W4490 EARLY SMITH & WESSON NO. 1 SMALL FRAME PISTOL IN 31 CALIBER [A]

Description W4490 EARLY SMITH & WESSON NO. 1 SMALL FRAME PISTOL IN 31 CALIBER; Factory engraved early production serial number 108 small frame No. 1 Volcanic lever action pistol has an 4 inch part octagon barrel chambered in 36 caliber and has a good bore with scattered roughness. Also has the distinctive “Type I” features which include an uncrowned flat muzzle with flat front magazine locking spring retained by a screw at its bottom and one carrier block spring screw on the bottom of the frame. The top of the barrel is stamped  “SMITH & WESSON / NORWICH, CT” while one flat reads “FEB 14,1854″ and another reads ” CAST-STEEL”.  Integral 6-shot magazine below the barrel. Sights include a post blade front and a fixed notch rear. Has the rare early production lever with the finger spur. Barrel and magazine tube assembly as well as the frame retain about 50% blue with scattered areas of very light pitting. The blued iron frame has factory scroll engraving. Varnished Rosewood grips are refinished and fit poorly. Action functions properly. This Smith & Wesson Volcanic pistol was manufactured in 1854. Only about 1,200 of these 36 caliber small frame No. 1 Volcanic pistols were made between 1854-1855.  ANTIQUE   $ 11,500.