W4491 SMITH & WESSON NO. 1 SMALL FRAME PISTOL IN 31 CALIBER [A]

Description W4491 SMITH & WESSON NO. 1 SMALL FRAME PISTOL IN 31 CALIBER; Factory engraved early production serial number 297 small frame No. 1 Volcanic lever action pistol has an 4 inch part octagon barrel chambered in 36 caliber and has a very good shiny bore. These pistols fired the self contained “Rocket Ball”. Features  a nicely crowned muzzle face. The top of the barrel is stamped  “SMITH & WESSON / NORWICH, CT” while one flat reads “PATENT / 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. Barrel and magazine tube assembly as well as the frame have traces of blue remaining with the balance a plum/brown patina. The blued iron frame has factory scroll engraving. Varnished Rosewood grips fit good and have just some minor wear. Action functions properly. This Smith & Wesson Volcanic pistol was manufactured in 1855. Only about 1,200 of these 36 caliber small frame No. 1 Volcanic pistols were made between 1854-1855. This was the first Smith & Wesson branded firearm based on Daniel Wesson’s 1854 patent. A rare and historic pistol that is important to S&W collectors and  Winchester collectors alike. ANTIQUE   $ 8,850.