Smith & Wesson Model 1 Variants

There were three major issues of the Smith & Wesson Model 1, but there are over 20 variants. Some of these variants can be the difference between a gun that’s worth $300 and a gun that’s worth $3,000, so it’s worth exploring this to better understand your Model 1.

Model 1, 1st Issue Variants

Collectors recognize six variants of the Smith & Wesson Model 1, 1st Issue. These guns can generally be identified by their serial number. They are:

1st Variant (serial numbers 1 to 213): Bayonet latch, and the recoil shield is attached to the frame by a dovetailed key.
2nd Variant (serial numbers 214 to 1,130): Bayonet latch, and the recoil shield is attached to the frame by a screw and a threaded insert.
3rd Variant (serial numbers 1,130 to 3,000): spring loaded barrel catch.
4th Variant (serial numbers 3,000 to 4,200): the diameter of the recoil shield is reduced.
5th Variant (serial numbers 4,200 to 5,500): rifling changed from three left hand grooves to five right hand grooves.
6th Variant (serial numbers 5,500 to 11,671): rotating plate is eliminated entirely and ratchet is part of the cylinder.

Model 1, 2nd Issue Variants

The design of the Model 1, 2nd Issue didn’t evolve nearly as much as the 1st Issue, but there are still some different variations that collectors observe. They include:

2 Patent Date, Flat Trigger Spring, Straight Side Plate (serial numbers ~11,000 to ~12,000)
2 Patent Date, Flat Trigger Spring, Round Side Plate (serial numbers ~12,000 to ~13,500)
2 Patent Date, Coil Trigger Spring, Round Side Plate (serial numbers ~13,500 to ~17,500)
2 Patent Date, "U" Trigger Spring, Round Side Plate (serial numbers ~17,500 to ~20,000)
3 Patent Date, Large Barrel Roll Mark (serial numbers ~20,000 to ~95,000)
3 Patent Date, Small Barrel Roll Mark (serial numbers ~85,000 to ~128,000)

Standard Finish (blued cylinder and barrel, sterling silver plated frame)
Full Plate (Nickel plated cylinder, frame and barrel)
"2D QUAL'TY" (serial number ranges vary)
Please note that all Model 1's had case hardened triggers and hammers. A Model 1 with nickel plating on the hammer and/or trigger was refinished.

Model 1, 3rd Issue Variants

The Smith & Wesson Model 1, 3rd Issue guns are a bit trickier to identify, since the only variation that falls into a particular serial number range is the “square top” versus “side top” variation.

Special Variants

In addition to the standard variations listed above, there are also a riches of embellished Model 1’s that will add intrigue to any collector’s collection. This list is by no means comprehensive, but it will discuss some of the other variants that collectors will encounter.

Engraved guns

Engraved Model 1’s generally fall into two categories: factory engraved guns and aftermarket engraved guns. Factory engraved guns are rarer and generally more valuable, given the relative ease with which they can be documented. Aftermarket engraved guns were generally commissioned by the wholesaler, distributor, or dealer, and in some instances they were engraved by the same engravers that were commissioned by the factory.

Grips

Smith & Wesson Model 1’s generally shipped from the factory with rosewood or walnut grips. A few factory guns were shipped with fancy grips, but in most cases a non-standard grip would have been fitted by the wholesaler, distributor, or retailer. Grips have been found in bone, ivory, mother of pearl, and even sterling silver.

Fancy Finishes

The standard finishes for the Model 1 were as follows:

Some 1st and 2nd Issue guns were factory finished in a “full plate” nickel finish, which bring a slight premium. It has been reported that Smith & Wesson also made a few pinto finish Model 1’s, which have a nickel plated barrel and frame and a blued cylinder, or vice-versa.