey.
According to a factory letter from Roy Jinks, serial number 3,949 was shipped from Smith & Wesson’s Springfield, Massachusetts factory on April 12, 1859. Like most Model 1 revolvers, it had a 3 3/16” barrel, a two tone finish with a blued barrel and cylinder and a silver plated brass frame, and smooth rosewood grips. It was one of 40 identical guns in that day’s shipment that went to Joseph Storrs Co., 121 Chambers Street, New York, NY.
Born on August 26, 1826 into one of Connecticut’s oldest families, Joseph was the great-great-great-grandson of Samuel Storrs, who emigrated from Nottinghamshire to Massachusetts in 1663. The son of a woodworker, Joseph had a knack for sales—appearing in newspapers as early as 1849 as an agent for steel pins, engraved pictures, and other tchotchke.