Smith and Wesson Number 1 2nd Issue
by Kevin Callahan
Title
Smith and Wesson Number 1 2nd Issue
Artist
Kevin Callahan
Medium
Painting - Watercolor
Description
This is the last article in my series "Small Pistols." In many ways it represents the most important of the guns about which I have written and illustrated. The S&W Model 1 was the first revolver granted a patent to use a bore through cylinder and wholly contained brass cartridges. The Rollin White invention was a huge step forward from the loose cap, ball, and powder of previous firearms. These guns utilized an ignition system essentially identical to what is used today, one hundred and fifty seven years later. First manufactured in .22 short the tiny cartridge held just 4 grains of black powder and used a rim fire ignition. The advantage of course is that in a small pocket pistol one had 7 quick shots before needing to reload, using a self-contained brass cartridge. This made the guns very popular with soldiers during the American Civil War. Although just a bit large for a vest pocket pistol they rode comfortably in a pants or jacket pocket.
The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd issues were made beginning in 1857 through 1882. The pistol pictured here is the S&W Model 1 - 2nd Issue. There were 110,000 2nd issue guns manufactured. The 1st issue had a mere 12,000 made and is considered relatively rare and thus much more valuable. The 1st and 2nd issues had barrels that tipped up to allow the cylinder to be removed for loading. After all shots were fired the cylinder was again removed and the rod under the barrel was used to poke out the empty shells.
Within a few years Smith & Wesson was fighting off competitors who were making their own versions of cartridge pistols, violating S&W's patents. S&W vigorously defended their patent rights but soon realized that the .22 short was lacking in power to say the least, so by 1865 S&W began making the oddly named Model 1 1/2. The 1 1/2 was .32 rimfire and while by today's standards not a powerhouse round it was a huge leap forward from the .22. The 1 1/2 held 5 cartridges and was larger over all. With its larger frame and 3 1/2 inch barrel it was much closer to a hand-sized pistol. I have a 1 1/2 - 2nd Issue in my collection as well, but it certainly does not fall into the vest pocket category.
Uploaded
December 30th, 2013
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