Smith Wesson Model 1 second edition value?

[fireman]

My Sister in Law just inherited 2 Seven Shot "Tip Up" Smith and Wesson revolvers. They appear to have brass side plates. Ser numbers 111xxx and 141xxx. They are in what would appear to be in about 80% condition. Caliber .22 Short. They both have octogon Bbls. On the cylinder is ingraved 3 patent dates the latter is april 1860. They both are in firing condition as her dad had a box of CB shorts with them. Would anyone have an approx. Value estimate? Thanks Guys.
Fireman

 

[Pistol Toter]

I think sir that pictures here are going to be paramount. If you have what you suspect they really need to be inspected by a very knowledgable expert; one familiar with the intricacies of those OLD models. Depending on what you really have and the conditions the prices can run up to several thousands of dollars by looking at the 3rd edition of the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson I'm seeing number in the 3k-4k range down to 4 or 5 hundred dollars. I think the best you can expect here will require extremely detailed descriptioins and PICTURES, PICTURES, PICTURES. You might call Roy Jinks at S&W he is the company historian and if you can find him he might discuss with you your guns. Most of that work is done for a fee, but being that old you again, might get some help. The fee is $50 per gun which is cheap by any measure. There are those here who can help but it most certianly require more information than that given.

 

[Old Fuff]

These neat little revolvers were the first made in the United States that used metallic cartridges. They were not chambered to use the .22 Short round, and it is adviseable to not shoot them, even with CB caps. They keep getting more valuable because of not-so-bright folks that shoot them with modern ammunition until a chamber ruptures.

Concerning value, condition is everything. The frames were brass/silver plated. Cylinders and barrels were blued. The hammer and trigger were color casehardened. The more finish that's left - especially above 95% the more they're worth. The one(s) you described are probably worth somewhere in the $250 to $350 ballpark.

 

[Jim K]

The serial numbers make the guns the Second Issue and if anyone offers me $3-4k for any of mine, he has bought a gun. Only the first issue guns bring that kind of money, or more; there were too many second issue to bring big bucks, though a 100% would bring $2k.

Ironically, the guns marked "2nd quality" bring easily twice what a regular gun in the same condition will bring.

Be aware that often the silver plating on the frames will darken over time, resulting in a black, bluish or even purple color. A nice even black will present the collector with a "clean it/not clean it" decision.

Old Fuff, if those guns are not chambered for .22 Short, what are they chambered for? It is good advice not to fire them with modern .22 Shorts, but AFAIK, that was the original chambering.

Jim

 

[bhk]

It probably wasn't called a .22 short, because there were no long or long rifle cartridges at the time. Smith and Wesson simply called it the "Number One Cartridge." It is essentially the same as today's .22 short, named the short after the long was introduced.

 

[fireman]

I will try to get some pictures this evening.
Thanks guys.
Fireman

 

[Jim K]

Thanks, BHK. I sometimes warn against buying an "antique" gun marked "Black Powder Only", but didn't see the obvious on the ".22 Short." I'm just a little red in the face.

Jim

 

[fireman]

How do I post pictures?
Fireman

 

[Ruodo]

Click "Go Advanced" and there is a little form on that page to post them.