smith and wesson revolver serial number lookup

The side plate on the 2nd Issue is much larger and irregularly shaped. The 2nd Issue of the Model 1 looks similar to the 1st Issue, with several notable differences. Serial numbers were issued sequentially for the Model 1 1st Issues ranging from 1 through approximately 12,000. In this article, Kountz noted specific differences in the recoil shield (that rotated through type 5), the barrel latch (the first two types used a dart style flat spring catch, while later types and issues used a larger spring loaded bayonet release), the rifling and other subtle differences. There are six known variations (or types) of the first issue Model 1, identified in an article by John Kountz in the April 1956 issue of 'The Gun Report'. The features that easily distinguish the 1st issue are the flared, square cornered shaped grip (also seen in the 2nd Issue), the small round side plate, the round profile of the frame between the back of the cylinder and the grip, a split articulated hammer, and the flat spring barrel latch seen in some early variants. The 1st Issue of the Model 1 was the first major iteration (and the least common), with approximately 12,000 produced over a three-year period. The Model 1 had three issues or major variants, with each subsequent issue introducing significant technical changes. It would become White's responsibility to defend his patent in any court cases which eventually led to his financial ruin, but was very advantageous for the new Smith & Wesson Company. Rather than make White a partner in their company, Smith and Wesson paid him a royalty of $0.25 on every 'Model 1' revolver that they made. When they discovered that a former Colt employee named Rollin White held the patent for a 'Bored-through' cylinder, a component needed for this new invention, the two partners approached White to manufacture a newly designed revolver-and-cartridge combination. Wesson were researching a prototype for a metallic cartridge revolver. History Early history Īs Samuel Colt's patent on the revolver was set to expire in 1856, Horace Smith and Daniel B. It is a single-action, tip-up revolver holding seven. It was the first commercially successful revolver to use rimfire cartridges instead of loose powder, musket ball, and percussion caps. The Smith & Wesson Model 1 was the first firearm manufactured by Smith & Wesson, with production spanning the years 1857 through 1882. Smith & Wesson First Model, First Issue 1859 This is a two patent date variety shown next to a period box of.

Smith and wesson revolver serial number lookup